As the University moves forward in generating knowledge, it must also plan how best to support the work of its faculty and maintain the quality of the graduates it produces.

The future

In 2002-03, University Grants Committee-funded improvements to provide barrier-free access to the campus opened up the University to a wider range of students.

Meanwhile, construction of our new undergraduate hall, which will offer more students the chance to enjoy full-time campus life and the independence this brings, progressed well with a topping out ceremony in January 2003. Funds for the hall, due for completion in 2004, have come from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the Government and the University's own fund-raising efforts, including the sponsored JUST Walk event.

Design of the Enterprise Center, which will serve as an effective interface between the academic and research environment of the University, and business and industry in Hong Kong and the region, got underway. Subject to approval by the Government and 50% funding by the University, this should be completed in 2006 and is now the focus of fund-raising efforts.

The Enterprise Center will provide much needed additional space for wet and dry research and development laboratories for collaborative research with industrial partners, instructional space and knowledge transfer facitilies.

The Center will take advantage of HKUST's research strengths to upgrade products and technologies to boost competitiveness. Funding is being sought from the Government, with HKUST expected to raise about half the estimated HK$220 million construction cost itself.