SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
HKUST undertakes conscious effort to create a more inclusive and equitable society. The university regularly conducts research initiatives to identify strategies to address inequalities and related challenges, and our campus provides a diverse range of facilities to support students and staff with different needs. Our programs, events, and partnerships promote awareness and empathy, building a community that values and embraces diversity while also looking beyond the campus boundaries to serve others.
Curriculum
23 related courses were offered in the 2023-24 academic year.
Research
According to Science Direct, from 2020 to 2024, HKUST published 139 research papers addressing SDG 10.
15.83% of them are in the top 10% cite score and 72.3% are internationally co-authored.
Research Highlights
Publication
HKUST is actively conducting research addressing social inequality.
In the publication of "Leveraging age diversity for organizational performance: An intellectual capital perspective", researcher from HKUST revealed that age diversity was positively associated with organizational performance through the mediation of increased human and social capital.
Additional highlights for HKUST research effort on poverty related topics are " Trade liberalization and labor monopsony: Evidence from Chinese firms " and " The Value of Regulators as Monitors: Evidence from Banking " showcasing the HKUST commitments.
Policy
HKUST is dedicated to promoting equal opportunities and eradicating discrimination through our Equal Opportunities and Anti-Discrimination Policy. Aligned with our Strategic Plan 2031, we strive to create an inclusive and open environment where all members of our community are treated fairly and provided with equal opportunities. Procedures for Handling Discrimination and Harassment Complaints has been implemented, replacing the Policy on Sexual Harassment, offering a more comprehensive, transparent, and accountable approach for handling discrimination and harassment matters at the University. Reporting to the University Administrative Committee, the Diversity and Equal Opportunities Committee (DEOC) has been established to oversee equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion matters, and to spearhead flagship engagement programs such as Global Diversity Awareness Month.
Collaboration
HKUST Recruits Top Indonesian Students with Indonesian Government Partnership
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) signed a landmark agreement with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia (MoECRT), marking a significant milestone in international education collaboration. Through this partnership, HKUST becomes the first university in Hong Kong to nurture outstanding Indonesian undergraduates under the Indonesia Education Scholarship for Degree Program.
This partnership with the Indonesian Government exemplifies HKUST’s dedication to open opportunities for talented individuals from all parts of the world, regardless of their socioeconomic circumstances.
HKUST representatives including Prof. Guo Yike (fifth left), Associate Provost (Teaching & Learning) Prof. Jimmy FUNG (fourth left) and Director of Undergraduate Recruitment & Admissions Office Prof. Emily NASON (third left) welcome the Indonesian Government delegation.
Financial, Basic Needs, and Education Support
University Financial Assistance
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.
"Work-Study" On-Campus Internship Program
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.
Personal Finance Ambassador Programme
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.
Accessible Facilities and Services
The University is dedicated to ensuring our facilities and services are accessible to every member of the University, including individuals with disabilities. By incorporating inclusive design and supportive features, we aim to remove barriers and provide an equitable experience for the HKUST community. Our accessible facilities include on-campus Welcab Service, tactile guide paths and barrier-free access, and lifts with braille markers.
Community Engagement
Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity (DEI) Awareness Workshops
University-wide publicity campaigns were held to promote understanding and appreciation of diversity. These included celebrations of significant international diversity-related dates, such as International Women’s Day, International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, and Global Diversity Awareness Month.
The topic “Diversity and Equal Opportunities @ HKUST” was introduced in both staff and new student orientations to familiarize members with HKUST culture, policies, and available support. Workshops on a wide array of topics related to diversity, inclusion, and equity (DEI), such as sign language, neurodiversity, and unconscious bias, attracted over 1,500 participants.
SENtastic Staff Week
To promote a positive and inclusive environment while actively involving staff in supporting students with special educational needs (SEN), the SENtastic Staff Week was successfully held in April 2024. The event featured a thought-provoking drama performance, discussions on diversity and inclusion, and workshops on neurodiversity, attracting over 150 staff members who actively engaged in the activities. Moving forward, the University is committed to further involving and educating staff on how to support students with SEN collaboratively, cultivating a more inclusive campus environment that meets the diverse needs of all students.
Funding Scheme for Student Activities on SEN
The University is committed to creating and promoting a positive learning environment that provides equal opportunities for all students. As part of the HKUST community, students, staff, and faculty members are encouraged to cultivate campus inclusion and enhance disability awareness and accessibility.
The Funding Scheme for Student Activities on Special Educational Needs (SEN) supports student initiatives to organize events and activities that educate the HKUST community on the needs and concerns of students with SEN. This scheme aims to increase student leaders' knowledge on SEN, discourage discrimination, celebrate diversity, and foster the integration of students with SEN into daily campus life.
Barrier-free Discovery Tour to Singapore
To foster the development of students with SEN and raise awareness among faculty and staff about inclusive practices, SEN Support organized a Barrier-Free Discovery Tour to Singapore from 4 to 9 June 2024. The tour aimed to empower participants through firsthand experiences of inclusiveness and accessibility, with visits to universities and organizations showcasing best practices. 15 students and 16 staff members actively engaged in the tour, leading to increased awareness and proactive involvement. Several offices are now planning and implementing the insights gained from the tour on campus, contributing to a culture of inclusivity within the university community.
Guilin Service Learning
In January 2024, 14 dedicated HKUST student volunteers embarked on a one-week service-learning trip to Jian-An Primary School in Guilin, China, in collaboration with the Y.L. Yang Foundation. Since 2007, the Y.L. Yang Foundation has implemented learning camps in rural areas in China, opening opportunities for primary school students to learn and receive tutoring. A key focus of the trip was for the volunteers to build meaningful relationships and connections with the local primary school students while also educating them on the importance of biodiversity and environmental protection.
After conducting workshops, the children collaborated to design creative solutions to local environmental challenges, and on the final day, they proudly presented their projects to the volunteers. Throughout the trip, the HKUST students not only uplift the primary school children in their academic pursuit but also gained invaluable personal growth through the meaningful relationships they built.
A class picture with the volunteers and the children.
The DSE Squad
In collaboration with the local charitable organization Project WeCan, volunteers from HKUST Connect joined forces to provide tutorial classes and support to students from HKTA The Yuen Yuen Institute No.3 Secondary School. The focus of the tutorials was to prepare Form 5 students for their upcoming HKDSE exams, with a specific emphasis on Physics and Maths. This helps level the playing field for those who may be less privileged to not have additional education resources in their preparations.
