As the year draws to a close, I’d like to welcome the class of 2020 to our alumni community. This year, we made the difficult decision to take congregation virtual, which meant I was unable to congratulate you in person. But graduation doesn’t mean goodbye. While it is the beginning of a new chapter, it is also the start of a lifelong relationship with your alma mater and we hope you will share your experiences and achievements with future generations of HKUST and support them.

Every student at HKUST is unique, each with their own talents regardless of background. Over the decades, the University has nurtured our alumni and encouraged them to make the most of themselves and the opportunities they have been granted. Many have gone on to great success in a wide variety of fields. Consider the three alumni featured in our cover story, each with a degree from one of our science or technology programs, yet working in more artistic areas, whether music or acting.

HKUST prides itself on providing a holistic learning environment, where students are able to follow their passions alongside their studies. We are delighted that in the fourth quarter of 2021, the Shaw Auditorium will open its doors. This state-of-the-art multi-purpose venue will host artistic and cultural activities, student and academic events and campus-wide ceremonies, enriching the experience of students, staff and alumni.

Another milestone for HKUST comes with the opening of HKUST (Guangzhou), which will take place in Fall 2022. HKUST (Guangzhou) will build on the excellence of Clear Water Bay, delivering the highest standards of education and research and encouraging cross-campus collaboration under a unified system.

This year has been a challenging one for many and I am so proud of the concerted efforts of our alumni to stand by and support one another, with many seeking to maintain closer ties through various online initiatives.

As we look forward to 2021, we will no doubt face more challenges, but we hope we will also be able to reflect as we mark the 30th anniversary of HKUST. Our alumni are our pride and joy and have defined the success of our University. We hope to welcome you back to campus so we can celebrate this important milestone together. In the meantime, I would like to wish you all the very best for the new year.

Yours,
Wei Shyy
President