Achieving greater global presence
The University has maintained its fourth place in the Times Higher Education 100 under 50 list, which ranks young universities under 50 years worldwide.  HKUST remains the institution with the highest ranking locally.  The QS World University Rankings by Subject 2014 for engineering and technology subjects have seen HKUST establishing its global presence further, with the University achieving its highest rankings yet in the categories of Computer Science & Information Systems (11th), Electrical & Electronic Engineering (11th) and Civil & Structural Engineering (12th), with the first two categories achieving No.1 in Greater China.  The University also shone globally in the categories of Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering (20th) and Chemical Engineering (26th). It is No.1 in Hong Kong in both these fields.

Strengthening ties at Yabuli China Entrepreneurs Forum
HKUST built further links with leading Mainland enterprises at the invitation-only Yabuli China Entrepreneurs Forum in February.  Attending for the University was Vice-President for Institutional Advancement Dr Eden Y Woon.  Others at the major business gathering included Mr Shi Wang, Chairman of Vanke, Mr Guangchang Guo, Chairman of Fosun and Mr Dongsheng Li, Chairman of TCL.

Creating the Alibaba e-commerce ecosystem
How e-commerce giant Alibaba creates an online ecosystem was the focus of a stimulating talk by the group’s Chief Financial Officer Ms Maggie Wu to HKUST students and faculty in March.  Ms Wu explained how the global internet giant has built up the range of services available on its popular platforms to enable small and medium-sized enterprises to connect up directly with customers and each other.

Consul-General shares thoughts on advancing the ‘unexpected nation’
The Singapore Consul-General Mr Jacky Kong Seng Foo gave an interesting new perspective on the Lion City in his talk on campus in May.   The Consul-General discussed how Singapore has made its way into the first world since its unexpected independence in 1965 and the current importance of research and development and innovation. The presentation was followed by a dialogue with HKUST President Tony F Chan and questions and answers from the floor.

Foshan center receives national accreditation
The HKUST LED-FPD Technology R&D Center in Foshan, which recognizes HKUST’s leading contributions to light-emitting diode and flat panel display technologies and enhances knowledge transfer to optical and electronic industries in the region, has received a significant China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment (CNAS) certificate. 

Creativity strikes a fresh chord
"The Intimacy of Creativity", an innovative annual music partnership emphasizing dialogue between composers and performers and initiated by internationally acclaimed composer, conductor, and pianist Prof Bright Sheng, YK Pao Distinguished Visiting Professor of Cultural Studies at HKUST, took place over two weeks in April-May. Guest artists included celebrated cellist Trey Lee, virtuoso violinist Dan Zhu and The Tanglewood New Fromm Players. They worked with six young Composer Fellows to revise their original chamber music compositions, which were then publicly performed at Hong Kong City Hall Theatre.  In a new move, the work, The Bells Bow Down by Finnish Composer Fellow, Ilari Kaila, was selected by audience vote to be featured at The Banff Centre in Canada, one of the largest arts centers in the world.

The Third HKUST President’s Outstanding Service Award
The third HKUST President’s Outstanding Service Award is being held this year to recognize non-teaching staff members who have demonstrated outstanding service that contributes to the betterment of their work units, the University and community life in the University.  The Selection Committee for the Award this year is headed by Prof Joseph Lee, Vice-President for Research and Graduate Studies, and comprises of Mr Michael Cheng, Director of Purchasing, Prof Cheng Siu Wing, Acting Head of Department of Computer Science & Engineering, Mr Cheung Tze Kin, Chief Technician of Department of Physics, Ms Yvonne Ho, Director of Human Resources, Mr Tang Fon Hei Kleon,  University Affairs Officer of HKUST Students' Union, Session 2014-15 and Mrs Sylvia Lee, Senior Human Resources Manager (Secretary).  Nominations have been closed on 15 June 2014. Announcement on the award recipients will be made when they have been selected. Awardees will each receive a cash award of HK$10,000 and a token of appreciation, and will have their names engraved on a plaque displayed in the Chia-Wei Woo Academic Concourse. Nominators of the awardees will also receive a souvenir.

Into action at the HKUST Arts Festival
This year’s Festival, held in March and April, took “ART into the Community: Get Your Hands Dirty” as the theme.  Concerts by the University Philharmonic, Chinese Orchestra and WanShi Chamber Ensemble, talks, exhibitions, workshops and field trips were among the many activities organized.