The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) have signed a collaborative framework agreement to drive innovation in meteorological science and education. By leveraging the complementary strengths of CMA and HKUST, the collaboration aims to enhance early warning systems, strengthen disaster preparedness, and build climate-resilient communities, underscoring the shared commitment of both institutions to tackle global climate challenges and support the initiatives of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
Signing the agreement on campus today were Prof. Tim CHENG, Vice-President for Research and Development at HKUST and Mr. XIONG Shaoyuan, Deputy Administrator of CMA. In line with China's Action Plan on Early Warning for Climate Change Adaptation (2025-2027), and the United Nations' goal of ensuring universal early warning system coverage by 2027, this partnership will focus on three major areas aimed at protecting communities, particularly in vulnerable regions, from extreme weather events such as typhoons, floods, and heatwaves. These include:
1. Innovation in Early Warning Technologies
To promote and advance high-resolution forecasting and the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) into meteorological science, which are crucial for improving the precision and timeliness of global early warning systems, enabling communities to better prepare for extreme weather events.
2. Development of Collaborative Research Platforms
To enhance existing facilities, such as the Guangdong Xinfeng National Atmospheric Background Station, and develop additional observation platforms to support cutting-edge research on air pollution, low-carbon assessments, and climate adaptation technologies.
3. Talent Development
Through joint PhD programs, international exchanges, and professional training initiatives, the partnership aims to nurture the next generation of leaders in meteorological science and climate resilience.
CMA is a global leader in meteorological science, serving as one of nine WMO Global Meteorological Centers. Its expertise in large-scale climate modeling, disaster risk reduction, and operational forecasting has positioned CMA as a driving force in addressing climate risks through innovation and international collaboration.
Committed to addressing climate change through innovative research and international collaboration, HKUST's renowned scholars, including Prof. Alexis LAU and Prof. Jimmy FUNG, have pioneered advancements in air quality monitoring and personalized pollution warning systems over the years. Furthermore, HKUST actively engages with global partners. Notably, Prof. CHEN Fei will lead the WMO's new Urban Prediction Project under the World Weather Research Programme (WWRP) from 2025 to 2029, and HKUST will serve as one of the Southeast Asian Regional Hubs for the My Climate Risk Initiative under the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP).
Mr. Xiong Shaoyuan, Deputy Administrator of CMA, added: "The deepened collaboration between CMA and HKUST is a significant step in jointly implementing the development strategy of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. It also aligns with the objectives of the Action Plan on Early Warning for Climate Change Adaptation, highlighting the importance of global cooperation in addressing climate risks. By integrating CMA's meteorological expertise with HKUST's research capabilities, we aim to jointly advance the integration of education, science, and talent development, contributing to the high-quality development of the Greater Bay Area."
Prof. Tim Cheng, Vice-President for Research and Development at HKUST, remarked: "This collaboration underscores the critical role of research applications and talent development in addressing global climate challenges. With climate change intensifying, HKUST's expertise in urban climate and weather prediction, coupled with the visionary work of Prof. Fei Chen on the WMO Urban Prediction Project, will make a real difference in enhancing the accuracy and reach of early warning systems. Together with CMA, we aim to develop solutions that save lives and protect communities."
About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (https://hkust.edu.hk/) is a world-class university committed to innovative education, research excellence, and impactful knowledge transfer. Our holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy approach is recognized globally. HKUST placed 3rd in the Times Higher Education's Young University Rankings 2024, 19th Worldwide and No.1 in Hong Kong in Times Higher Education's impact Rankings. Twelve of HKUST's subjects were ranked among the world's top 50 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024. Of these, "Data Science and Artificial Intelligence" ranked first in Hong Kong and 10th in the world. Our graduates are highly competitive, consistently placing among the world's top 30 most sought-after employees. Our research and entrepreneurship endeavors are also innovative and impactful. Over 80% of our work was rated "Internationally excellent" or "world leading" in the latest Research Assessment Exercise 2020 of Hong Kong's University Grants Committee. As of October 2024, HKUST members have founded over 1,800 active start-ups, including 10 Unicorns and 14 exits (IPO or M&A).
About The China Meteorological Administration
The China Meteorological Administration is a leading authority in meteorology and climate science. As one of the WMO's Global Meteorological Centers, CMA is dedicated to advancing climate resilience and ensuring the safety of communities worldwide through cutting-edge research and early warning systems.
At COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, CMA reinforced its leadership by introducing the Action Plan on Early Warning for Climate Change Adaptation (2025-2027). This plan outlines four key priorities: sharing tools for climate risk assessment, building advanced disaster monitoring and forecasting platforms, promoting best practices in climate-resilient community development, and enhancing early warning capabilities in developing nations. CMA's initiatives include deploying FengYun geostationary satellites for high-frequency disaster monitoring and offering expertise, technology, and training to strengthen global capacity for climate adaptation. These efforts directly contribute to the United Nations' Early Warnings for All Initiative, highlighting CMA's pivotal role in advancing global early warning systems and supporting sustainable development.
