An international research team led by Prof. Jimmy FUNG, Associate Provost (Teaching & Learning) and Chair Professor of the Division of Environment and Sustainability (ENVR), has developed an AI model that not only reveals global ammonia emissions from cropland are lower than previously estimated, but also demonstrates how optimizing fertilizer management can effectively reduce emissions by approximately 38%. The study has been published in Nature, providing valuable insights for policymakers worldwide in addressing the UN’s SDGs pertaining to poverty eradication, food security, and sustainable agriculture.

In a column article on a proposal to set up an International Red Cross Humanitarian Center in HK, it was mentioned that Prof. Pengyu ZHU, Associate Professor of the Division of Public Policy (PPOL), had attended a conference with representatives from the International Academy of Red Cross & Red Crescent and the Association For International Soft Law Promotion.

The University Leadership Forum, organized by the UGC, will feature former Council Chairman Dr. Andrew LIAO Cheung-Sing and Prof. Anthony CHEUNG, Adjunct Professor of the Division of Public Policy (PPOL), as guest speakers along with various higher education representatives, who will engage in discussions on university governance during the forum. The event will also include keynote speeches by Secretary for Education Dr. Christine CHOI Yuk-Lin, while RGC Chairman Prof. Wong Yuk-Shan will deliver a speech on the university research funding mechanism

In an article by Prof. Stuart GIETEL-BASTEN, Professor of the Division of Public Policy (PPOL) on aging as a challenge and opportunity, he discussed the opportunities of developing the “Silver Economy” in response to the increasing aging population in China.

Prof. Naubahar SHARIF, Acting Head and Professor of the Division of Public Policy (PPOL), Prof. Stuart GIETEL-BASTEN, Professor of the Division of Public Policy (PPOL) and other guests attended a symposium on international humanitarianism and sustainable development at HKUST.

In an article on Chinese investors eyeing Africa's tiny island of Mauritius as it goes green and tries to sweeten trade deals, Prof. Naubahar SHARIF, Acting Head and Professor of the Division of Public Policy (PPOL), was quoted as saying that overseas energy investments by private Chinese companies fit into that belt and road push, which has shifted from Chinese state-backed megaprojects, such as ports, to smaller and more profitable projects, including green energy.

The University Leadership Forum, organized by the UGC, featured guest speakers such as Court Chairman Dr. Andrew LIAO Cheung-Sing and Prof. Anthony CHEUNG, Adjunct Professor of the Division of Public Policy (PPOL), as well as various higher education representatives. They shared insights on institutional governance and thoughts on the future development of higher education in HK during the forum. Secretary for Education Dr. CHOI Yuk-Lin delivered a keynote speech and urged all council chairpersons and members to enhance institutional governance from three perspectives: the governance system, capability, and efficacy.

In an article on the Covid-19 pandemic denting HK’s record for longevity, Prof. Stuart GIETEL-BASTEN, Professor of the Division of Public Policy (PPOL), was quoted as saying that it’s not the case that in 2022 people’s lives got shorter, it’s just the case that there were more deaths, primarily at older ages, which is going to skew the life expectancy.

In an article by Prof. Erwin HUANG, Adjunct Professor of the Division of Integrative System and Design (ISD), he commented on the ethical dilemmas over AI romantic relationships.

Prof. Chi Ming SHUN, Adjunct Professor of the Division of Environment and Sustainability (ENVR), said HKUST is developing a climate adaptation and resilience plan with a focus on tropical and urban environments at the 17th Asian Financial Forum (AFF). He added that the data from insurers and other organizations can be used to quantify climate risks and develop new insurance products related to extreme weather events.