HKUST Annual Report 2018-19

33 HKUST Town-and-gown lecture series, Science for Lunch, continued to share HKUST faculty discoveries and innovative technologies with members of the community. In 2018-19, 12 young professors delivered talks on different aspects of Smart City advances, covering four main themes: diagnosis, living, aging, and investment. The program was initiated by the University Council’s Institutional Advancement and Outreach Committee. DONATIONS THAT FUEL THE FUTURE The year brought mega-donations from several foundations to advance different aspects of the University’s work. Lo Kwee Seong Foundation’s generous support is set to take forward research related to structural biology, while research and education in areas including the environment, technology, and innovation will benefit from Otto Poon Charitable Foundation’s major contribution. A gift from Guangdong Bright Dream Robotics, a subsidiary of Country Garden Holdings Company Ltd, seeks to boost talent development and innovation in robotics and other smart technologies. The University also received two donations from the Yuexiu Group, a state-owned enterprise in Guangzhou. These contributions provide invaluable support to academic research and talent development, as well as entrepreneurial projects such as the Grand Final of the annual One Million Dollar Entrepreneurship Competition. In June 2019, Kaisa Group Holding Ltd pledged a large gift to support the University’s innovative research and education. In other related activities, the University celebrated the groundbreaking of the Shaw Auditorium, a multi-purpose venue for ceremonies and activities in April 2019. The building of the Auditorium is supported by a large donation from the Shaw Foundation (see also P43). The open area will be named the Mona Shaw Plaza after the late Dr. Run Run SHAW’s late wife. In May 2019, a donor appreciation day provided further insights into the University’s achievements, vision, and goals to our supporters. The evening program involved a campus tour, taking in novel products developed by alumni start-ups, a meeting with the HKUST Robotics Team, and a visit to the Coastal Marine Laboratory to learn more about marine ecology research. ALUMNI ACTIVITIES A host of gatherings took place over the year to bring together alumni. There are alumni groups in locations ranging from Hong Kong and Mainland China to the US and Singapore, and an overall total of 72,000 alumni. Locally, the University’s largest Alumni Reunion yet took place in November 2018, with a day-long get-together attended by over 3,000 alumni and their families. A collaboration of the schools and offices across the University, the Reunion showcased the concerted efforts of the HKUST alumni community including the alumni groups and entrepreneurs. The HKUST MBA Program also celebrated its inaugural Homecoming, a memorable event attended by more than 700 alumni, students, faculty, staff, friends, and families. InMarch2019, PresidentWei SHYYandCouncil Chairman Mr. Andrew LIAO joined an Alumni Reception in Beijing to update participants on major developments at their alma mater. The same month, the HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute held a networking event that attracted 200 participants. Among the activities, alumni entrepreneurs held a roadshow for those attending to learn more about entrepreneurship. Senior management and guests were invited to join the occasion. Alumni entrepreneurs gained a fresh platform to showcase products, technology or services on campus with the Full Circle@HKUST program. In addition, alumni entrepreneurs gathered at Hong Kong Science Park in October 2018 to share their knowledge of running a start-up. The Alum eCard was launched via the HKUST alumni app to provide benefits and discounts, as well as keep users abreast of the latest alumni and University developments. More services are due to be added in the future. Convocation and Alumni Association Mr. Stanley CHOI was elected Chairman of HKUST Convocation for two years from April 2019. The Convocation serves as a bridge between the University, alumni, and the public, with a special focus on social innovation to support students’ well-being. Meanwhile, the HKUST Alumni Association, led by President Dicky YUEN, fostered a communal spirit, with the continuation of its “Alumni Inspire Alumni” plan to deepen bonds and introduce further membership benefits. High Achievers Many of our alumni made their mark on the wider community through prominent achievements over the year. Among themwere: Mr. Ben CHAN (Bronze Bauhinia Star), Mr. Frank WANG (IEEE Robotics and Automation Award), Mr. Jeff CHEN (Best Inventions of 2018, Time ), Mr. SHEK Ngai-Chun (2018/19 Hong Kong Outstanding Youth Volunteer, Social Welfare Department), Dr. Lydia LEUNG (Asia Pacific Information and Communications Technology Alliance Award; Red Dot Design Award), Mr. Ken LAW (Global Champion, United Nations World Summit Awards), Ms. Yosha GUPTA (Most Influential Payments Professional, World BFSI Congress and Awards 2018), Dr. LI Dong (China Top 10 Scientific Discovery 2018, Ministry of Science and Technology) and Ms. Samantha KONG (2018 Environmental Education 30 Under 30, North American Association for Environmental Education, Global Environmental Education Partnership, and US Forest Service).