The undergraduate programs of HKUST’s Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies (AIS) were recently featured in Ming Pao through an in-depth interview with Prof. Arthur LAU, Associate Dean (Undergraduate Studies) of AIS. The feature highlights how AIS is reshaping undergraduate education by breaking down the silos to nurture “π-shaped” talent – graduates with deep expertise in more than one area and a broad set of collaborative skills.

Set against the backdrop of rapid technological advancement—particularly in artificial intelligence—and globalization, the article outlines the growing demand for versatile and multifaceted professionals capable of integrating diverse fields of knowledge to create impactful solutions. Prof. Lau emphasized that AIS addresses the newly emerging needs of the society through far-sighted combinations of fields with practical application and real-world relevance.

The article spotlights AIS’s pioneering interdisciplinary undergraduate programs, including BEng/BSc and BBA Dual Degree Program in Technology and Management (T&M-DDP), offering students two globally recognized degrees through integrated and parallel training in technical rigor and business acumen; BSc in Environmental Management and Technology (EVMT), focusing on environment and sustainability by integrating environmental science, technology, policy, and management; BSc in Innovation, Design and Technology (IDT), which leverages project-based experiential learning to fuse design with technical domain expertise and entrepreneurship; BSc in Individualized Interdisciplinary Major (IIM), offering students high flexibility to design personalized curricula by combining courses across departments and even institutions.

In addition, the article highlights the global learning opportunities, such as T&M-DDP International Business Plan Competition and EVMT Overseas Study Trip, alongside industrial collaborations such as IDT year-long projects and comprehensive career support available at AIS, reaffirming its commitment to all-round development. AIS aims to equip students not only with knowledge but also with the agility, creativity, and sense of purpose needed to thrive in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

Click here to read the full article (in Chinese). 
 
About Admission to T&M-DDP (JUPAS code: JS5901): 
https://techmgmt.hkust.edu.hk/school-based-admission-0
About Admission to EVMT (JUPAS code: JS5812):
http://envrevmt.ust.hk/programs/undergraduate-program/bsc-in-evmt/admission/jupas-application/ 
About Admission to IDT (JUPAS code: JS5711):
https://isd.hkust.edu.hk/academics/bsc-in-innovation-design-and-technology-idt/
About Admission to IIM:
https://emia.hkust.edu.hk/iim-admission