A column article by Prof. Erwin HUANG, Adjunct Professor in the Division of Integrative Systems and Design (ISD), on the resurgence of digital cameras. Prof. Huang noted the trend represents a critical reflection on the over-processed imagery produced by modern smartphones. From a broader perspective, this trend offers a crucial lesson for modern technology: our obsession with "optimization" risks erasing the value of imperfection itself.

In a column article, Prof. Christine LOH Kung-Wai, Chief Development Strategist in the Division of Environment and Sustainability (ENVR), discussed the strategic significance of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–30) and outlined how Hong Kong must modernize its governance to operationalize its role within this national blueprint.

A team led by Prof. SONG Yunya, Associate Head in the Division of Emerging Interdisciplinary Areas (EMIA), and Prof. RAO Anyi, Assistant Professor in the EMIA, collaborated with researchers from the College of William & Mary and Cornell University to propose B3D-RWKV. By utilizing a 'triple-block layout,' this method equips the unidirectional RWKV model with bidirectional perception and enables parallel decoding. While this approach yields an average 1.6 times increase in inference speed, it also results in a performance decline on mathematical reasoning tasks.

Prof. Alex HE Jingwei, Professor in the Division of Public Policy (PPOL), and his team found that the delayed retirement policy has had a widespread psychological impact on the public, but has not led to significant behavioral changes. Most individuals tend to maintain their existing social security contributions, while gig workers prioritize securing health insurance. The study recommends implementing multi-insurance linkage and introducing flexible retirement incentives.

In an article discussing how AI technology is rapidly transforming the film and television industry, an interview with Prof. RAO Anyi, Assistant Professor in the Division of Arts and Machine Creativity (AMC) and Division of Emerging Interdisciplinary Areas (EMIA), was cited. Prof. Rao pointed out that AI and algorithms are changing the nature of artistic creation, shifting it from artist-led processes to a trial-and-error mechanism based on big data.

Kazakhstani student Sabina and Uzbekistani student Ziola have benefited from the "Belt and Road" scholarship to study at HKUST in HK. Sabina, a Year 2 student from the Dual Degree Program in Technology & Management (T&M-DDP), plans to combine finance and technology, while Ziola values the English-language instruction and safe environment. Both hope to stay in HK after graduation to develop their careers and apply their skills.

A column article by Prof. Erwin HUANG, Adjunct Professor in the Division of Integrative Systems and Design (ISD), on Gen Z's digital backlash against AI-powered smartphones. Prof. Hung argued that this is not a rejection of technology, but a reaffirmation of human-centric design.

In a column article, Prof. Erwin HUANG, Adjunct Professor in the Division of Integrative Systems and Design (ISD), noted that that technology, especially AI and sensing systems, is fundamentally reshaping elderly care from a reactive model to a preventive, risk-based approach.

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Division of Environment and Sustainability (ENVR) Chair Prof. SU Hui, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Head and Chair Prof. ZHANG Limin and Division of Emerging Interdisciplinary Areas (EMIA) Associate Prof. ZHAI Chengxing, together with around 50 students HKUST faculty and students, gathered on campus on Sunday evening to watch the live broadcast of payload specialist Dr. LAI Ka-Ying boarding the Shenzhou 23 spacecraft. During her mission in orbit, Dr. Lai will operate the HKUST-developed MUSICO, marking HK's research capabilities and contribution to national space program. In an interview with RTHK program, Prof. Su shared insights on MUSICO and the Chang'e 8 mission, highlighting HK's growing role in the country's space development. In addition, Hong Kong Space Robotics and Energy Centre Director and MAE Prof. GAO Yang joined ITC's tour to Jiuquan, Gansu to witness the launch of Shenzhou-23.

HKUST hosted the 2nd AI Film Festival (AIFF), themed "New Boundaries, New Life". The festival attracted over 1,000 submissions from nearly 80 countries and regions. It featured renowned local film director Mr. Stanley TONG as a keynote speaker and presented three thematic panel discussions led by scholars and industry experts. Prof. QU Huamin, Dean of the Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies (AIS), and Prof. FU Hongbo, Acting Head of the Division of Arts and Machine Creativity (AMC), believed that rather than replacing film industry professionals, AI would instead create new career opportunities and drive industry transformation.