held by only a few in Hong Kong, was another boost
for deeper HKUST connections with leading minds
working at the forefront of science and technology
globally in academia, business and government.
During 2013-14, the Council continued to support
HKUST’s senior management in its institutional
development and governance. Enhanced communication
on the University’s development plans gave insight
into innovations in teaching and learning, resources,
and internationalization strategies, and the benefits to
students. Sincere thanks go to members of the Court
and Council for their readiness to listen and to exchange
views in pursuit of their respective roles to guide the
University. I commend the work of the President and
his team who have pursued the strategic objectives of
HKUST with diligence and foresight while ensuring that
the campus remains a welcoming and lively meeting
ground for all members of the HKUST community.
I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize
the contribution of HKUST’s late Council Chairman Dr
Marvin Kin Tung Cheung (1947-2014), who passed
away in September 2014, while this report was being
produced. After his appointment as Chairman in 2008,
Dr Cheung worked first with Vice-Chairman Dr Michael
Hoi Hung Mak, and from 2013 with me, to encourage
development of the leadership structure and strategic
planning, and to help the University move toward new
management and performance criteria. Throughout
his years of service as Council Chairman, Dr Cheung
showed great interest and commitment to advancing
HKUST’s development.
As shown in this year’s Annual Report, HKUST is
making good progress to achieving its Strategic Plan.
Over the coming year, we will be planning to celebrate
our silver anniversary. We are looking forward to a
bright future.
Acting Chairman, University Council
Mr Martin Y Tang
Despite the increasingly competitive global tertiary
arena and the fact the Strategic Plan is just midway
through its timeframe, the indications for HKUST’s
future appear bright.
The year under review was only the 23rd since HKUST’s
establishment. Still, the University secured for the
second time the No.1 spot in the QS “Top 50 Under
50” rankings, which highlights universities established
within the past five decades. The world-leading
academics drawn to the HKUST Jockey Club Institute
for Advanced Study and the School of Business and
Management, and a highly experienced international
administrator recruited to take on the University’s
campus development during the year, provided further
testimony to HKUST’s quality education and research.
It also signaled confidence in HKUST’s capability to
continue moving toward its vision to become a leading
university with significant international impact and
strong local commitment.
Leadership is a critical factor in keeping up momentum
and turning strategy into workable advances. The
Council was therefore pleased to announce in
September 2013 that President Tony F Chan, who has
headed HKUST since 2009, will continue his presidency
until 2019. President Chan’s subsequent election to
the US National Academy of Engineering, one of the
highest professional honors globally and an accolade
3
HKUST 2013-2014 Annual Report
