Look at the world’s most valuable and influential companies today. Their success is built not on technology or management excellence alone, but on their ability to bring the two together. HKUST Business School and HKUST Engineering School did just that, bringing these two worlds together for a special first: the Joint Alumni Leadership Dinner in Shanghai.
Welcoming a room of distinguished alumni, Vice-President for Research and Development, Prof. Tim CHENG highlighted HKUST’s mission to translate breakthroughs beyond the lab and build stronger bridges across disciplines, industry and finance to create real-world impact.
The intersection of technology and leadership took center stage in a thought-provoking fireside chat between Prof. Frederik ANSEEL, Dean of HKUST Business School, and Prof. Harry SHUM, HKUST Council Chairman and former Executive Vice President of Microsoft’s AI and Research group. They explored some of the defining questions shapingAI today, from frontier capabilities and AI infrastructure to the future of talent and the emergence of increasingly distinct AI ecosystems.
Prof. Shum also posed a question that resonated with leaders and educators alike: if AI takes on work traditionally entrusted to junior professionals, how will the next generation gain the experience needed to become tomorrow’s experts and leaders?
Provost Prof. GUO Yike extended the conversation to higher education, calling for universities to move beyond passive learning towards a culture of inquiry, active debate and the co-creation of knowledge between teachers and students.
Dean of Engineering Prof. LO Hong Kam brought the evening back to impact, emphasizing the importance of implementing engineering innovations through industry engagement. Looking ahead, he shared his optimism about stronger university-industry collaboration and encouraged alumni to stay connected with HKUST.
Progress happens when expertise crosses boundaries and people remain curious enough to listen, question and learn. Our sincere thanks to alumni from both schools for bringing such openness and generosity to the evening, and for keeping the dialogue going across business, technology and beyond. Watch thevideo to experience the energy and strength of the HKUST community.
