We are a remarkable community. In these times of great change and development, we hold steady to our bonds. Technology may change, but wisdom comes from community, and will propel us forward regardless of the wind’s direction. Thus, it is with great pride and anticipation that I welcome the Class of 2023 into our alumni community and offer my most heartfelt congratulations. Graduation is one of life’s great joys. As HKUST alumni, we welcome you into our global community of over 99,000.

Many wonderful developments have been enriching life at HKUST. The landmark launch of the HKUST(GZ) campus has enabled synergy between our two campuses – from aligning academic and research pursuits to enabling collaboration between faculty and students at both campuses. Upgrades to our campus infrastructure in Hong Kong are ensuring the very best environment for discovery and innovation. We are not stopping there. Coming soon are the Jockey Club Village, which will provide 1,551 beds for our undergraduate students, the HKUST Innovation Building – a high-performance computational facility for big data and AI research – and two additional research buildings. We are also working hard to secure government approval for the HKUST Medical School, and Innovation and Technology Park.

These developments do not occur in isolation; they must be sustained and enriched through the support of alumni. In concert, these efforts will lift HKUST to ever higher standards of excellence and achievement. With this strong encouragement, our solid foundation can now be built upon to elevate HKUST into a preeminent, globally leading center of excellence in education, research, knowledge transfer, and innovation.

Our extraordinary alumni come from all walks of life. I am impressed by their versatility, vision, creativity, and innovation. Indeed, this issue’s cover story illustrates our spirit of innovation in action, as we look at some of our alumni who are making waves in the world of social media.

The recent HKUST Alumni Association Charity Alumni Dinner is equally noteworthy, with all fees being donated to the Alumni Endowment Fund. My thanks to the lead sponsors who underwrote the event. This event exemplifies the concerted efforts of the HKUST Alumni Association (A1), the HKUST Convocation, and our alumni to give back to their alma mater. Together, we will build on our successes and strive for even greater heights.

I would also like to congratulate Bennet Tsui, who has been re-elected as President of A1 and will continue to devote his talent and efforts in another two-year term. A1 has always been vital in bringing our alumni together and strengthening their bonds with the University. These bonds make us more than a remarkable community; they make us a family.

As the holiday season is upon us, I would like to wish you and your loved ones all the very best as we embark on a great journey together in 2024.

Yours,
Nancy Ip
President