Inspiring Sustainability: Next Gen Leaders in the Making
HKUST embraced a multifaceted approach to empower young changemakers. In a recent display of dedication to sustainability and community involvement, we hosted a few impactful events that aim to inspire and create opportunities for the next wave of sustainability advocates.
The One Earth NextGen Leaders Programme
The One Earth NextGen Leaders Programme was collaboratively orchestrated by the Institute of Sustainability and Technology (IST) and the Temasek Foundation, which united over 100 young changemakers from Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Mainland China. This dynamic program saw NexGen Leaders engage in immersive workshops, collaborative projects, and thought-provoking discussions centered on sustainability.
The final day of the programme was kicked off at the HKUST Sustainable Smart Campus (SSC) hub and the HKUST Entrepreneurship Center, where our NextGen Leaders learned how to use the campus as a living lab to test their ideas and utilize university resources to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. The day culminated in an Ideathon, showcasing the brilliance of NextGen Leaders in presenting innovative solutions. Judges including Dr Kenneth Leung, Director of HKUST Sustainabiity/Net-Zero Office were captivated by the creativity and dedication displayed, reflecting a promising future for sustainability.
The programme stands as a beacon in empowering young leaders to tackle pressing environmental and social challenges. We are honored to be one of the partners for this meaningful initiative.
ESF Schools Visit
During the ESF school visits, HKUST continued its mission to educate and inspire the younger generation about sustainable practices. Welcoming 30 student ambassadors and teachers from ESF King George V School and ESF West Island School were winning teams from this year’s Living Lab Student Competition—Receipt Fly, ReUST ReLoved, and UST Corer— who shared their innovative solutions to campus challenges. The visit also provided them insights into our SSC projects led by faculty on their research.
Continuing the enthusiasm, we hosted 120 energetic Year 6 students from ESF Clearwater Bay School the next day. Through campus tour and interactions with project manager, students gained practical experiences related to renewable energy system and sustainability initiatives, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications.
The visits not only offered a glimpse into sustainable campus practices but also empowered students to become ambassadors for sustainability within their own educational communities. Through these collaborative efforts, HKUST hopes to nurture sustainability through community engagement, inspiring individuals of all ages to embrace environmental stewardship and work towards a more sustainable future.
