#China #Hong Kong #HKUST #Jensen Huang #Gala Dinner

HKUST Foundation Gala Dinner: A Celebration of Innovation and Philanthropy

Last Saturday, a remarkable gathering took place at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) during the inaugural Gala Dinner, marking a pivotal moment for the newly established HKUST Foundation. This distinguished event attracted over 200 influential leaders from various sectors, including academia, industry, and philanthropy, and successfully raised an impressive sum of more than HK$35 million to propel future innovations and nurture talent.

The event was emblematic of the shared dedication within the community to foster creativity and excellence. A significant portion of the evening's success was credited to the unique auction of iconic leather jackets, signed by none other than Dr. Jensen Huang, the founder and CEO of NVIDIA. His involvement didn't stop there; Dr. Huang also pledged to match donations raised through the auction, contributing an additional HK$10 million from his foundation. This generous act is set to create the HKUST Top Engineering Scholars Award, which will recognize outstanding undergraduate and PhD students for their academic and research achievements.

A Gathering of Visionaries

The Gala commenced with welcoming speeches from distinguished figures, including HKUST Council Chairman Prof. Harry Shum and President Prof. Nancy Ip, alongside HKUST Foundation Chairman Prof. Albert Ip. Their addresses set the tone for the evening, celebrating the collaboration between supporters and the foundation aimed at enhancing the university’s initiatives in research and education.

Attendees included notable personalities like Dr. Li Ning, Chairman of the Viva Group, and illustrious alumni who have significantly impacted their fields. The presence of such esteemed guests underscored the importance of partnership in advancing HKUST's mission of transforming education and innovation.

Highlights of the Evening

The charity auction, expertly conducted by Ms. Jin Ling, showcased several items that drew eager bids from attendees. Apart from the signed jackets by Dr. Huang, highlights included rare wine selections donated by Dr. the Hon. Henry Tang, and a stunning ink wash painting by renowned artist Yvonne Chow. Each item sold reinforced the collective spirit of generosity that characterized the evening.

Moreover, a series of performances enriched the gala experience. The University Philharmonic Orchestra set a splendid mood with a moving performance featuring distinguished musicians. Following that, a captivating guzheng duet by Dr. Raymond Chan and Prof. Xu Lingzi earned thunderous applause from the audience. These performances not only entertained but also highlighted the university's commitment to nurturing artistic talent.

A Future Driven by Collaboration

Prof. Harry Shum expressed deep appreciation for the contributions, emphasizing that this gathering marked a crucial step in the university’s journey towards becoming a global innovation leader. Prof. Nancy Ip, in her speech, echoed this sentiment, stating that the support received will significantly impact the institution's ability to cultivate leaders who will drive future scientific breakthroughs.

“HKUST is where curiosity meets impact,” she said, reinforcing the university’s mission to inspire and educate the next generation of innovators.

Prof. Albert Ip added that the event symbolizes the foundation's influence on education and philanthropy, spotlighting the need for continued collaboration among all stakeholders to build a brighter future.

Conclusion

The fundraising triumph of the Gala Dinner is set to pave the way for HKUST's ambitious plans to advance education and research through fostering exceptional talent. As the proceeds from such pivotal events are funneled into the university's programs, there's a sense of excitement and optimism about the future, both for HKUST and for the broader community it serves.

With the successful launch of the HKUST Foundation, and the generous contributions made, the journey ahead is promising, filled with the potential for groundbreaking innovation and transformative education.