HKUST Strengthens Regional Ties at Asian Universities Alliance Summit 2025

As a founding member at the Asian Universities Alliance (AUA), The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) reaffirmed its commitment to regional collaboration and innovation at the AUA Summit 2025, held at The University of Tokyo from April 17 to 18. Representing HKUST at the Summit was Professor Tim CHENG, Vice-President for Research and Development, who joined over 40 senior representatives from leading research universities across Asia.

During the AUA Board Meeting on April 17, Prof. Cheng shared HKUST’s recent initiatives including academic conferences, knowledge exchange, and mobility programs, emphasizing the University’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and research collaboration within the alliance. With entrepreneurship as a key focus at HKUST, the University serves as the inaugural Chair of the newly established AUA Innovation & Entrepreneurship Network, officially launched in November 2024. This initiative marks a significant step forward in fostering innovation and deepening collaborative ties among Asia’s leading universities.

A highlight of the Summit was the Presidents’ Forum on April 18, where Prof. Cheng spoke on the panel "From Campus to Startup: How Universities Drive Innovation and Entrepreneurship" alongside esteemed panellists from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, King Saud University, and Peking University. Prof. Cheng shared his insights on best practices for cultivating a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and successful examples of university-affiliated start-ups. 

During the trip, Prof. Cheng also hosted a gathering for HKUST alumni in Tokyo, strengthening ties with the University’s international community and sharing recent developments from campus.

The Asian Universities Alliance (AUA) serves as a vital platform to address regional and global challenges by fostering stronger collaboration among its member institutions. HKUST remains committed to advancing this shared vision and contributing to AUA’s impactful work.