HKUST AIS: Advancing Research and Education in Artificial Intelligence

Introduction to HKUST AIS (Artificial Intelligence Strategic Initiative)

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) established the Artificial Intelligence Strategic Initiative () as a comprehensive framework to consolidate and advance the university's strengths in artificial intelligence research and education. Launched in response to the growing global significance of AI technologies, this initiative represents HKUST's commitment to positioning itself at the forefront of AI innovation in Asia and beyond. The primary objectives of HKUST AIS include fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, accelerating fundamental AI research, and translating academic discoveries into practical solutions that benefit society.

The background of HKUST AIS stems from Hong Kong's unique position as a global technology hub and the university's existing strengths in computer science, engineering, and related disciplines. With substantial support from the Hong Kong government's initiatives to promote innovation and technology, including the HK$10 billion committed to the Innovation and Technology Fund, HKUST recognized the strategic importance of creating a dedicated AI initiative. The establishment of HKUST AIS aligns with Hong Kong's broader ambitions to become a leading smart city and international innovation center, as outlined in the Hong Kong Smart City Blueprint 2.0.

Key research areas within HKUST AIS encompass both fundamental and applied AI domains:

• Machine learning and deep learning algorithms
• Computer vision and pattern recognition
• Natural language processing and understanding
• Robotics and autonomous systems
• AI for science and engineering applications
• Trustworthy and explainable AI systems
• AI ethics and governance frameworks

The initiative specifically focuses on developing AI technologies that address Hong Kong's unique urban challenges while maintaining global relevance. These include applications in smart city management, financial technology, healthcare diagnostics, and environmental sustainability. Through strategic partnerships with industry leaders and government agencies, HKUST AIS aims to create an ecosystem where cutting-edge research seamlessly transitions into real-world applications, ultimately contributing to Hong Kong's economic diversification and technological competitiveness.

Research Highlights at HKUST AIS

HKUST AIS has become a hub for groundbreaking AI research, with numerous projects pushing the boundaries of what's possible in artificial intelligence. The initiative brings together researchers from computer science, electronic engineering, mathematics, and various application domains to tackle complex challenges through interdisciplinary approaches. This collaborative environment has resulted in significant advancements across multiple AI subfields, with particular strength in areas where HKUST has established international recognition.

In computer vision, HKUST researchers have developed novel algorithms for image and video understanding that outperform existing methods in benchmark evaluations. One notable project focuses on few-shot learning for visual recognition, enabling AI systems to identify objects from very limited training examples. This research has important implications for applications where labeled data is scarce, such as medical imaging and specialized industrial inspection. Another breakthrough involves developing real-time video analytics systems that can process high-resolution footage with unprecedented accuracy while maintaining computational efficiency, addressing the growing demands of smart city surveillance and autonomous vehicle perception systems.

Natural language processing represents another area of exceptional achievement at HKUST AIS. Researchers have created advanced models for Cantonese and Mandarin language understanding that account for the unique linguistic characteristics of Chinese languages, including tone variations and character-based writing systems. These developments are particularly significant given Hong Kong's bilingual environment and the relative scarcity of resources for Cantonese language AI compared to English. The team has also made strides in cross-lingual transfer learning, enabling knowledge acquired from one language to improve performance in another, which has substantial value for multinational corporations operating in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.

Robotics research at HKUST AIS demonstrates the tangible impact of AI on physical systems. Projects include developing autonomous drones for urban monitoring and disaster response, collaborative robots for manufacturing and logistics, and sophisticated manipulation systems that can handle delicate objects with human-like dexterity. One particularly impactful project involves swarm robotics for environmental monitoring in Hong Kong's coastal waters, where multiple autonomous vehicles coordinate to collect water quality data and detect pollution sources. This application addresses pressing local environmental concerns while advancing the fundamental science of multi-agent systems.

The real-world impact of HKUST AIS research extends across multiple sectors:

These applications demonstrate how HKUST AIS research transcends academic boundaries to address practical challenges facing Hong Kong and the wider region. The initiative's emphasis on translational research ensures that theoretical advances quickly find their way into systems that benefit society, economy, and environment.

Educational Programs and Opportunities in AI

HKUST has developed a comprehensive educational ecosystem for AI that spans undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional development programs. The university recognizes that nurturing AI talent requires both deep technical foundations and broad interdisciplinary perspectives, leading to the creation of innovative curricula that blend computer science fundamentals with domain-specific applications. These educational offerings are designed to prepare students for diverse careers in AI research, development, and implementation across industry sectors.

At the undergraduate level, HKUST offers multiple pathways for students to engage with AI education. The Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science includes specialized tracks in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, providing rigorous training in machine learning, neural networks, and AI system design. Additionally, the university has developed several that combine AI with other fields, such as the dual degree program in Technology and Management, which equips students with both technical expertise and business acumen. These interdisciplinary approaches reflect the reality that AI innovation often occurs at the intersection of multiple disciplines, and Hong Kong's diverse economy creates demand for professionals who can bridge technical and domain-specific knowledge.

Graduate education at HKUST encompasses both research-focused and professionally-oriented programs. The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence provides comprehensive training in AI fundamentals and applications, attracting students from across Asia and beyond. Research postgraduate programs (MPhil and PhD) allow students to work closely with faculty members on cutting-edge AI projects, often in collaboration with industry partners. The university's location in Hong Kong, a global financial center with growing technology sectors, creates unique opportunities for graduate students to engage with real-world AI challenges through internships and collaborative projects with leading companies.

Student research opportunities form a cornerstone of HKUST's AI education philosophy. The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) enables students to participate in faculty-led research projects from their first year, providing hands-on experience with AI development and experimentation. Many students publish papers at top-tier conferences alongside their advisors, gaining valuable exposure to the international research community. HKUST also hosts annual AI competitions and hackathons that challenge students to solve practical problems using artificial intelligence, further bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world application.

Industry collaborations and internships provide crucial pathways for students to gain practical experience and for research to achieve societal impact. HKUST has established partnerships with over 100 technology companies, financial institutions, and public sector organizations in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. These relationships create a pipeline for student internships, joint research projects, and employment opportunities after graduation. Notable collaborations include:

• The HKUST-IBM AI Partnership, which supports joint research in natural language processing and computer vision
• The HKUST-SenseTime Joint Laboratory, focusing on deep learning applications
• The HKUST-Airport Authority Collaboration on AI for smart airport operations
• The HKUST-HSBC FinTech Innovation Program, developing AI solutions for banking

These industry connections ensure that HKUST's AI education remains relevant to evolving market needs while providing students with exposure to cutting-edge industrial practices. The university's career development center reports that graduates from AI-related programs enjoy exceptionally high employment rates, with over 95% securing positions within six months of graduation, often with leading technology firms and research institutions in Hong Kong, mainland China, and internationally.

Yike Guo's Leadership in AI Research

Professor has emerged as a pivotal figure in shaping the university's artificial intelligence landscape and contributing to Hong Kong's technological development. As the Director of the HKUST AIS and Professor of Computer Science and Engineering, Professor Guo brings substantial expertise in data mining, machine learning, and large-scale data management systems. His leadership extends beyond the university through various advisory roles with the Hong Kong government and international organizations, where he advocates for strategic investments in AI research and talent development.

Professor Guo's contributions to AI at HKUST span multiple dimensions, beginning with his instrumental role in establishing the university's data science and AI research infrastructure. Under his guidance, HKUST has developed advanced computing resources specifically optimized for AI workloads, including high-performance GPU clusters and specialized hardware for deep learning experiments. These resources have enabled researchers across campus to undertake projects that would otherwise be computationally infeasible, accelerating the pace of discovery and innovation. Professor Guo has also been central to securing major research grants from both public and private sources, including substantial funding from Hong Kong's Innovation and Technology Commission and international corporate partners.

In terms of research direction, Professor Yike Guo HKUST has championed an application-driven approach to AI that addresses concrete challenges facing Hong Kong and the wider region. His own research exemplifies this philosophy, with projects spanning healthcare informatics, financial technology, urban computing, and scientific discovery. One notable initiative he leads focuses on AI for pandemic response, developing models that can predict disease spread and optimize resource allocation—research that gained particular relevance during the COVID-19 crisis. Another significant contribution involves creating AI systems that help scientists accelerate materials discovery, demonstrating how artificial intelligence can transform traditional scientific methodologies.

Professor Guo's impact on the local and international AI community extends through various leadership roles and knowledge exchange activities. He serves on the Hong Kong Government's Committee on Innovation, Technology and Industry, where he provides expert advice on AI policy and development strategies. Internationally, he contributes to prestigious conferences and journals as program committee member, keynote speaker, and editorial board member. Under his leadership, HKUST has strengthened its connections with leading AI research centers worldwide, including partnerships with Stanford University, MIT, and the University of Toronto, creating opportunities for student exchanges and collaborative research projects that elevate Hong Kong's global standing in artificial intelligence.

Perhaps most significantly, Professor Guo has fostered an inclusive and collaborative research culture at HKUST that encourages interdisciplinary work and knowledge sharing. He has actively promoted initiatives that bring together researchers from computer science, business, humanities, and various engineering disciplines to tackle complex problems through integrated approaches. This philosophy aligns with the broader mission of HKUST interdisciplinary programs and has resulted in innovative solutions that would be unlikely to emerge from siloed research efforts. His mentorship of junior faculty and students has cultivated a new generation of AI researchers who appreciate both the technical dimensions of artificial intelligence and its broader societal implications.

The Future of AI at HKUST

Looking ahead, HKUST has articulated an ambitious vision for advancing artificial intelligence research and education that builds upon current strengths while exploring emerging frontiers. The university's strategic plan for AI development encompasses several key dimensions, including fundamental algorithm research, specialized application domains, ethical considerations, and ecosystem building. This forward-looking approach recognizes the rapid evolution of AI technologies and the need for academic institutions to remain agile in responding to new opportunities and challenges.

Future research directions at HKUST will expand into several promising areas where the university can leverage its existing expertise while addressing Hong Kong's specific needs. These include AI for climate and environmental sustainability, where researchers will develop models to monitor and predict environmental changes specific to the Pearl River Delta region; AI for creative industries, supporting Hong Kong's vibrant arts and media sectors; and AI for an aging society, creating technologies to support Hong Kong's growing elderly population. Additionally, the university plans to strengthen research in foundational AI areas such as causal inference, neuro-symbolic systems, and federated learning, recognizing that advances in these domains will underpin future applications across multiple sectors.

Educational initiatives will evolve to keep pace with technological developments and market demands. HKUST is developing new micro-credential programs and executive education courses focused on AI upskilling, addressing the growing need for professionals across industries to understand and apply artificial intelligence in their work. The university also plans to expand its HKUST interdisciplinary programs that combine AI with fields such as law, medicine, and public policy, creating graduates who can navigate the complex implications of AI deployment in society. These educational innovations will be supported by enhanced learning spaces, including specialized AI laboratories and simulation environments that provide students with hands-on experience using industrial-grade tools and datasets.

New initiatives and partnerships will further strengthen HKUST's position in the global AI landscape. The university is establishing the HKUST AI Innovation Hub, a physical space that will bring together researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry partners to accelerate the translation of AI research into commercial applications. This hub will include incubation support for AI startups, collaborative spaces for industry-academia projects, and demonstration areas for showcasing cutting-edge AI technologies. Additionally, HKUST is deepening its collaborations with leading technology companies through joint laboratories and research centers focused on specialized AI applications. These partnerships will provide access to industrial datasets, computing resources, and practical problem domains that enrich both research and education.

HKUST's vision for AI innovation centers on creating a vibrant ecosystem where cutting-edge research, talent development, and real-world application converge to benefit society. The university aims to position itself as Asia's premier destination for AI education and research while contributing significantly to Hong Kong's transformation into an international innovation and technology hub. This vision aligns with broader regional development strategies, including China's national AI development plan and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area initiative, creating multiple pathways for HKUST's AI innovations to achieve scale and impact. Through these concerted efforts, HKUST seeks not only to advance the frontiers of artificial intelligence but also to ensure that these advancements translate into tangible benefits for Hong Kong, the region, and the world.

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