The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and Zhejiang University (ZJU) recently co-hosted the Pacific Asia and Australasia Regional Finals of the 2025-26 Global Sustainability Challenge at ZJU's Zijingang campus in Hangzhou. The inaugural competition, initiated by the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, brings together leading educational institutions and experts around the world to provide a platform for students to design, implement, and showcase innovative sustainability solutions. Ten outstanding teams, including one from HKUST, have advanced to the global finale in April to compete for the championship.
In his opening speech, Dr. Arun MAJUMDAR, Dean of the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability remarked, "Today, we celebrate more than just a competition. We celebrate the curiosity that leads to discovery, the compassion that leads to community impact, and the courage that leads to change. These contributions will help shape a more just, resilient, and thriving planet for all."
Prof. REN Shaobo, Chairman of the Zhejiang University Council, noted, "This competition has provided a platform for young talents across the Asia Pacific region to learn from one another, and demonstrate their capabilities." He extended his best wishes to all participants, adding, "May you broaden your horizons through competition, build consensus through collaboration, and gain knowledge, friendship, and personal growth through dialogue and the exchange of ideas."
Prof. TAM Kar-Yan, HKUST Vice-President for Administration and Business expressed gratitude to all founding partners for creating this global platform, stating, "HKUST is committed to advancing sustainability, fostering collaboration, and empowering young minds to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. This competition unites students from various countries, cultures, and disciplines to co-create solutions that are both locally relevant and globally scalable. It exemplifies the power of diverse perspectives and stands as a testament to the impact of youth-driven change and collective action."
Prof. YANG Wei, ZJU Professor and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, encouraged participating students by saying, "While it is essential to deepen your expertise and master the 'hard skills' needed to tackle specific challenges, you must also embrace the world by developing the 'soft skills' of understanding diverse cultures and committing to the common good. This competition is like a miniature 'global laboratory,' and we look forward to seeing young people grow into towering trees that drive positive global development."
The Pacific Asia and Australasia Regional Finals were held from January 17 to 18, 2026, drawing students from across the region. A total of 67 interdisciplinary teams were shortlisted, including 15 teams that comprised HKUST students. Participants presented their innovative solutions to address two pressing global challenges: Sustainable Energy, as well as Adaptation and Resilience. The competition featured live project demonstrations, engaging presentations, and inspiring exchange of ideas among the brightest young minds, enriched by insights from sustainability experts.
The participating teams impressed the judges with their creative approaches, rigorous research, and commitment to sustainability. Ultimately, ten teams progressed to the global finale, including "Impacta," a team formed by HKUST students. The team provided an innovative idea that incentivize aquaculture farmers to adopt sustainable practices by using IoT technology to enhance product value and increase monetization potential. The selected teams will participate in the global finale on April 29 this year at the Technical University of Munich in Germany, competing for the championship against elite from three regions: South Asia and the Middle East, Europe and Africa, and the Americas.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Kenneth Kai-Ming LEUNG, HKUST Director of Sustainability/Net-Zero Office, expressed gratitude to Zhejiang University for their warm hospitality toward all visiting faculties and students. He stated, "The winning team was composed of members from different disciplines, and their success demonstrated that cross-disciplinary collaboration is crucial in addressing sustainability challenges."
The Global Sustainability Challenge is an annual international competition initiated by the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability and supported by a consortium of leading education institutions and experts worldwide. In addition to HKUST and Zhejiang University, the founding partners include the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Imperial College London, the Technical University of Munich, Young Global Impact, MakerGhat, and Maker Bhavan Foundation.
