The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) received a generous donation of HK$150 million from Dr. Martin LEE Ka-shing, Chairman of Henderson Land Group, in support of HKUST's ongoing efforts in innovation and entrepreneurship. In appreciation of Dr. Lee's benevolent support, HKUST named the new research building "Martin Ka Shing Lee Innovation Building". The University celebrated the groundbreaking of its new research building today.
As a new landmark of the University, Martin Ka Shing Lee Innovation Building will provide much-needed additional facilities for multiple disciplines in science and engineering, seeking to bring the University's research, industrial collaboration and translational activities to the next level.
Located near the South entrance of HKUST's Clear Water Bay campus, the new building is set to have eight stories with a net operational floor area of approximately 5,100 square meters (m2), of which 3,500m2 will be laboratory areas spanning fields of robotics, AI, data science, sustainability living and health science. The building is designed to foster an open, collaborative and innovative learning environment for students, and to promote cross-disciplinary and collaborative research opportunities for faculty members. Photovoltaic panels will also be installed on the rooftop for environmental sustainability purposes. Additionally, it will provide pedestrian linkage - comprising a bridge connected to Lee Shau Kee Campus and a covered walkway to Cheng Yu Tung Building, for convenient access within the HKUST campus.
Officiating at the groundbreaking ceremony, Dr. Martin LEE Ka-shing, Chairman of Henderson Land Group, said, "In recent years, innovation and technology (I&T) has played an increasingly pivotal role in Hong Kong's - as well as Mainland China's - development direction, and it is also a major growth driver of Hong Kong's economy. I feel immensely honored to be able to offer my support to the University and to the Innovation Building project, which aims to provide a space for research and entrepreneurial activities to flourish, and for students to give full play to their ingenuity so that more future elites can be nurtured. Upon its completion, I hope that the building will serve as a collaborative platform between HKUST and the wider industry, allowing fresh ideas to bear fruit while shaping a better Hong Kong."
HKUST President Prof. Nancy IP said in her welcome remarks, "I would like to express our sincere gratitude to Dr. Martin Lee for his trust in HKUST, and his generous donation for the establishment of the Martin Ka Shing Lee innovation building. The building will serve as a 'living lab' for cross-disciplinary research, providing an experimental ground our young people to realize their dreams and put ideas into action. HKUST will step up in its efforts to grow more startups, and translating basic science into technology with positive societal impact for the creation of a vibrant innovation ecosystem."
In support of the Government's agenda of turning Hong Kong into an international I&T hub, HKUST has long been finding extra space and resources in its goal to enhance research and education in the fields of I&T and entrepreneurship, and Martin Ka Shing Lee Innovation Building comes perfectly in line with the University's vision. The building adopts an open-plan design, with shared breakout rooms and different function space for exhibition and workshops to facilitate interaction, collaboration and learning experiences.
Construction work of the Building is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2025.
