A research team led by the Assistant Professor of Division of Arts and Machine Creativity (AMC) and Division of Emerging Interdisciplinary Areas (EMIA), Prof. XUE Wei, has developed an advanced audio model, The LLaSA-3B, through meticulous fine-tuning of the Llama 3.2 framework, representing a groundbreaking innovation in text-to-speech (TTS) technology. This sophisticated model is designed to deliver ultra-realistic audio output that transcends the boundaries of conventional voice synthesis. The LLaSA-3B is gaining widespread acclaim for its ability to produce lifelike and emotionally nuanced speech in both English and Chinese, setting a new benchmark for TTS applications. (marktechpost.com)

A column article by the Adjunct Professor of Division of Integrative Systems & Design (ISD), Prof. Erwin HUANG, on using AI to address the forgetting curve. (HK Economic Journal)

HKUST has been commissioned by the Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilization of the Chinese Academy of Sciences to lead the development of the world's first lightweight, high-resolution high-precision carbon dioxide and methane synergistic observatory payload, namely Multi-Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory (MUSICO). This project is set to become HK’s first payload to China's Tiangong Space Station aboard the Tianzhou cargo spacecraft for research and application. The Vice-President for Research & Development (VPRDO), Prof. Tim CHENG stated that in the face of complex and interrelated climate challenges, HKUST responds with its research excellence, by integrating research and innovation to drive global emission reduction and promote sustainable development as a tangible goal through a national space mission. The research project is co-led by the Chair Professor of Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering (CIVL), Prof. SU Hui and the Head and Chair Professor of Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering (CIVL), Prof. ZHANG Limin, while the Associate Professor of Division of Emerging Interdisciplinary Areas (EMIA), Prof. ZHAI Chengxing is the mission system engineer. (Various media)

An article by the Adjunct Professor of Division of Public Policy (PPOL), Prof. Alicia GARCIA-HERRERO titled "Oxford debate: Is India ready to replace China as the engine of global growth?" (Asia Society)

HKUST launching a pioneering education technology initiative aimed at revolutionizing English education for secondary school students in Hong Kong. With over HK$30 million in funding from the Quality Education Fund (QEF), the initiative will develop an AI-powered English assessment and learning system, offering free access to all secondary school students.

Two articles by the Adjunct Professor of Division of Integrative Systems & Design (ISD), Prof. Erwin HUANG on "enhancing the soft power of universities and building HK into an international education hub" and "four steps to make the most of AI learning". (HK Economic Times and HK Economic Journal)

An article by an Adjunct Professor in the Division of Environment and Sustainability (ENVR), Prof. Michael EDESESS, on the latest annual report published by the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC). He criticized the U.S. Congress, stating that it lives in an imaginary world. (China Daily - HK)

The Adjunct Associate Professor of Division of Emerging Interdisciplinary Areas (EMIA), Prof. XU Ying, won the championship in the professional women's tournament of “The Cross-Strait, HK, and Macau Hao Jie Cup Weiqi Invitational Tournament. Prof. Xu has been teaching a Weiqi course at HKUST from this fall semester, which has become popular among students. (Xinhuanet.com and Sina)

Two articles by the Adjunct Professor of Division of Integrative Systems & Design (ISD), Prof. Erwin HUANG, on the power of technology and the importance of storytelling skills in the AI era. (HK Economic Times and HK Economic Journal)

In a column article on tourism development in HK, the commentary by Division of Public Policy (PPOL), Professor of Practice in Public Policy, Prof. Donald LOW, and his two master students was quoted as stating that the local film industry is crucial to building HK as a tourist city. (am730)