HKUST, in collaboration with HKUST(GZ) and CMCC, held an exclusive media preview of the SURREALITY Mixed Reality (MR) × Artificial Intelligence (AI) Digital Art Cross-City Exhibition yesterday at Clear Water Bay Campus. The exhibition features nearly 50 works by more than 70 artists from 23 countries across the two campuses. The exhibition commences today and will run until July 31 before returning to Hong Kong. President Prof. Nancy IP remarked that this event signifies a major milestone for HKUST in its pursuit of integrating technology, humanities, and cross-regional innovation. HKUST(GZ) President Prof. Lionel NI stated that the event showcases the strengths of HKUST and HKUST(GZ) in interdisciplinary studies and computational creativity. Prof. Pan HUI, Chair Professor of Emerging Interdisciplinary Areas at HKUST, Acting Head and Chair Professor of the Thrust of Computational Media and Arts, and Director of the Center for Metaverse and Computational Creativity at HKUST(GZ), introduced the core concept of "SURREALITY.

HKUST recently held a signing ceremony for the "Fiona CHEUNG Scholarship" donation agreement. P Prof. Nancy IP expressed sincere gratitude for Ms. Cheung's generous donation. She emphasized that the establishment of the scholarship will effectively support the university in nurturing outstanding students who can integrate their disciplinary expertise with AI applications. Prof. QU Huamin, Dean of the Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies and Acting Head of the Division of Emerging Interdisciplinary Areas, introduced the unique feature of the novel academic framework "Major+X".

In a column article, Prof. Erwin HUANG, Adjunct Professor in the Division of Integrative Systems and Design (ISD), discussed how AI acts as a "classmate" and why higher education must undergo a fundamental transformation.

Prof. Christine LOH Kung-Wai, Chief Development Strategist in the Division of Environment and Sustainability (ENVR), attended the Ming Pao ESG Award Presentation Ceremony last Friday, where she delivered a speech on ESG as a key competitiveness factor. She also co-hosted a forum on ESG practices and challenges.

Prof. Kei May LAU, Research Professor in the Division of Emerging Interdisciplinary Areas (EMIA), has been awarded the prestigious 2026 Heinrich Welker Award, a highly esteemed honour in the international semiconductor field. Prof. Lau is the first scientist to receive this distinction based on groundbreaking research achievements accomplished in HK. Prof. Lau has dedicated herself to bridging the gap between fundamental laboratory science and large-scale industrial applications for III-V compound semiconductor for decades. The patented "LED-on-Silicon" monolithic "Micro-LED" technology invented by Prof. Lau has been commercialized and applied in full-color micro-displays for augmented reality smart glasses. Extending her heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Lau, P Prof. Nancy IP stated that the honor also affirms the university’s academic strengths and global reputation rank among the world’s leading institutions, and Prof. Lau's achievement sets an inspiring example for young scholars and researchers.

In a column article, Prof. Erwin HUANG, Adjunct Professor in the Division of Integrative Systems and Design (ISD), reflected on the rapid expansion of AI across society and highlighted concerns raised in Pope Leo XIV's 2026 encyclical Magnifica Humanitas about the ethical implications of technological advancement.

Prof. Donald LOW, Professor of Practice in Public Policy in the Division of Public Policy (PPOL), has expressed growing skepticism about the long-term benefits of artificial intelligence. He warned that discussions remain heavily skewed toward AI’s economic advantages while overlooking a range of high costs and risks. In particular, Prof. Low cautioned AI may increase inequality.

Prof. CHEN Fei, Associate Head and Professor in the Division of Environment and Sustainability (ENVR), worked with fellow researchers to develop an AI diffusion model that forecasts storms by interpreting early cloud formation. Leveraging satellite data and expert insights, it boosts accuracy by 15 percent and extends warning time to four hours, enhancing preparedness despite urban climate challenges.

An article by Prof. Christine LOH Kung-Wai, Chief Development Strategist in the Division of Environment and Sustainability (ENVR), on the five key lessons Asia must learn from recent global conflicts while it still enjoys the privilege of peace. Prof. Loh remarked that the ultimate task for Asian leaders is to actively build habits that make war less likely before the "fire reaches the house".

In a column article, Prof. Donald LOW, Professor of Practice in Public Policy in the Division of Public Policy (PPOL), examined why China's economic growth is slowing down despite its emergence as a tech superpower. He noted that China cannot sustain its momentum by boosting only one part of the economic growth equation.