The 2026 Environmental Management and Technology Program (EVMT) freshmen study camp was held in the Kubuqi Desert of Inner Mongolia. Centered on national ecological strategies, desertification control, and green technology innovation, the program combined field research, industry visits, and aesthetic education activities to deepen the HK and Macau youths’ understanding of the country's ecological achievements.

In a column article, Prof. Erwin HUANG, Adjunct Professor in the Division of Integrative Systems and Design (ISD), addresses the risk of letting AI and "second brain" tools replace human deep thinking, highlighting that over-reliance on technology can weaken cognitive engagement and retention.

In a column article, Prof. Christine LOH, Chief Development Strategist in the Division of Environment and Sustainability (ENVR), emphasized that universities must update their core curriculum to prepare students for a multipolar, technologically transformed, and ecologically constrained world.

In an article on how technology gives China's farmers an edge against extreme weather, it was mentioned that researchers at HKUST are developing technology that could provide earlier warning of severe thunderstorms. Prof. SU Hui, Chair Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department of Ocean Science, and Division of Environment and Sustainability (ENVR), noted that her team's AI model can forecast storms up to four hours in advance. The model is being tested by meteorological authorities in HK and the Chinese Mainland, while the HKUST team continues to train it with new data to enhance its robustness.

High-profile community leaders including Prof. Christine LOH, Chief Development Strategist in the Division of Environment and Sustainability (ENVR), attended the kick-off ceremony of the "CAN Step Up 2026" campaign launched by local non-profit Clean Air Network. Prof. Loh encouraged proactive community action toward environmental sustainability.

Dr. Jac LEUNG Ka-Lok, Lecturer in the Division of Integrative Systems and Design (ISD), remarked that AI literacy encompasses three aspects: understanding the strengths and weaknesses of AI, human-machine collaboration, and ethical and moral considerations. Emphasizing critical thinking and values, Mr. Leung noted that AI literacy cannot be achieved via one-time training. Instead, it requires continuous practice and reflection to build the foundation for lifelong learning.

During the "Tiangong Class" series (HK/Macao), Prof. SU Hui, Chair Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department of Ocean Science, and Division of Environment and Sustainability (ENVR), PolyU Prof. WU Bo and HKU Prof. YAO Zhonghua shared spatial knowledge covering MUSICO, the world's first lightweight CO2 and methane detection instrument. HK payload specialist Dr. LAI Ka-Ying delivered a live lesson from space to students and teachers on Wednesday. HKUST faculty and students noted that the classroom boosted local youth’s enthusiasm for aerospace and science.

During a sharing session about career development, Prof. SU Hui, Chair Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department of Ocean Science, and Division of Environment and Sustainability (ENVR), talked about her research efforts and stories behind the development of MUSICO.

Prof. LI Zexiang, Professor in the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, Division of Integrative Systems and Design (ISD), and his delegation meeting with Party Secretary of Inner Mongolia Mr. WANG Weizhong in Hohhot on Monday. Expressing strong optimism about the development opportunities and industrial potential in Inner Mongolia, Prof. Li stated that I&T enterprises will leverage Inner Mongolia's industrial foundation to deepen practical cooperation in platform co-construction, talent cultivation, scenario-based commercialization, and the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries.

A column article by Prof. Erwin HUANG, Adjunct Professor in the Division of Integrative Systems and Design (ISD), on the true innovation of Apple's first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, argues that Apple’s success has always relied on reassembling existing technologies into intuitive user experiences rather than inventing hardware from scratch. He noted that iPhone Duo’s success hinges on whether Apple can seamlessly integrate dual-screen multitasking and cross-application AI personal agency into daily usage.