HKUST Business Review

15 HKUST Business Review Cover Global Recognition and Continued Excellence In the 30-plus years since its founding, HKUST’s achievements speak for themselves. Now well established among the top tier, the challenge ahead is not just to maintain that level, but to set ever higher standards and find new ways to excel. According to the QS World University Rankings 2026, HKUST ranks 44th globally, 6th in Asia, and 2nd in Hong Kong. It is placed 19th globally in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025. And in the Global Employability University Ranking 2026, it is first in Hong Kong and third in Greater China. These accomplishments confirm HKUST’s status as a world class institution, which is still driven by the same vision and discipline that shaped its founding. Fueling Hong Kong’s Future In Hong Kong, HKUST’s influence extends far beyond academia. It stands at the heart of the city’s transition into a center for innovation and the knowledge economy. “By having all these people trained in the right way so they can cope with the changes and deal with new demands, it is also helping Hong Kong become an education hub,” Dr. Lo says. Looking forward, he sees opportunity in the Greater Bay Area’s (GBA) rapid integration. The key, though, is to find the right positioning in different sectors and to train students to make good use of the many avenues open to them. “We have everything here in the GBA, all the critical factors for success,” Dr. Lo says, noting advanced technology, manufacturing capacity, tourist attractions, financial expertise, and 88 million wealthy individuals with considerable spending power. Therefore, his general advice is that HKUST should focus on regional collaboration, cross border innovation, and talent development, aligning those priorities with Hong Kong’s strategic ambitions for the future. Lessons in Resilience Dr. Lo’s philosophy for success — both personal and institutional — is rooted in turning adversity into advantage. “Every downturn has offered me golden opportunities to develop,” he says. “Every time I encountered a crisis or even had to start again almost from scratch was a chance to learn how to cope and become stronger.” A similar mindset has shaped HKUST’s identity: one of perseverance, progress, and reinvention. As the University enters a new era, its goals remain as ambitious as ever in continuing to foster innovation and global engagement and with a commitment to sustainability, equity, and excellence. For Dr. Lo, the greatest reward from his involvement has been to witness the University’s growth and enduring impact. “With all the critical factors for success in place, I think the best is still to come,” he says. HKUST – Nurturing Talent, Driving Global Impact • Founded in 1991 as Hong Kong’s third university • World-class university known for innovative education, research excellence, and impactful knowledge transfer • Offers a wide range of academic programs through its four Schools — Business & Management, Engineering, Humanities & Social Science, and Science — and the Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies • Launched in 2025 preparations for a new medical school