3 2 HKU ANNUAL REPORT 2025 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND VICE-CHANCELLOR MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND VICE-CHANCELLOR HKU ON THE RISE STAYING AHEAD IN THE ‘AI TSUNAMI’ Artificial intelligence (AI) is often likened to a tsunami because it is creating rapid shifts in every corner of society – productivity, healthcare, well-being and of course, education. At the University, we are working to incorporate AI in all aspects of our work, based on models we develop for best practices, while also addressing some of the risks that it poses. This fall, we introduced mandatory AI-related courses for new undergraduate students, who must take micro-credentials on the effective and ethical use of AI and a Common Core course on its broader societal implications. We have also launched a one-year AI training programme open to all staff. INNOVATING FOR SOCIAL GOOD The University’s emphasis on innovation comes from our determination to translate our research into social benefits. HKU has a growing ecosystem on campus to co-ordinate innovation activities and a broad series of programmes to provide seed funding and training to young entrepreneurs. We also established the Techno-Entrepreneurship Academy in Shenzhen, which provides much needed space for new start-ups and training activities. All of this, together with our significant body of patents and scientific findings, have enabled HKU to make important contributions to the success of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area as an innovation hub. The University achieved exceptional success over the past year, attracting top academics and students, expanding our footprint and impact, and preparing ourselves for the fast-changing landscape of higher education. As our internal efforts to deepen capacity and raise the bar are hitting their mark, even amid rapid technological advances and geopolitical challenges, we are progressing well towards our vision – to be a world-class university with the capabilities to transform humanity’s future. ATTRACTING TOP TALENT Over the past seven years, we have attracted some of the most outstanding academic minds in the world, including Professor Ferenc Krausz, 2023 Nobel Laureate in Physics, who joined us in November 2025. Having brilliant scholars on board has a multiplier effect because it helps attract other first-rate scholars and students to the University. Over the past year, we have recruited about 100 top scholars. Their presence has refreshed and strengthened our academic environment, which has led to more scholarly exchanges, even higher quality students joining us and groundbreaking research. While HKU remains the top choice for local students, there is fierce competition from students around the world to gain entry to the University. Our curriculum contains rich experiences to equip students with both rigorous disciplinary learning and opportunities for personal enrichment and growth, as befit future leaders. We have also been enhancing co-curricular activities to foster students’ sense of belonging – so they feel they are not only enjoying a first-rate education but joining a community of the brightest.
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