CUHK inaugurated four new Jockey Club (JC) STEM Labs on 13 November, marking a significant leap forward in the university’s pursuit of pioneering scientific research. This milestone was made possible by a HK$39.8 million donation from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust.

The newly established labs, led by four Global STEM Scholars, represent CUHK’s strategic focus on advancing cutting-edge research:

• The JC STEM Lab of Advanced Wireless Networks for Mission-Critical Automation and Intelligence, led by Professor Lin Xiaojun, will develop next-generation wireless technologies to meet the rigorous demands of industrial automation and collaborative AI.​
• The JC STEM Lab of AI for Science and Engineering, led by Professor Ouyang Wanli, aims to drive breakthroughs in scientific research through AI, boosting efficiency and enabling new industrial applications.​
• The JC STEM Lab of Computational Genomics, led by Professor Sung Wing-kin, will utilise computational and genomic technologies to create accurate and cost-effective platforms for identifying disease-causing genomic mutations and treatment options.​
• The JC STEM Lab of Integration of Machine Learning and Symbolic Reasoning, led by Professor Pan Jialin, seeks to advance AI by integrating data-driven machine learning models with symbolic reasoning techniques.​

At the ceremony, CUHK Provost Professor Isabella Poon Wai-yin (above, third from left), expressed her gratitude for the Trust’s support: “CUHK will soon launch the Strategic Plan 2026–2030, which defines our new directions to align with institutional aspirations, national strategies and global trends for the coming five years. The inauguration of the four JC STEM Labs today will enable us to take a leap forward towards our goals, adding to the vibrancy of CUHK’s innovation ecosystem.”

Ms Elsie Tsang (above, third from right), Executive Manager of Charities (Children & Youth in Families) for the Trust, said the launch of four new JC STEM Labs was a powerful symbol of the deep and productive partnership between the Trust and CUHK. “Education is at the heart of the Trust’s mission, and STEM is a key driver of our future. Our commitment to these efforts underscores the Club’s purpose: to strive continuously for the betterment of society,”​ she said.

With these additions, CUHK now boasts a total of nine JC STEM Labs funded by the Trust. This initiative supports the government’s Global STEM Professorship Scheme, which aims to nurture local STEM talent, translate research into tangible social impact, and expand Hong Kong’s innovation and technology pool for the long term.​