The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology celebrated the grand opening of the Graduate Commons on 11 Feb, signifying a new phase of campus facility development for postgraduate students across all schools to engage in ideas exchange and collaborative learning.

Associate Dean of Engineering (Research and Graduate Studies) Prof King Lun Yeung said, “I am extremely pleased to see postgraduate students now have a fully-equipped common room for interdisciplinary discussion. The area serves as solid physical support to the holistic educational experience that we are committed to providing to our students. The establishment of the commons is set to cultivate a collaborative and multidisciplinary learning environment, which is very important for the development of our students to be all-round global citizens.”

Vice-President for Research and Graduate Studies Prof Joseph Lee said, “HKUST has achieved outstanding ratings in the latest Research Assessment Exercise of the University Grants Committee, and this reflects the quality of our high-caliber postgraduate students. The University has been making great efforts to promote internationalization and offer more personal development opportunities. The commons contributes to these endeavors by providing an ideal place for students to connect with each other.”

The grand opening had the graceful presence of Ms Chelsia Lau, chief designer, design strategic concepts group, Ford Motor Company; Prof Ching Tang, IAS Bank of East Asia Professor and Chair Professor of Electronic and Computer Engineering, Chemistry and Physics; Prof Evelyn Hu, Visiting Professor of HKUST Jockey Club Institute for Advanced Study and Electronic and Computer Engineering, and Tarr-Coyne Professor of Applied Physics and Electrical Engineering, Harvard University; Vice-President for Research and Graduate Studies Prof Joseph Lee, Vice-President for Institutional Advancement Dr Eden Woon, Vice-President for Administration and Business Mr Mark Hodgson, as well as other senior management.

Innovations of engineering students were showcased in the opening ceremony. These included creating computer graphics by Chuck-jee Chau and composing electronic music by Ronald Mo, both PhD students from Computer Science and Engineering, and the hand-gesture device by Phillip Chan, MPhil student in the Technology Leadership and Entrepreneurship program.

The grand opening featured a forum by Ms Chelsia Lau, who spoke on the future trends and challenges of the automobile market and criteria that future employees should fulfill. Chelsia inspired the audience with her flair for design, keen aesthetic sense and valuable experience in the car industry. Her success story served as a motivation for students to pursue their dreams with determination. The grand opening day also featured the Commons Showcase, where Prof Ching Tang and Prof King Chow, Director of Interdisciplinary Programs Office and Professor of Division of Life Science, shared with students on the topic of “Challenges in the Future Research and Education: Following the Trend or Creating a Wonderland”.

In a more casual occasion of the day, a tea conversation was held where Ms Chelsia Lau, Prof Ching Tang, Prof Evelyn Hu and Prof King Chow engaged in fruitful discussion with postgraduate students. A variety of topics were discussed, including the trends in research, qualities of a good leader, and the design of an environmentally-friendly car.

The well-received events provided valuable opportunities for postgraduate students across all schools to learn from the top leaders in the industry and academia.

Located near lifts 29-30 on the 5th floor of the Academic Building, the Graduate Commons is an ideal place for postgraduate students across disciplines and schools to engage in intellectual, cultural, and social discussions. Fully-furnished and well-equipped with the latest audio-visual devices, the commons provides a welcoming and cozy environment and is a hub of inspiration and innovation.