Exploring AI’s Next Frontier: HKUST and World Economic Forum Convene Young Global Leaders

From December 1 to 5, 2025, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), in partnership with the World Economic Forum (WEF), hosted the 2025 edition of the prestigious Young Global Leaders Education Module.

The flagship event, themed “Our AI Future is Now: Reflections and Next Directions,” brought together 35 influential young leaders from 24 countries and regions for an intensive exploration of artificial intelligence’s societal and economic implications. The program also served as a key milestone ahead of HKUST’s upcoming 35th Anniversary, underscoring the University’s commitment to fostering innovation-led global impact.

Marking the third consecutive year as the WEF’s exclusive academic partner in Greater China for the module, HKUST reaffirmed its role as a leading convener of dialogue on technology, sustainability, and leadership. Through curated seminars, fireside chats, and experiential sessions, participants examined AI’s transformative potential across sectors including healthcare, finance, climate action, and creative industries.

In his opening address, HKUST Provost Prof. GUO Yike highlighted both the urgency and the opportunity of the AI era: “As we stand at the crossroads of rapid technological evolution, AI has moved from concept to reality. This module is about engaging with AI critically, responsibly, and strategically.”

A standout session featured an open lecture by Dr. LI Yifan, Co-founder and CEO of Hesai Technology—the world’s leading LiDAR sensor manufacturer and a fellow Young Global Leader. In his presentation, “Infrastructure for AI – for both autonomous cars and robots,” Dr. Li detailed how integrated engineering innovation and scalable AI infrastructure are critical to advancing autonomous mobility and intelligent robotics, offering grounded insights from China’s technology landscape.

The module also featured perspectives from a distinguished roster of HKUST faculty and industry experts:

•    Carmen CHU, Executive Director (Banking Supervision) at the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), outlined HKMA’s supervisory approach to facilitate responsible AI innovation.
•    Jen ZHU SCOTT, Co-founder and CEO of Power Dynamics, delivered a keynote on the architecture of intelligence, examining the limitations of large language models and potential pathways for AI’s next evolution.
•    Prof. SU Hui, Global STEM Professor and Chair Professor in HKUST’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, presented pioneering research in AI-enhanced tropical cyclone forecasting that integrates satellite data with machine learning models.

Participants also engaged with HKUST alumni at the forefront of AI entrepreneurship, gaining insight into how the University’s innovation ecosystem supports startups translating research into real-world applications. A tour of the HKUST Von Neumann Institute offered delegates a firsthand look at emerging technologies, with an introduction by Prof. JIA Jiaya, Chair Professor of Computer Science and Engineering, to the latest breakthroughs in multimodal AI systems.

The program concluded with HKUST extending appreciation to the World Economic Forum, the dynamic cohort of Young Global Leaders, and all contributing speakers and faculty members. With top-tier academic programs, advanced research facilities, and sustained investment in AI and interdisciplinary leadership development, HKUST continues to strengthen its mission of shaping the future of technology and global stewardship.

Testimonials from the Young Global Leaders:

It was a fascinating immersion into AI with high quality speakers, professors and classmates. I found it valuable to pierce through the hype of AI and learn directly from the pioneers at the forefront.  The debates on the human implications of AI were deep as were the diverse geopolitical perspectives.  HKUST was the perfect place to have this — a global campus where East meets West with world class faculty and such a diverse and energizing student body.

—Haikal SIREGAR, Managing Director and Partner, Boston Consulting Group

Immersing myself in the AI landscape at HKUST campus was enlightening. The program highlighted that while AI is the engine of the future, compassionate leadership must be the steering wheel - linking to ethic and governance topics. I was deeply impressed by HKUST’s blend of academic rigor and practical foresight, and we YGL crew had such a wonderful time with the staff and professors and even HKUTS students on your beautiful campus! I leave with a renewed commitment to leveraging AI not just for efficiency, but to amplify human potential and drive inclusive growth. 

—Yen VU, Chief Executive Officer, Be Group

AI is transforming work at remarkable speed, and those who embrace it will outperform those who don’t. Explainability is still evolving, which makes humans-in-the-loop essential for accountability and ethics. What impressed me most at HKUST was that the professors weren't just teaching trends; they’re active researchers shaping the field, creating AI models themselves. The insights come from their own studies which makes the learning experience progressive and very unique.

—Roberto IBARRA, Chief Technology Officer, Expediente Azul

The World Economic Forum x HKUST Young Global Leaders Education Module, Our AI Future is Now, reinforced that AI is fundamentally a leadership question, not just a technology one. Through insights and discussions led by HKUST faculty and guest speakers, we were encouraged to examine AI's role in leadership critically. My key takeaway is the need for leaders to pair innovation with responsibility, and using AI to augment human potential, reduce inequality and build more resilient organisations. The future belongs to those who can steward AI with clarity, ethics and courage. 

—Muriel Thabile NGWATO, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Newzroom Afrika