A Visionary Beginning

The ceremony welcomed esteemed guests, including Professor Dong SUN, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, and Professor Xiang ZHANG, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKU. Their presence underscored the importance of the School’s mission to nurture talent in critical areas such as computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, fintech, and actuarial science.

In his opening remarks, President ZHANG emphasised the transformative potential of digital technologies and AI in education. He stated, “The creation of this new School is much more than gathering our faculty members; it brings synergy to explore the frontier of AI and address how education will be transformed.” His vision highlights HKU’s commitment to making a meaningful impact not only in Hong Kong but globally.

Cultivating Future Innovators

Professor Dong SUN echoed this sentiment, noting the growing demand for skilled professionals in the innovation and technology sector. He remarked, “These programmes will play a key role in cultivating the problem-solvers and innovators of tomorrow.” The School of CDS aims to align with the Government’s objectives to enhance the I&T talent pool and drive the growth of a data-based digital economy.

Professor Yi MA, Director of the School of CDS, outlined the School’s mission to transcend traditional educational boundaries. He stated, “We are dedicated to nurturing a vibrant academic platform that fosters transformative education, multidisciplinary research, and technological innovation.” The School is committed to forging strategic partnerships with leading institutions and industry leaders, including collaborations with Tsinghua University and the Zhejiang Lab.

Inspiring Keynote Addresses

The ceremony featured keynote speeches from distinguished figures in the field, including Professor Shing-tung YAU from Tsinghua University and Dr Qi LU, Founder of MiraclePlus, former President and COO of Baidu and the Executive Vice President of Microsoft and Yahoo. Their insights on the intersection of artificial intelligence and education inspired attendees and highlighted the importance of innovation in today’s rapidly evolving landscape.

Looking Ahead

Officially established on 1 July 2024, the School of Computing and Data Science is set to reform traditional educational frameworks to meet the needs of an ever-changing industry. With plans to offer a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes beginning in the academic year 2025-26, the School is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of technology and data science education.

As we embark on this exciting journey, CDS is committed to fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence, ensuring that our graduates are well-equipped to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.