HKUST Annual Report 2017-18

A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 7 - 1 8 HKUST 31 advancement as well as build strong ties between alumni, the University, and the community through its standing committee and sub-committees on academic affairs, student affairs, University development, and entrepreneurship. The HKUST Alumni Association, under the leadership of President Dicky YUEN, proceeded with its “Alumni Inspire Alumni” mission to strengthen cohesion and introduce further membership benefits and privileges to members. Collaborations with alumni associations at overseas universities were also boosted to align with the University’s international focus. During the year, many alumni received accolades in recognition of their contributions and achievements. They included: Prof. XIAO Jianxiong (one of 35 Innovators Under 35, MIT Technology Review , 2017), Mr. Thomas SHIK (top three, China Category, Best Economic Forecaster Awards, Focus Economics Analyst Forecast Awards 2017), Mr. Tony NGAI (Professional Achievement Award, Hong Kong Society of Cinematographers), Ms. Lydia LEUNG (Award of the Year, ICT Startup Grand Award, and Smart Living Grand Award, Hong Kong ICT Awards 2018), Mr. Eric PONG (ICT Smart Mobility (Smart Tourism) Gold Award, Hong Kong ICT Awards 2018), Mr. AU Chun-Ming and Mr. Benjamin LAI Chi-Kin (Student Innovation Grand Award and Gold Award, Hong Kong ICT Awards 2018) and Mr. Eric YUNG (Innovation and Creativity Award, Hong Kong Awards for Industries 2017). FLOURISHING ALUMNI TIES The HKUST alumni population reached almost 68,000 in 2017-18 and now encompasses a much wider range of non-local graduates, enfolding members from countries such as Latvia and Saudi Arabia as well as more traditional locations in Asia, Europe, and North America. With our alumni groups and chapters in full swing, HKUST graduates across the world can also remain in closer contact with each other, and the University, through reunions, social, and career-related events. Alumni sports groups in particular flourished during the year, with the Alumni Golf Club and Alumni Dragon Boat Club holding training sessions and participating in competitions. The Class of 1997 and Class of 2007 held homecoming reunions to celebrate their 20th and 10th graduation anniversaries respectively. Both occasions provided a great opportunity for old friends to reminisce with former classmates and catch up with all the developments on campus. Alumni entrepreneurs provided support to the University by offering internship opportunities to students through the HeadStart@HKUST program. This scheme gives undergraduate students a “head start” in the increasingly competitive employment market through early workplace immersion and career development opportunities. Meanwhile, the HKUST Convocation, chaired by Chairman Alvin LAM, continued to actively engage in the University’s Dr. LAU Wah-Sum supported traditional Chinese medicine research, and in recognition of this generosity, the take-a- break area in the University’s Lee Shau Kee Library has been named the Dr. Lau Wah Sum Refreshment Zone. Sino Group took on sponsorship of the University’s highly successful annual One Million Dollar Entrepreneurship Competition while Hongkong Bank Foundation provided support to the Robotics for Youths Program. Crown Foundation Limited renewed its support for the Center for Business Case Studies. The University’s named professorships link outstanding academics with individual donors. During 2017-18, two new Named Professorships were established following donations, namely, Lifestyle International Professorship in Business and Cheng Professorship in Science. In October 2017, the University also held its fourth inauguration ceremony of named professors, with 15 top academics and their donors recognized. Meanwhile, scholarships were set up for School of Engineering students by Mr. & Mrs. Poon Kuen Seng Memorial Fund and Luen Fung Commercial Holdings Limited. The Tin Ka Ping Foundation enhanced peer and family support for gifted learners while Dr. KO Pui-Shuen provided support for the University Library’s Special Collections Project.