With the graduation of 2021 having taken place, our alumni community now stands at more than 87,000, growing stronger with each year that passes. As a community, we stand united, resilient and ever seeking opportunities. In this spirit, we must embrace challenges, and exercise discretion and independent judgement when faced with unforeseeable events in life. Collectively, our alumni are among our most important stakeholders and closest supporters, and we aim to continually support the community wherever in the world they may be. On our 30th anniversary, we remain youthful, vibrant and energetic, nurturing talent and empowering innovation. Indeed, together we empower!

The 29th Congregation was the first in-person congregation ceremony since the Covid-19 outbreak, and I must say with pride that we relished every moment. We kicked off our 30th anniversary with the opening of the Shaw Auditorium, a state-of-the-art facility which will encourage and support the creative and artistic interests of our entire HKUST family. I welcome you all to come to enjoy the venue and to embark on new and old interests along with our students and colleagues.

As we continue to think not only within our immediate neighorhood but also about the wider environs, the opening of HKUST (Guangzhou) next year is set to be a major milestone. The unified HKUST-complementary campus will systematically enhance our endeavors to advance as well as to diminish the disciplinary boundaries, where appropriate, and create breakthroughs in science, technology and business that change the world.

As evidence of this work so far, take a look at the cover and feature stories in this edition, as we detail ground-breaking work in the field of vision impairment, drug-delivery, robotic vision, and more by our alumni entrepreneurs and professor. It’s the type of work we are becoming well known for, and is both important and exciting to see.

A warm congratulations to Bennet Tsui who becomes the President of HKUST Alumni Association – the team has many activities lined up so stay tuned. This all fits in perfectly, after a long period since the pandemic, the campus is bustling again. Face-to-face classes have resumed, and events started, in which I have treasured opportunities to meet with our alumni in person.

The 30th anniversary is a joyous time for HKUST members. The Alumni Reunion, our annual signature homecoming, will be held on March 5, 2022. We look forward to welcoming you back on campus and witnessing the achievements you have helped us to attain.

We wish you a healthy and prosperous 2022! Happy Holidays and see you on campus!