10 IN FOCUS In the News A novel engineering undergraduate degree with an “extended” academic framework but no extension of the time required to graduate has been launched at the School of Engineering (SENG). Engineering + Arti cial Intelligence (AI) is due to be rolled out in the academic year as one of two pioneering extended bachelor degree programs under HKUST’s new “Major + X” degree structure. The initiative seeks to blend traditional programs with popular emerging areas, such as AI, o ering better integration of existing and new knowledge to respond to the changing needs of society. Engineering + AI will o er students from all SENG disciplines the opportunity to gain complementary cross-disciplinary understanding of AI in their major eld. The AI extension will utilize problem-solving skills, insights through a design thinking course and professional seminars in AI, and a capstone project enabling students to explore AI applications relevant to their discipline. Overall, it will involve approximately one additional course per term. The other extended degree program will be available to undergraduates in the School of Science. Students will still nish their degree program in four years, with a degree in their traditional major and the extended subject. Future extended majors may cover areas such as digital media and arts, ntech, and data science. First ‘Extended Major’ in Hong Kong The extended major format will enable HKUST engineering undergraduates to gain complementary cross-disciplinary understanding of AI in their major eld within a regular four-year degree time frame. Boost for innovation ‘dreamers’ A HK$ million donation to HKUST is set to enhance development in innovation and technology (I&T), research, and education at the University, with HK$ million used to set up a student scholarship recognizing academic excellence. The donation by Mr. Andy FEI Chi-En will see the establishment of the Fei Chi En Education and Research Fund. The scholarship will be named a er the Y-Lot Foundation, a charitable non-pro t organization founded by Mr. Fei to help young people build positive attitudes and values through collaborations with di erent sectors of the community. The Dream Team Open Lab, overseen by the School of Engineering, will also be renamed the Fei Chi En Dream Team Open Lab in appreciation of Mr. Fei’s support. The Lab o ers a place to bring together students from di erent schools and disciplines to turn their creative ideas into projects and prototypes for competitions. Mr. Fei said he hoped that the collaboration with HKUST would create a platform that provides more space for young people “to chase their dreams, develop more innovative products, and drive the development of the I&T industry in Hong Kong”. HKUST President Prof. Wei SHYY said he was grateful to Mr. Fei for his generosity and trust in the University. “We share the same mission with Mr. Fei on nurturing talents with global vision and commitment to serve the society.” A student explains the workings of a vehicle designed by the HKUST Electric Vehicle Racing Group to donor Mr. Andy Fei Chi-En in the newly named Fei Chi En Dream Team Open Lab.
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