News & Stories

Physics unlocks many of the universe’s enigmas, thanks to the relentless dedication of many great minds. Among them is Prof. DAI Xi, the Dr William M W Mong Professor of Nanoscience and Chair Professor of Physics at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). His theoretical work in condensed matter physics and topological materials research has added fresh perspectives to modern physics, earning him the prestigious 2025 Future Science Prize—widely regarded as China’s equivalent to the Nobel Prize.

Prof. XIE Yuan, Fang Professor of Engineering and Chair Professor of the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering and the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, was honored with a 2025 CCF Overseas Outstanding Contribution Award by China Computer Federation (CCF). He is concurrently Director of the Jockey Club STEM Lab of Future Advanced Computing Technologies (FACT Lab) and the Institute of Integrated Circuits and Systems at HKUST.

In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries, its potential to ignite human creativity is quietly revolutionizing storytelling—even in filmmaking. Leading this charge is Professor RAO Anyi, an assistant professor in the newly established Division of Arts and Machine Creativity at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).  Prof. Rao, named to the 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list, is pioneering AI’s role in democratizing storytelling. He develops AI tools that empower filmmakers to generate content and control complex elements or special effects like scene lighting. With a mission to merge the realms of filmmaking, art, and AI, he aims to nurture a tech-savvy generation of storytellers. 

Loyalty is a virtue quietly forged through dedication. This year, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)’s Long Service Awards celebrates this very spirit by honoring 158 colleagues who have served for 20 years or more. Notably, HKUST is presenting its inaugural 35-Year Awards, recognizing colleagues whose 35 years of service—a milestone predating the University’s founding—underscores the deep-rooted commitment within our community. Join us to meet three of the remarkable honorees who have helped shape HKUST into the institution it is today.

Prof. SONG Xueyang, Assistant Professor of the Department of Physics at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Croucher Tak Wah Mak Innovation Award for her groundbreaking research in theoretical condensed matter physics. Her research promises to revolutionize energy-efficient technologies by designing materials with unprecedented control over electricity and heat. Prof. Song will receive HKD 5 million in funding from the Croucher Foundation to support her future research. The “Croucher Tak Wah Mak Innovation Award”, one of the Croucher Foundation's top honors, recognizes Hong Kong's brightest young scientific minds poised to make significant breakthroughs. Recipients are selected for their distinguished doctoral work, internationally competitive research, and high-impact contributions to their fields.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) achieved a record-breaking success at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva concluding today.   Thirty-seven HKUST teams won a total of 38 awards, including two special grand prizes, 22 Gold Medals (of which seven received Congratulations of the Jury), and multiple Silver and Bronze Medals, showcasing the University’s outstanding performance across different fields including life and health technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) and data science, advanced manufacturing, new energy technologies and aerospace engineering. HKUST outshone other local universities and smashed its own record with this extraordinary haul of awards, reaffirming its status as a powerhouse of creativity and invention.

Two courses from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)’s Center for Education Innovation (CEI) have won three prestigious international education awards for their achievements in integrating AI and education and enhancing in-class engagement and self-learning incentives for students, underscoring HKUST’s leadership in pioneering innovative education in the era of AI. 

HKUST Vice-President for Research and Development Prof. Tim CHENG Kwang-Ting was honored with a 2024 CCF Overseas Outstanding Contribution Award by China Computer Federation (CCF). Prof. Cheng is concurrently a Chair Professor jointly in the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering and Department of Computer Science and Engineering, and Director of AI Chip Center for Emerging Smart Systems (ACCESS), a research center under the Hong Kong government’s InnoHK initiative.