School of Engineering Celebrates Grand Opening of New Engineering Commons

Over 100 members of the University’s senior management, engineering faculty, students and staff congregated at the grand opening of the newly renovated Engineering Commons on October 17, 2024. [Download Photo]

The School of Engineering (SENG) celebrated the grand opening of the newly renovated Engineering Commons on October 17, 2024, drawing over 100 members of the University’s senior management, engineering faculty, students and staff for a joyous gathering. The event signifies the official opening of the redesigned Engineering Commons, a central hub for collaborative learning, group discussion, academic advising and social gatherings for the School’s community.

Officiating the special occasion were President Prof. Nancy IP, Provost Prof. GUO Yike, Vice-President for Research and Development Prof. Tim CHENG Kwang-Ting, Dean of Engineering Prof. Hong K. LO, former Dean of Engineering Prof. Khaled B. LETAIEF, and Director of the Center for Engineering Education Innovation (E²I) Prof. Henry LAM. The six senior administrators conducted a ribbon-cutting ceremony that marked the official opening of the new Commons, followed by a toasting joined by all attendees at the event.

Prof. Nancy Ip and Prof. Hong K. Lo both addressed the audience with welcome remarks. “The inauguration of the new Engineering Commons represents a milestone in HKUST’s commitment to enhance student learning experience. This place provides a well-designed and welcoming space for students to openly exchange ideas, seek academic advising and socialize,” said Prof. Ip. She added that the application of faculty members’ research outcomes in the Commons was important to inspire students and foster a culture of innovation. She thanked everyone who was involved in the renovation of the Commons and looked forward to a lot of events to occur there.

In his speech, Prof. Lo expressed his gratitude to the University’s senior management, various offices across campus and SENG colleagues for their tremendous support in the Engineering Commons renovation project. With the old Engineering Commons first built in 2013 and serving the School for more than a decade, he said that it was time to transform its use and elevate its potential to support the School’s mission of fostering collaborative learning, innovation and connectivity. He added that the place is open 24 hours a day for the vibrant HKUST community.

Prof. Lo went on to introduce the Engineering Commons, describing the three major sections – foyer, interior area, and courtyard – as well as the special features of each section. He added that a number of new events had been planned to take place in the new Commons throughout the year and some were already held. These included a departmental “Get-together” to be held on the last Friday evening of each month, as well as an industrial networking event called “Industry-Connect-University (I-C-U)”, a new initiative aiming to foster industry-academia collaborations among SENG’s faculty members, industrial partners, alumni and students.

Following the ceremony, attendees had the opportunity to tour the Engineering Commons, where they explored its state-of-the-art facilities, modern design and open setting. Many expressed their excitement about the potential for future events and activities in this lively environment. They were inspired by the possibilities this dynamic space offers for innovation and interaction, and anticipate making the most of this space.

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