The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) received a donation of HK$15 million from Shanghai Tang Junyuan Education Foundation, for advancing research and development of the University, particularly in the field of environmental science.
Environmental science, sustainability and green technology is one of the six key strategic areas at HKUST. The donation from Shanghai Tang Junyuan Education Foundation would help HKUST recruit the best talent in fighting environmental challenges and promoting sustainability through innovative solutions.
In appreciation of the Foundation's benevolent support, the University will establish a "Tang Junyuan Professorship in Environmental Science". Shanghai Tang Junyuan Education Foundation had also supported students and funded construction of schools and teaching facilities in Shanghai and Wuxi.
The Honorable Henry Tang, Chairman of Shanghai Tang Junyuan Education Foundation, said, "I and the Tang family have always been very supportive of education, recognizing its potential to enhance lives, bolster economic well-being, and ultimately drive our nation's prosperity and development. Our decision to focus on environmental science stems from a belief in our collective responsibility to build a better tomorrow. By supporting distinguished universities like HKUST, I aspire to witness more exciting research outcomes that promote sustainability and contribute to a more promising world."
Expressing her gratitude for Mr. Tang's shared vision and unwavering support, HKUST President Prof. Nancy IP said, "The recent devastation caused by super-typhoon and severe rainstorm serves as a stark reminder of the unprecedented environmental challenges that our planet is facing. These challenges urgently require smart solutions and the adoption of sustainable lifestyles. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the generous support from Shanghai Tang Junyuan Education Foundation. Their contribution does not only enable us to attract top talent in the field, but also accelerates our research and innovation, shaping a more sustainable future."
Officiating at the ceremony were Mr. Henry Tang, his wife Mrs. Lisa Tang and his family members together with HKUST senior leadership and management including HKUST Council Vice-Chairman Prof. Patrick YEUNG, HKUST President Prof. Nancy Ip and HKUST Court Chairman the Honorable Andrew LIAO Cheung-Sing.
Following the ceremony, research teams led by Prof. Alexis LAU, Head of the Division of Environment and Sustainability at HKUST, and Prof. Jinglei YANG at the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at HKUST, showcased their groundbreaking innovations to the guests to exemplify the University's efforts in addressing global environmental challenges. These include smart building technologies that promote sustainable living and a revolutionary personalized air pollution monitoring platform to enhance individual well-being.
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 research intensive university that focuses on science, technology and business as well as humanities and social science. HKUST offers an international campus, and a holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy to nurture well-rounded graduates with global vision, a strong entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking. Over 80% of our research work were rated "Internationally excellent" or "world leading" in the Research Assessment Exercise 2020 of Hong Kong's University Grants Committee. We were ranked 2nd in Times Higher Education's Young University Rankings 2023, and our graduates were ranked 30th worldwide and among the best from universities from Asia in Global Employability University Ranking and Survey 2022. As of early 2023, HKUST members have founded 1,747 active start-ups, including 9 Unicorns and 13 exits (IPO or M&A), generating economic impact worth over HK$ 400 billion. InvestHK cited QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021 to demonstrate the performance of five world's top 100 local universities in several innovation-centric areas, among which HKUST ranked top in four engineering and materials science subjects.
