HKUST has introduced its groundbreaking "Major + X" curriculum, a transformative academic framework designed to directly support Hong Kong’s development into a global AI hub and contribute to the national 15th Five-Year Plan's "AI+" initiative. In a recent interview, Prof. TAM Kar-Yan, the Vice-President for Administration and Business of HKUST, noted HK has a growing demand for professionals in fields like "AI and machine learning" and "GenAI". Since the 2021/2022 academic year, the "Major + AI" approach has already trained over 1,300 students, with enrolment surging by 70% by the 2024/25 academic year compared to its inaugural year. Additionally, Prof. Tam mentioned that the increasing enrollment quota for non-local students would not affect the admissions of local students as the University mainly admits undergraduates through JUPAS. Regarding the credential fraud cases of some non-local applicants, he noted HKUST has not detected high number of such cases, and the university has put in place established procedures to handle them. HKUST will hold its Information Day for Undergraduate Admissions this Saturday. (Various media)

The Environmental Protection Department invited more than 50 representatives of the delegations taking part in the 20th Eco Expo Asia to visit HKUST on October 28. Prof. WANG Zhe, Associate Professor of Division of Environment and Sustainability (ENVR) introduced the achievements of the collaboration between HKUST and the Environmental Protection Department in air quality research, including the research program on ozone pollution in the Greater Bay Area and the platform to monitor air quality on land, at sea and in the air. (Various media)

A column article by Prof. Erwin HUANG, the Adjunct Professor of Division of Integrative Systems & Design (ISD) on whether AI will be a bubble or a revolution. (HK Economic Journal)

Prof. Christine LOH, Chief Development Strategist and Adjunct Professor of Division of Environment and Sustainability (ENVR) stated in an interview that extreme weather events have led to more frequent and intense typhoons in recent years, underscoring the irreversibility of climate change. HKUST will continue to develop more accurate tropical climate models to enhance disaster prediction capabilities and deepen cooperation with the Red Cross to strengthen community disaster mitigation efforts. (am730)

In an article on CNN's latest episode of 'Tech For Good' covering the groundbreaking technologies in search and rescue missions, it was mentioned that Jimmy WU Chun-Ming, the 2025 graduate of BSc in Integrative Systems and Design, and his team have developed AeroRelief, a smart delivery drone system designed to enhance emergency response in remote areas.

A column article by Prof. Erwin HUANG, the Adjunct Professor of Division of Integrative Systems & Design (ISD), on how AI has helped retirees turn into slashers. He emphasizes that the “young-old” generation can turn the later decades of life into a fulfilling new chapter by reassessing goals, sustaining financial well-being, and regularly revisiting their Ikigai to ensure their life remains purposeful, balanced, and resilient. (HK Economic Times)

A column article by Prof. Erwin HUANG, the Adjunct Professor of Division of Integrative Systems & Design (ISD) on using AI tools for programming. He highlighted the Vibe Coding approach, which uses natural language to develop software, focusing on clear conceptual design rather than manual coding. (HK Economic Times)

Prof. Erwin HUANG, the Adjunct Professor of Division of Integrative Systems & Design (ISD) stated in an interview that he has designed cross-disciplinary AI learning activities for primary and secondary school students. Separately, he wrote an article to explain how vibe coding lowers the threshold for entrepreneurship. (Ming Pao Daily and HK Economic Journal)

A column article by Prof. Christine LOH, Chief Development Strategist and Adjunct Professor of Division of Environment & Sustainability (ENVR), on the measures outlined in the 2025 Policy Address as well as the challenge faced by Hong Kong. She noted the government must integrate its commitments into strategies that can be clearly promoted locally and internationally, as HK gradually repositions itself as a hub for clean energy and environmental technology. (China Daily - HK)

In a media interview, Prof. XU Yan, Professor of Department of Information Systems, Business Statistics and Operations Management (ISOM) and Division of Public Policy (PPOL) predicted that US software export controls may have less impact on Chinese industries than hardware supply disruption. Prof. Amber LI Yao, Associate Professor of Department of Economics (ECON) warned that US tariffs on China negatively affect HK’s entrepot role, potentially undermining its position in the supply chain, though the overall impact may be limited given the city’s low US export share. She added that the government should monitor the potential cumulative impact of multiple rounds of tariffs on HK's import and export trade. (tkww.hk and Wenweipo)