Building the future

However, we do face a severe economic challenge in sustaining our success. Therefore, in the past 12 months, we have also been building up our fund-raising capabilities and expanding awareness in the community, and within the University itself, of our need for additional financial support in order to keep and hire first-rate faculty, attract high-flying students and further develop the University.

Like many others in Hong Kong, we face a future that will be different from the past, and all University stakeholders must be realistic about who we are and what we aspire to become. HKUST has achieved a great deal in the past 12 years. Our strong spirit and excellence can push us - and Hong Kong - to even higher standing. But there is no room for tunnel vision, and all avenues must be explored. At the same time, the public needs to realize the vital nature of its support in these changing times, both financially and through recognition of the University's work. Only with this support can HKUST continue to shine in the international academic arena and help Hong Kong reap the benefits of a world-class university dedicated from its first founding days to driving forward economic and social development.

The togetherness shown by those at HKUST and the community during this year's extraordinary events augurs well for the future of HKUST and Hong Kong.