HKUST Unveils Otto Poon Center for Climate Resilience and Sustainability
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) today inaugurated the Otto Poon Center for Climate Resilience and Sustainability (CCRS), a transformative initiative designed to accelerate research, innovation and policy solutions in climate resilience and sustainable development. Established through the generous support of Ir Dr. Otto POON, Founder of the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation, the Center unites HKUST’s world-class expertise in climate science, advanced modeling systems, artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy and sustainable policy to deliver scalable and actionable strategies for governments, industries, and communities worldwide.
The inauguration brought together leading scientists from renowned institutions across Europe, the United States, Korea, and Mainland China alongside government and academic leaders. Officiating guests included HKSAR Secretary for Environment and Ecology Mr. TSE Chin-Wan, Ir Dr. Otto POON, HKUST President Prof. Nancy IP, Provost Prof. GUO Yike, Vice-President for Research and Development Prof. Tim CHENG, and CCRS Director Prof. LU Mengqian.
Bridging research and real-world impact
The CCRS is dedicated to advancing interdisciplinary collaboration and delivering technology-driven solutions to strengthen societal resilience against climate threats. At its core, the Center bridges cutting-edge scientific research with policy and industry needs, empowering communities worldwide to both adapt to and climate impacts and mitigate future risks.
Initial Focus Areas:
- Climate Prediction & Services: Developing Hong Kong’s first Global Climate Model – a fully coupled system for unified forecasting – to enhance sector-specific climate adaptation.
- Marine Resources & Biodiversity: Predicting coastal ecosystems through data-driven conservation strategies.
- Renewable Energy Innovation: Accelerating the transition to net-zero with next-generation energy technologies.
- Sustainable Development Policy & Finance: Bridging research and governance to enable equitable climate action.
Speaking at the event, the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr. Tse Chin-Wan, outlined the strategies and measures under Hong Kong ‘s Climate Action Plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. He said, “The launch of this Center is profoundly important. By leveraging HKUST’s world-class strengths in AI, data science, and materials science, it will develop breakthrough solutions. With this Center, I am confident that the work starting here today will help us build a more climate-resilient, prosperous, and carbon-neutral Hong Kong.”
Ir Dr. Otto Poon, Founder of the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation, expressed his vision in setting up the CCRS and said, “Global warming continues to intensify, with 2024 marking the hottest year on record since 1850, driven by greenhouse gas emissions and natural climate variability. Despite international efforts to transition to cleaner energy, current progress remains insufficient to offset rising temperatures. Adaptation to extreme weather requires advancing technologies for precise prediction, preventive measures, and innovative policies. The establishment of the Otto Poon Center for Climate Resilience and Sustainability represents a critical step forward. HKUST’s leadership in science and innovation uniquely positions it to translate research into scalable solutions. I am pleased to support its mission to harness science and innovation for a resilient and sustainable world.”
HKUST President Prof. Nancy Ip emphasized the power of collective action. She shared, “Across the globe, we are witnessing devastating consequences when communities are unprepared - from intensifying heatwaves affecting millions to catastrophic flooding displacing entire populations, and unprecedented storms crippling critical infrastructure. These aren’t distant threats; they’re today’s urgent realities demanding immediate solutions. Today marks our bold step forward in combating climate change, made possible by the visionary generosity of Ir Dr. Otto Poon. His unwavering commitment to sustainability has not only enabled this Center's creation but continues to inspire us to push the boundaries of interdisciplinary research.”
“At CCRS, we will bridge science and society—harnessing AI, engineering, and policy expertise to develop scalable solutions. Let us seize this moment to unite academia, industry, and governments in building a resilient, sustainable future for all," President Ip added.
Prof. Lu Mengqian, Director of CCRS, outlined the goals, plans and progress of the new center, “Our interdisciplinary research team is working with both public and private partners on different innovative fronts, including our flagship project of developing Hong Kong’s first global climate model. Optimized for the Western North Pacific, the model will provide a foundation for subseasonal climate prediction as well as critical information for strategic planning from hazard mitigation to resource harvesting, and from traditional agriculture to emerging low-altitude economies. With Dr. Poon’s support, we are determined to drive impactful changes with our global partners.”
Recently, a global transdisciplinary initiative called SEPRESS led by Prof. Lu has been endorsed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as part of its International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (IDSSD). The initiative will fully leverage the power of science to help the world get back on track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals within the next decade.
Global collaboration at HKUST Climate, Weather and Water Forum 2025
Following the inaugural ceremony, the Climate, Weather and Water Forum 2025 convened over 200 experts from the National Climate Center, China, Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences, European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, Yale University (United States), Seoul National University (South Korea), and Université de Toulouse (France).
Across three days, the Forum tackled critical themes such as Seamless Climate Prediction and Services, Climate Dynamics, AI for Extreme Weather Forecasting, Atmospheric Rivers and Flood Resilience and Policy Framework for Net-Zero Transitions.
Looking ahead, the CCRS will serve as a hub for global partnerships, driving scalable solutions to secure a climate-resilient future.
- For more information about the Otto Poon Center for Climate Resilience and Sustainability, please visit: https://ccrs.hkust.edu.hk/
- For more information about the Climate, Weather and Water Forum 2025, please visit: https://cemlu.people.ust.hk/CWWF2025.html
About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (https://hkust.edu.hk/) is a world-class university that excels in driving innovative education, research excellence, and impactful knowledge transfer. With a holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy approach, HKUST was ranked 3rd in the Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings 2024, 19th Worldwide and No.1 in Hong Kong in Times Higher Education’s Impact Rankings. Thirteen HKUST subjects were ranked among the world’s top 50 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, with “Data Science and Artificial Intelligence” holding the 17th place, maintaining its position as first in Hong Kong. Our graduates are highly competitive, consistently ranking among the world’s top 30 most sought-after employees. In terms of research and entrepreneurship, over 80% of our work was rated “internationally excellent” or “world leading” in the latest Research Assessment Exercise 2020 of Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee. As of May 2025, HKUST members have founded over 1,800 active start-ups, including 10 Unicorns and 17 exits (IPO or M&A).
(This news was originally published by the HKUST Global Engagement and Communications Office here.)
