HKU is committed to preparing our students to meet society’s future needs and challenges. Technological changes, in particular, loom large and we are responding by taking the lead. Over the past year, important initiatives were developed to bring artificial intelligence into the curriculum for all students. We also prepared to welcome increased numbers of non-local students with programmes to accommodate them and integrate them more closely with local students, providing cross-cultural enrichment for everyone. Starting from September 2025, all undergraduate students will have to complete two micro-credential courses that improve their AI literacy and skills (similar to our English-language requirement), both generally and in their chosen disciplines. At the same time, AI will also become an Area of Inquiry under the Common Core, meaning all incoming undergraduate students will need to take at least one course about the implications and ethics of AI. New AI-influenced programmes are also being prepared for offer in 2025 to give our students the edge. The new interdisciplinary School of Computing and Data Science, which is administering the micro-credential courses, will offer two new programmes related to AI and data science, while the Faculties of Arts and Engineering are preparing eight new programmes to cultivate leadership in new technology. In addition, the new School of Innovation is drawing up plans to offer a new Bachelor of Science in Innovation and Technology programme that teaches science and technology through project-based learning. AI has also figured in the work of the Centre of Development and Resources for Students, which in 2023–24 helped students prepare for the future workplace with an AI-focussed careers day, Hong Kong’s first student internships in AI and an industry report highlighting the importance of AI skills to employers. Apart from these provisions, our teachers continued to innovate the teaching and learning experience, earning recognition in the University Grants Committee (UGC)’s Teaching Award and the international QS Reimagine Education Awards (see page 14). Their forward-thinking commitment, plus the high quality of education at HKU, help us attract top students. In 2024, our new intake had the highest average score in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination among all universities in Hong Kong. We also welcomed nearly 1,300 high-performing non-local students from more than 60 countries and regions, after the government doubled the quota of non-local students from 20% to 40% of undergraduate enrolment – a move HKU strongly endorses. The University’s focus on continuous improvement and the highest academic standards was recognised by the Quality Assurance Council of the UGC, which conducted its third institutional audit of HKU in 2024. Staying ahead of the curve can be challenging in this ever-changing world but we are determined to prepare our students to anticipate, lead and trailblaze, and make impactful contributions to society. The new interdisciplinary School of Computing and Data Science strives to advance data-driven education and innovation and nurture talent in critical areas such as computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, FinTech, and actuarial science. Professor Xiang Zhang (first from left), President and Vice-Chancellor of HKU, was joined by around 100 local and non-local HKU students for a ferry ride around the Victoria Harbour. Career AIgnition Day, which marked the launch of HKU’s Career AI Initiatives, drew a full house of over 300 HKU students and staff and provided a unique opportunity for attendees to gain valuable insights into the rapidly evolving landscape of AI and its impact on career development. admitted via the Top Athletes Direct Admission Scheme 8EXCEPTIONAL ATHLETES admitted via the Sports Scholarship Scheme 14OUTSTANDING ATHLETES 116 ACADEMICALLY OUTSTANDING AND MULTI-TALENTED STUDENTS admitted via the School Nominations Direct Admission Scheme OVER TOP-TIER STUDENTS 4,200 60 countries and regions admitted in the 2024 intake from over TOP SCORERS admitted with IB, GCE A-levels, Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSE) and Gaokao qualifications 104 10 11 HKU ANNUAL REPORT 2024 TEACHING AND LEARNING
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