HKUST and Deloitte China Announce AI Lab Collaboration to Strengthen AI Talent Development in Hong Kong

HKUST and Deloitte China representatives at the MoU signing ceremony, including Prof. Zhou Xiaofang (third left), Otto Poon Professor of Engineering, and Head and Chair Professor of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at HKUST; Allen Wong (third right), Hong Kong Business Managing Partner of Deloitte China; Dr. David Leung (second left), Head of the Smart System and Project Development Team at the Office of Knowledge Transfer at HKUST; Ryan Wu (second right), Deputy Managing Partner of Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Services at Deloitte China; and Ivan Cheung (first right), Consulting Partner of Deloitte China. [Download Photo]

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), through the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, and Deloitte China have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the “Deloitte x HKUST AI Lab”, aimed at nurturing local AI talent through career opportunities, industry-guided student projects, and knowledge sharing activities.

Prof. ZHOU Xiaofang, Otto Poon Professor of Engineering, and Head and Chair Professor of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at HKUST, and Allen WONG, Hong Kong Business Managing Partner of Deloitte China, signed the MoU with Ryan WU, Deputy Managing Partner of Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Services at Deloitte China, Ivan CHEUNG, Consulting Partner of Deloitte China, and Dr. David LEUNG, Head of the Smart System and Project Development Team at the Office of Knowledge Transfer at HKUST, witnessing the signing ceremony.

Allen Wong, Hong Kong Business Managing Partner of Deloitte China, says, “We are delighted to join hands with HKUST to launch the ‘Deloitte x HKUST AI Lab’. This initiative reflects our shared vision to nurture Hong Kong’s next generation of AI talent by combining HKUST’s academic excellence with Deloitte’s industry expertise. Through this AI Lab, we are creating more than just a partnership. It is an ecosystem where theory meets practice, where classroom learning is enriched by real-world experience, and where Hong Kong’s brightest minds can flourish.”

Prof. Zhou Xiaofang, Otto Poon Professor of Engineering, and Head and Chair Professor of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at HKUST, says, “This partnership represents a unified commitment to strengthen academia-industry collaboration on AI development and cultivate future technology leaders. Consistently ranked among the top in world rankings, the Department of Computer Science and Engineering is dedicated to driving education and research excellence and fostering strong links with the industry. The establishment of the ‘Deloitte x HKUST AI Lab’, along with career opportunities, industry-guided final year projects, mentorship, and insight sharing by experts, will empower our students to explore real-world challenges in the digital economy and co-create impactful solutions with seasoned professionals. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Deloitte for their partnership and vision, and I look forward to the fruitful collaborations that lie ahead.”

To address Hong Kong’s growing demand for AI talent, the “Deloitte x HKUST AI Lab” will focus on three areas that link education with industry. Deloitte will provide AI business topics for final year student projects, enriching the academic journey by grounding research in real world business challenges. This will be complemented by speaking opportunities where Deloitte professionals share insights at forums, lectures, and workshops to provide students with practical insights into current market trends. The collaboration will also extend to career pathways through internships, practicums, and recruitment support, offering students first-hand experience and cultivating a pipeline of AI talent for Hong Kong.

Building on Deloitte China’s Hong Kong LEAP strategy, a HKD500 million investment to drive Hong Kong’s economic diversification with AI as a core focus, the “Deloitte x HKUST AI Lab” highlights the firm’s broader commitment to innovation and digital transformation, while strengthening academia corporate partnerships that prepare talent with industry ready skills and reinforce the city’s position as a hub for AI innovation.

About HKUST School of Engineering
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (hkust.edu.hk) is a world-class research intensive university that focuses on science, engineering and business as well as humanities and social science. As the largest school within HKUST, the School of Engineering (SENG) (seng.hkust.edu.hk) is committed to providing holistic education and nurturing well-rounded graduates with a global vision, strong entrepreneurial spirit, and innovative thinking. It has a strong international reputation and consistently ranks high among major engineering schools around the world. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Engineering, HKUST was ranked No.33.

About Deloitte China
Deloitte China provides integrated professional services, with our long-term commitment to be a leading contributor to China’s reform, opening-up and economic development. We are a globally connected firm with deep roots locally, owned by our partners in China. With over 20,000 professionals across 31 Chinese cities, we provide our clients with a one-stop shop offering world-leading audit, tax and consulting services.

We serve with integrity, uphold quality and strive to innovate. With our professional excellence, insight across industries, and intelligent technology solutions, we help clients and partners from many sectors seize opportunities, tackle challenges and attain world-class, high-quality development goals.

The Deloitte brand originated in 1845, and its name in Chinese (德勤) denotes integrity, diligence and excellence. Deloitte’s global professional network of member firms now spans more than 150 countries and territories. Through our mission to make an impact that matters, we help reinforce public trust in capital markets, enable clients to transform and thrive, empower talents to be future-ready, and lead the way toward a stronger economy, a more equitable society and a sustainable world.

About Deloitte
Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte organization”). DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms and related entities are legally separate and independent entities, which cannot obligate or bind each other in respect of third parties. DTTL and each DTTL member firm and related entity is liable only for its own acts and omissions, and not those of each other. DTTL does not provide services to clients.

Deloitte Asia Pacific Limited is a company limited by guarantee and a member firm of DTTL. Members of Deloitte Asia Pacific Limited and their related entities, each of which are separate and independent legal entities, provide services from more than 100 cities across the region.

Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more.