The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) recently conducted a naming ceremony for the Futu Academic Pavilion, following a substantial donation of HKD 30 million from Futu Securities International (Hong Kong) Limited. This financial contribution is intended to advance the university’s efforts in innovation and research development, as well as to establish the Futu Scholarship, which aims to recognize outstanding undergraduate students at HKUST.
Futu Academic Pavilion Overview
The Futu Academic Pavilion, situated at the Lee Shau Kee Library, is designed as a multi-purpose learning facility to support teaching, group discussions, and individual study. This initiative reflects a collaboration between industry and academia, with a focus on talent development.
Ceremony Attendees
Attendees at the ceremony included notable figures such as Arthur Chen, Chief Financial Officer of Futu Holdings; Jeff Shi, Regional Director of Futu Securities; Daniel Tse, Managing Director of Futu Securities; and various representatives from HKUST, including President Nancy Ip and Vice-Presidents Charles Wang-Wai Ng and Tim Kwang-Ting Cheng.
Commitment to Innovation
During the event, Arthur Chen highlighted Futu’s commitment to transforming financial services through technology and discussed the scholarship program aimed at supporting future leaders in the fintech sector. He underscored that this partnership represents a strategic investment in promoting innovation both in Hong Kong and beyond.
University Leadership Acknowledgment
President Nancy Ip acknowledged Futu’s significant contribution, noting that it would enhance HKUST’s initiatives in scientific research and talent cultivation. She remarked on the shared values between Futu and the university, particularly in utilizing technology for societal benefit. Additionally, she mentioned ongoing collaborations on projects such as HKChat, a local generative AI public service initiative developed by HKUST scholars.
Donation Allocation and Scholarship Program
The donation allocation includes HKD 20 million to support academic research initiatives and promote excellence within the university, while HKD 10 million will fund the Futu Scholarship. This scholarship program is set to award 500 students over the next decade, targeting fields such as computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and finance and economics.
Partnership Goals
This partnership extends the commitment of both HKUST and Futu to drive innovation and nurture talent, with the objective of invigorating Hong Kong’s technology and fintech sectors. It fosters collaboration among students and researchers, contributing to the ongoing growth of these industries and reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as an international financial hub and a global innovation center.
(Source: HKUST)
