In an article on China converting empty schools into nursing homes as its birth rate falls to a decades-long low, Prof. Stuart GIETEL-BASTEN, Professor in the Division of Social Science and the Division of Public Policy, was quoted as saying that secondary schools, and in some regions even universities, may close and be repurposed as China ages. He said China can adapt to a shifting age structure at the national level, but smaller and sparsely populated areas face a harder adjustment.

A column article by Prof. Erwin HUANG, Adjunct Professor in the Division of Integrative Systems and Design (ISD), on Leonardo da Vinci's notebooks and the AI mirror. He shared insights from Leonardo da Vinci's notebooks, suggesting that AI can help us build a "second brain". However, AI acts as a mirror of memory, compelling us to reconsider "what I do, what I know, and who I am", and to reflect on the idea that human value should not be based on being irreplaceable.

A column article by Prof. Erwin HUANG, Adjunct Professor in the Division of Integrative Systems and Design (ISD), explored how emerging technological advancements are reshaping fundamental human identity, the boundary of self, and the understanding of existence.

In articles on more Chinese firms expanding into Thailand, Prof. Donald LOW, Professor of Practice in Public Policy in the Division of Public Policy, was quoted as saying that Thailand is hailed as a new poster child of the 'China plus one' strategy, boasting a reasonably mature, sophisticated manufacturing base that is more advanced than Vietnam's.

Prof. CHEN Fei, Associate Head in the Division of Environment and Sustainability (ENVR), and Prof. Alexis LAU Kai-Hon, Head of ENVR and Chair Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, co-authored an article titled "Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration on Weather Forecast Models to Strengthen Urban Warning Capabilities". In the piece, they highlighted the launch of the HKUST-led Urban-PREDICT international project, which combined AI and local data to enhance urban weather warnings. Collaborating with the Observatory, the team analyzes extreme weather events and conducts community outreach to address the needs of vulnerable groups, thereby strengthening disaster response efforts.

Prof. SU Hui, Chair Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department of Ocean Science, and Division of Environment and Sustainability (ENVR), delivered a keynote speech titled "Space and the Future" at an award ceremony last Saturday for the HK secondary school students microfilm creation competition organized by SSTI and the HK (International) Aerospace Charitable Foundation. A team from Ko Lui Secondary School won the championship with their innovative microfilm that combined an original song using AI and the concept of "future humans."

On the RTHK program Greater Bay Area Dreams Come True 2.0, Prof. SU Hui, Chair Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department of Ocean Science, and Division of Environment and Sustainability (ENVR), shared that her MUSICO device is operated by HK astronaut LAI Ka-Ying, which provides data support for China's dual carbon goals.

In two articles on anxious students spending thousands of yuan to get internships, Prof. Stuart GIETEL-BASTEN, Professor in the Division of Social Science and the Division of Public Policy, was quoted as saying that in a situation with a tightening labor market – compounded by the risks of AI, slower overall growth, and a growing number of graduates – has created a huge amount of anxiety. He added that heightened competition over internships and additional qualifications risk deepening inequalities across an already-competitive education system and labor market.

HKUST showcased its green research achievements at the 21st Eco Expo Asia 2026, including infrastructure monitoring, agricultural planting, exterior wall cleaning, and eco-friendly food products. “Tiga Milk” founder from HKUST’s team, hopes for societal support for food research to promote the development of local specialty products. Prof. SU Hui, Chair Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department of Ocean Science, and Division of Environment and Sustainability (ENVR), attended the expo's flagship event, Eco Asia Conference, to discuss how next-generation technologies can drive a net-zero future.

Prof. SU Hui, Chair Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department of Ocean Science, and Division of Environment and Sustainability (ENVR), delivering a keynote speech titled "Space and the Future" at an award ceremony last Saturday for the HK secondary school students microfilm creation competition organized by SSTI and the HK (International) Aerospace Charitable Foundation (HKIACF). HKIACF will be the first to donate HK$300,000 to HKU Laboratory for Space Research as seed funding to initiate foundational research for the national Jupiter exploration project. Additionally, HKIACF will establish the "future space scientist seed cultivation program".