|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) has launched the College of Computing, a strategic initiative aimed at advancing interdisciplinary research, attracting top-tier talent, and driving innovation for societal and economic betterment. The aim is to bolster Hong Kong’s educational and scientific progress, positioning the region as a key player in the global innovation and technology landscape.
In response to the rapidly evolving, computing-driven environment of the 21st century, CityUHK recognises the increasing convergence of various interdisciplinary fields, including Computer Science, Data Science, Biostatistics, and Bioinformatics. These fields are closely tied to the advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI), which holds significant potential for innovation and societal transformation. By elevating these disciplines to the level of a college, CityUHK aims to enhance collaboration among faculty and emphasise the critical role of computing in future developments.
The new College of Computing is expected to make substantial contributions not only to Hong Kong but also to the Greater Bay Area and the global community. The initiative reflects CityUHK’s commitment to addressing the demands of a digitally transformed world, where interdisciplinary expertise is increasingly essential.
The President of CityUHK highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary convergence in modern education. He described the establishment of the College of Computing as a strategic, forward-looking initiative designed to nurture the next generation of technology innovators, scholars, and pioneers. These individuals are poised to shape the future in a new era characterised by data-driven computing, powered by AI.
The CUHK President also noted that the new College would enable the university to respond more effectively to global digital transformation, workforce demands, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, ultimately positioning CityUHK at the forefront of educational and scientific advancement both in Hong Kong and internationally.
The College of Computing will officially begin operations on 1 September 2024. It will comprise three constituent units: the Department of Biostatistics (currently part of the College of Science), the Department of Computer Science (currently within the College of Engineering), and the Department of Data Science (which will be restructured from the existing School of Data Science). Despite the restructuring, the university has assured that the provision of all, existing undergraduate and postgraduate programs offered by these departments and the School of Data Science will remain unchanged. This approach is intended to ensure a seamless transition for students, with no disruption to their academic progress.
CityUHK undertook a comprehensive review of its existing academic structure and related disciplines to assess the feasibility and potential benefits of establishing the new College. This review was conducted by a task force convened by the university, which explored various aspects of the academic environment and the alignment of the proposed College with the university’s strategic goals.
The Dean of the College of Computing (designate) and Chairperson of the task force, noted that the proposal received strong support from faculty members of the relevant departments and the School of Data Science, as well as from current students, alumni, and industry professionals. The new College aims to excel in computer science, data science, and statistics, fostering collaborative research efforts to develop advanced analytical tools and AI-driven solutions to address global challenges. Additionally, the College seeks to cultivate a diverse international community, equipping students with the skills and mindset necessary to drive impactful change across various industries.
CityUHK has been a leader in the field of AI and related disciplines, and the establishment of the College of Computing represents a continuation of this leadership. In line with this commitment, the university entered into a strategic cooperation framework with the International Artificial Intelligence Industry Alliance (AIIA) on 13 August 2024, aimed at leveraging the strengths of both parties in AI and engaging in comprehensive, multi-level cooperation focused on AI empowerment.
