SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth 

Common Core Program

The Common Core Program requirements are mandatory for all undergraduate students, ensuring every graduate has the opportunity to engage with sustainability. For the 2024-25 academic year, over 20 Common Core courses are directly related to Sustainability and the SDGs, making sustainability education an integral part of the foundational curriculum for all students.

Extended Major in Sustainability

For students seeking deeper engagement, the Extended Major in Sustainability is available in combination with Science, Engineering, Business, Humanities and Social Science, and most Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies majors. In 2024-2025, it offers 55 courses covering a range of SDG topics, providing an interdisciplinary pathway for students across disciplines.

Other Relevant Programs

Additional specialized degree programs further integrate SDGs into the curriculum, including the BSc in Environmental Management and Technology (EVMT) , the BSc in Sustainable and Green Finance (SGFN) , and the BSc in Ocean Science and Technology (OST). These multi-disciplinary programs equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to address specific sustainability challenges.

For more details on the integration of SDGs across the HKUST curriculum, please click here.

HKUST offers courses such as:

 ISOM 3780 – Sustainable Supply Chain Management: Integrates sustainable practices to optimize cost savings and operational efficiency.  
ENVR 3310 – Green Business Strategy: Examines strategic opportunities from environmental challenges to create business value.  
MGMT 4220 – Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Introduces new business creation with emphasis on discovering innovation-enabled opportunities.  
FINA 4513 – Risk Management: Examines strategies for managing financial risks and balancing stakeholder obligations.

According to Science Direct, from 2021 to 2025, HKUST published 351 research papers addressing SDG 8. 

14.4% of them are in the top 10% cite score and around 73.2% are internationally co-authored. 

Publication

Beyond its efforts to foster a supportive working and learning environment, HKUST is also advancing SDG 8 through research that promotes decent work, economic productivity, and sustainable growth. The following publications highlight the university's commitment to addressing challenges related to SDG 7: 

Dynamic Formalization Zones for Street Vending: Balancing Livelihoods and Governance 

HKUST researchers have developed a model for creating dynamic formalization zones that balance street vendors' need for public space with urban governance objectives. This approach supports the informal economy, which provides livelihoods for millions of urban poor, while promoting pathways to formalization and improved working conditions. By recognizing street vending as a legitimate economic activity, the model contributes to SDG 8's goals of decent work, job creation, and sustainable economic growth. 

HKUST Develops AI Model that Recommends Job Skills Based on Market Trends 

HKUST researchers have developed an AI model that recommends job skills by analyzing changing labor market demands. The system provides personalized, long-term career guidance with clear explanations for its suggestions. This AI model aids workers in making informed decisions about skill development, enhancing employability, and promoting more inclusive economic growth. 

Living Wage Commitment

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 provides better financial security beyond meeting their basic needs.

Fair Employment Terms

HKUST values employee freedom of association and has established the HKUST Staff Association, which facilitates social, cultural, and recreational activities among staff members while protecting their welfare. This association serves as a vital communication link between the university and its employees, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are upheld.

Also, HKUST abides by the Employment of Children Regulations, made under the Employment Ordinance (Cap. 57), which prohibits the employment of children in non-industrial establishments, forced labour human trafficking, and modern slavery. 

Guidelines on Additional Payment for Participation in Additional University Activities

In the case where staff or faculties engage in additional work outside their primary responsibilities, the university is obligated to compensate staff fairly for work beyond their normal duties as stated in the Guidelines on Additional Payment for Participation in Additional University Activities.

Staff Grievance Procedures

HKUST has established Staff Grievances Procedures to address employment-related concerns in an impartial and timely manner. Supervisors are responsible for actively listening to staff members' concerns and resolving them informally whenever possible. Face-to-face communication is encouraged, and if an informal resolution is reached, a written record should be kept. If an issue cannot be resolved informally, staff members can raise the matter formally following the prescribed procedures. 

HKUST Staff Mobile Computing Guidelines 

The Staff Mobile Computing Guidelines facilitates remote working by equipping staff to transition from desktop PCs to laptops. The guidelines highlight the benefits in employee well-being through flexible office design and work-life balance, strengthening HKUST's employer value proposition and competitiveness, enhancing staff productivity, transparency and efficiency through digitalization, and improving university agility and resilience.

HKUST Champions Sustainable Economic Growth at Global Development Congress

HKUST participated as Track Partner for "Cities and Communities" at the Global Sustainable Development Congress 2025 in Istanbul, where the University also ranked 19th globally and #1 in Hong Kong in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025—excelling in SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Faculty led sessions on smart cities, water-energy-food systems, and urban resilience, with experts including Prof. Hong LO discussing AI and IoT integration for livable cities, Prof. Alexis LAU and Prof. CHEN Fei sharing insights on predictive analytics for urban climate resilience, and Prof. Mohamed Salah GHIDAOUI exploring the water-energy-food nexus. HKUST also showcased its latest sustainable technologies—including vertical solar panels, eco-bricks, and multipurpose nano coatings—and convened partner institutions to advance the joint-university declaration on carbon neutrality through campus living labs. The event reinforced HKUST's role in fostering partnerships that align economic growth with environmental and social goals, driving sustainable development through innovation and cross-sector collaboration.

HKUST and Asian Universities Alliance Partner to Empower Next-Generation Social Entrepreneurs

HKUST hosted the AUA-HKUST Entrepreneurship Bootcamp 2024, bringing together 44 aspiring students from 14 universities across Asia for an intensive 7-day program focused on social entrepreneurship. Participants gained critical skills in design thinking, pitching, and business modeling through workshops, a site visit to WEEE Park for insights on e-waste sustainability, and networking with startups at HKSTP. By equipping young entrepreneurs with tools to create positive social impact and fostering cross-border collaboration, this initiative supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable economic development

HKUST and ESSEC Business School Forge Double Degree Partnership to Drive Global Business Talent

HKUST Business School has signed an MoU with France's ESSEC Business School to launch a double degree partnership for MSc programs, strengthening academic ties between Hong Kong and France. This strategic alliance offers students a unique opportunity to benefit from the combined expertise of two world-class institutions, preparing them for leadership roles in the global business community. 

HKUST Green Tech Summit Drives Sustainable Economic Growth Through Cross-Sector Collaboration

HKUST co-organized the Hong Kong Green Tech Summit in partnership with Go Impact and MioTech, bringing together over 50 expert speakers and 350 participants from academia, technology, and sustainable finance. Key discussions addressed sustainable economic transformation, green talent development, and the Greater Bay Area's potential as a global hub for green innovation. HKUST faculty highlighted efforts in cultivating multi-disciplinary talent for sustainable and green finance, bridging the gap between sustainability education and workforce needs.

Nurturing Startups

Through collaboration with Sino Group, HKUST held the HKUST-Sino One Million Dollar Entrepreneurship Competition 2025 to nurture innovative ideas and entrepreneurial talents from across Hong Kong, Mainland China, and internationally. Out of 348 entries, over 80% featured Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) elements, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development mandate. The competition showcased 15 finalists with groundbreaking ideas in pest control, sustainable construction materials, and agricultural technology. This initiative contributes to HKUST's broader entrepreneurial ecosystem—as of May 2025, HKUST has been associated with over 1,800 active start-ups, with 17 exits and 10 unicorns.

HKUST Staff Association

HKUST Staff Association is established with the mission of promoting social, cultural, and recreational activities among staff members and protecting the welfare of HKUST staff while acting as a communication link between the University and its staff members. The association also provides financial assistance in times of need and difficulty for eligible members. 

Staff Volunteering Program 

Since the launch of the staff volunteering policy in 2022, full-time staff can now take four days each calendar year to participate in volunteering services in Hong Kong and in Wellness/Diversity & Equal Opportunities initiatives organized by the University. This empowers employees to grow professionally while addressing societal needs, modelling how institutes can integrate economic productivity with social progress. 

"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.  

Start-Ups

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.    

Local Start-up Assistance

HKUST supports local entrepreneurs through financial assistance and non-financial support to local startups. Notable funding schemes such as the HKUST Entrepreneurship Fund, HKUST Entrepreneurship Development Fund, 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. 

Career Services

The HKUST Career Center was established to provide support and aid students plan for their future success entering the job market. The department offers services in forms of Career Advising, Career Building Courses, Career Mosaic as well as Designing Your Life Workshops.

Within a year, HKUST university advisors held approximately 1,900 career consultations, providing students proper guidance before entering the workforce. Additionally, through the “Ask Me Anything” chat series, 50 alumni shared career guidance to current students in one-on-one sessions.  

Through the courses and workshops, students are able to take aptitude tests, learn proper CV making, garner crucial interview skills. While Career Mosaic 2025 provided opportunities for students to get connected to recruiting managers and company representatives in job fairs and firm visits of various industries. 

Alumni Support

In addition to the career development initiatives for current students, HKUST also offers ongoing support to its alumni through regular events and networking opportunities to assist alumni in their job search and professional growth. HKUST also provides access to startup support programs and entrepreneurship competitions, which can potentially lead to funding opportunities for alumni looking to launch their own ventures. This holistic support system helps HKUST alumni stay engaged with the university and capitalize on the university's extensive network and expertise, even after they've completed their studies.