An interdisciplinary team of researchers led by Prof. ZHOU Xia, Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Columbia University, has developed PillowSense, a fabric-based sleep monitoring system. Prof. SHAO Qijia, Assistant Professor in the Division of Integrative Systems and Design and Department of Computer Science and Engineering – the lead author and a former doctoral student of Prof. Zhou – noted that this opens up the possibility of recognizing more detailed sleep postures using sensors confined to a pillowcase.

A column article by Prof. Stuart GIETEL-BASTEN, Professor in the Division of Social Science and the Division of Public Policy, asserted that as artificial intelligence makes technology increasingly accessible, the role of CTOs becomes more crucial than ever. He noted that future CTOs must possess three key capabilities: the foresight to identify external threats, the courage to deconstruct and validate new models, and the ability to drive organizational transformation.

In an article on birth incentives, Prof. Stuart GIETEL-BASTEN, Professor in the Division of Social Science and the Division of Public Policy, was quoted as saying that motherhood could be perceived as a "punishment" as women may face career setbacks after pregnancy and take on a greater share of caregiving.

In an interview with RTHK, Prof. SU Hui, Chair Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department of Ocean Science, and Division of Environment and Sustainability (ENVR), shared that her team is integrating aerospace technology with AI to predict extreme weather, extending the lead time for heavy rain forecasts from 2 hours to 4 hours. She emphasized that professional meteorological AI requires expert oversight and human-machine collaboration, adding that HK's complex terrain and international talent make the city an ideal base for developing climate technology.

A column article by Prof. Christine LOH, Chief Development Strategist in the Division of Environment and Sustainability (ENVR), addressed the government's recent response to the Tai Po fire tragedy. She emphasized that the city must demonstrate real remorse for the disaster and the government must accept responsibility in addressing its fallout.

In an article on HK's hurdles in building a commercially viable green maritime fuel market, Prof. Christine LOH, Chief Development Strategist in the Division of Environment and Sustainability (ENVR), was quoted as saying the priority lies on matching investment in fuel supply with end-user commitments. She noted that HK could accelerate green fuel adoption by ensuring the availability of verified fuels and establishing recognized documentation and contract standards.

HKUST has established the Urban-PREDICT International Coordination Office to lead the development of a next-generation hazard prediction and early warning system. Prof. CHEN Fei, Associate Head and Chair Professor in the Division of Environment and Sustainability, also co-chair of the WMO Urban-PREDICT project, revealed that the initiative bridges scientists and the city to translate advanced weather forecasting into effective warning systems, empowering communities to better prepare for and respond to weather hazards.

Over a hundred local secondary school students and teachers visited HKUST for the "AI Walk & Talk" science popularization activity. Dr. Jac LEUNG Ka-Lok, Lecturer in the Division of Integrative Systems and Design (ISD), was invited as a keynote speaker for the activity. Additionally, secondary school students had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience operating drones, learning how technology can be applied in search and rescue operations.

A column article by Prof. Erwin HUANG, Adjunct Professor in the Division of Integrative Systems and Design (ISD), explored whether companies still need technical directors in an era where AI can write code and non-programmers can build apps through "Vibe Coding". Prof. Huang emphasized that real AI transformation goes beyond cutting headcount or streamlining existing operations. He noted that the role of the technical directors has evolved from simply managing IT to driving continuous organizational reinvention.

A column article by Prof. Erwin HUANG, Adjunct Professor in the Division of Integrative Systems and Design (ISD), explored the impact of artificial intelligence on higher education and human intellectual growth. While AI can quickly complete assignments, it cannot replace the essential process of personal development. The essence of education lies in cultivating judgment and reflection, enabling students to truly evolve through the learning process.