The Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies (AIS) celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2025 during this year’s HKUST Congregation, held across three sessions at Shaw Auditorium in October and November.

The momentous occasion began on October 18 with the conferment of honorary degrees, and the presentation of Academic Achievement (AA) Medals to five outstanding AIS graduates from the Dual Degree Program in Technology & Management (T&M-DDP) and the BSc in Environmental Management and Technology (EVMT) program by Prof. QU Huamin, Dean of AIS.
The celebration continued in the afternoon with the PhD graduation ceremony, where AIS PhD graduates were ceremonially hooded by their advisors and esteemed faculty members, with the presentation by Prof. Qu.

On November 15, the Shaw Auditorium once again buzzed with energy and pride as graduates and their guests gathered for the presentation of master’s and bachelor’s degrees from the Divisions.

This final session commenced with a heartfelt message from Prof. Qu: “As we stand at the threshold of a new era shaped by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and technologies, traditional single disciplines are no longer sufficient to address the multifaceted challenges we face—from climate change and public health to population aging and the recent extreme weather events in Hong Kong. The importance of interdisciplinarity and collaboration has never been greater.”

Following the Dean’s address, Class of 2025 graduates were presented on stage, including MPhil in Atmospheric Environmental Science (AES), MPhil in Environmental Science, Policy and Management (ESPM), Master of Public Management (MPM), Master of Public Policy (MPP), MSc in Environmental Science and Management (EVSM), BSc in Environmental Management and Technology (EVMT), and BSc in Individualized Interdisciplinary Major (IIM). 

Graduate representatives KANG Ruimin (MPM) and Saikey LEI Xuanhao (IIM) delivered the valedictory speeches. Ruimin reflected on her journey of “art of synthesis”, said “What we have cultivated here is a unique ‘interdisciplinary thinking’—the ability to forge connections across seemingly unrelated fields and to build consensus amidst diversity and even opposition.” 

Saikey encouraged the Class of 2025 to carry the spirits of HKUST and AIS as they set sailing for tomorrow, “Let us remain curious, stay humble, and dare to challenge the status quo. The world needs interdisciplinary leaders who can connect ideas and create solutions that transcend traditional boundaries. We are ready—not with all the answers, but with the ability to forge our own path to find them.”

The celebrations concluded with joyful photo-taking at Shaw Auditorium and LT-L, followed by a reception where the Class of 2025 received commemorative souvenirs from AIS as they embarked on the next chapter of their journeys. 

Congratulations to the Class of 2025! We wish you all every success in your future endeavors!