SDG 1: No Poverty
Poverty is complex issue that demands a multifaceted approach. Through our academic programs, research endeavors, financial aid initiatives, and community engagement, HKUST seeks to pave the way for lasting change where everyone can access opportunities and a brighter future. Through financial aid initiatives, curriculum and community programs, we aim to foster an environment for students of all backgrounds can develop a deeper understanding of poverty-related challenges and equip them with interdisciplinary skills to address these issues.
Curriculum
37 related courses were offered in the 2022-23 academic year.
Research
According to Science Direct, from 2019 to 2023, HKUST published 44 research papers addressing SDG 1.
25% of them are in the top 10% cite score and around 73% are internationally co-authored.
Research Highlight
Publication
HKUST is actively conducting research addressing poverty-related issues.
In the publication of "Wealth Inequality and Endogenous Growth", the Center for Economy Policy explored the relationship of inequality and the economic growth.
Additional highlights for HKUST research effort on poverty related topics are " 'We Are the World': When More Equality Improves Efficiency and Antipandemic Consumption Are Intervened" and "Belt and Road Initiative and Cambodia: Capacity-building Challenges" showcasing the HKUST commitments.
Policy
Financial, basic needs, and education support
HKUST offers financial aid programs for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. The University Financial Assistance (UFA) is available to local students facing financial hardship, with assistance levels determined by their family's financial circumstances, including special provisions for Emergency Financial Assistance. The University also supports students with programmes such as Deferment of Tuition/Hall fees and a Loan Scheme for Off-campus Housing.
Students with demonstrated financial need are also be eligible for the “Work-Study” On-Campus Internship Program (WSOCIP). In addition to their allowance from their on-campus internship, they would also receive a dollar-to-dollar matching bonus from HKUST SFAO.
To further sustainable finance, the university also holds a special Personal Finance Ambassador Programme in collaboration with Career Sparkle for students to practice managing one's financial resources that balances both personal goals and long-term environmental and social sustainability.
Affordable Housing for Students
UG and PG students can apply for affordable residential halls all throughout Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer semesters. Due to limited bedspace, Priority Housing is given for students under specific circumstances while the alternative method takes into account one’s travelling time, contribution to campus life, etc. Moreover, HKUST Student Housing and Residential Life Office (SHRLO) also provides assistance for students seeking for off-campus housing.
Living Wage and Ethical Outsourcing for Staff and Faculty Members
HKUST is committed to ensuring that all employees and contractors serving on our campus receive at least a Living Wage, which is higher than the statutory minimum wage and ensures all living expenses can be covered without relying on external assistance.
The Code of Conduct for Outsourced Service Providers at HKUST ensures that contractors providing services to the university adhere to certain standards. These include being equal opportunity employers, maintaining safe and healthy working conditions, committing to environmentally friendly practices, upholding high ethical standards, and treating employees with respect. The code also holds subcontractors accountable to the same standards and encourages the employment of workers from outgoing contractors with comparable terms and conditions.
Community Engagement
HKUST Connect
HKUST Connect is a broad-based community education program that deepens student learning, raises civic awareness, and fosters sustainable partnerships with the wider community. With program like Struggle for Survival Poverty Simulation & Service and Street Cleaners and Scavengers Visit, students developed a sense of empathy and compassion towards those living in vulnerable circumstances and were inspired to make an impact on society, fostering a new generation of change makers to contribute towards the global goal of eradicating poverty and creating a more equitable and inclusive society.
Struggle for Survival Poverty Simulation & Service on 29 Oct 2022
Street Cleaners and Scavengers Visit on 9, 12 Sep 2022
Financial Aid & Education Program
Financial Aid
HKUST offers financial aid programs for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. The University Financial Assistance (UFA) is available to local students facing financial hardship, with assistance levels determined by their family's financial circumstances, including special provisions for Emergency Financial Assistance. The University also supports students with programmes such as Deferment of Tuition/Hall fees and a Loan Scheme for Off-campus Housing.
To further sustainable finance, the university also holds a special Personal Finance Ambassador Programme in collaboration with Career Sparkle for students to practice managing one's financial resources that balances both personal goals and long-term environmental and social sustainability.
Support for Start-up
HKUST supports local entrepreneurs through financial assistance and non-financial support to local startups. Notable funding schemes such as the HKUST Entrepreneurship Fund (E-Fund), HKUST Entrepreneurship Development Fund (EDF), and the Technology Start-up Support Scheme for Universities offer support for research and development, business, and market development activities. We prioritize startups with innovative technologies and business models, aiming to bring about social and economic impact, fostering knowledge transfer and promoting entrepreneurship within our local community.
MentorHUB@HKUST is an initiative to nurture and facilitate HKUST students with entrepreneurial mindsets through the provision of open and virtual mentoring for flexibility and diversity. HKUST further commits to assisting startup development and growth, theBASE, a co-working space holds entrepreneurial workshops and houses networking between start-up dwellers. As of 2022, the hub has facilitated 24 mentors, 460 mentees from 177 startups across 10 sectors and industries.
To enhance the visibility of these startups in the investor community, HKUST concluded UST Startup Runway 2022 on the September 21 and 22. With the total participation of 20 startups, the event saw over 3000 visitors.