As outlined in the University’s 10-year strategic development blueprint, Vision for 2026–2035: Leadership for Impact, one of its missions is to transform the University by exploiting and exploring artificial intelligence to its fullest. HKU is committed to empowering its staff and students to explore AI responsibly, creatively, and effectively. In addition to the mandatory AI literacy course for all undergraduates admitted to HKU starting from the 2025–26 academic year, the University has also launched a comprehensive and ongoing series of AI capacity-building initiatives tailored for different members of the campus community.
‘AI for Work @HKU’ is an ongoing workplace initiative designed and launched specifically to encourage university-wide AI learning and adoption amongst colleagues. Through practical workshops, small-group skills clinics, innovation challenges and online learning resources, the programme helps colleagues build confidence and use AI safely and effectively at work. Over the past 12 months, it recorded over 1,200 staff attendances.
An important component of this initiative was the AI Innovation Challenge Day that was held in March 2026. The event brought together over 300 colleagues to apply AI tools and skills to HKU-inspired workplace challenges involving communications, information synthesis, data handling, workflow and project planning, visual content creation, research support and responsible AI use.
Outstanding participants of the Challenge were celebrated at the AI Recognition Ceremony 2026 held on October 21, where over 30 colleagues were presented with Visionary Awards in recognition of their willingness to question familiar routines, test new approaches and apply professional judgment to real workplace needs.
“You are going to be the seed for the future of AI administration of this University,” said HKU President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Xiang Zhang to the awardees. “You are the first batch of pioneers. We want you to continue, not only at your own desk doing AI, but also tell your other colleagues how you use this, and inspire them, and bring them together. And that’s the purpose of why we try to build this AI admin community.”
The award recipients came from faculties and central administrative units, and included colleagues in academic, research, technical, information technology, professional and administrative roles. Their participation demonstrates the relevance of practical AI capability across the University’s teaching, research and institutional services.
At the ceremony, two awardees shared what they had taken away from the experience. Ms Fendy Li, Director of Operations at the Centre on Contemporary China and the World, described how she felt that AI could support the drafting and review of professional communications, proposals and reports while leaving accuracy, judgment and accountability with the user.
Dr Shan Zhang, Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, described how AI can assist with programming, data-related research work and academic writing, although subject expertise and repeated human review remained essential.
Learning takes time, while changes in behaviour, established practices and organisational culture take longer. By starting with broad-based individual capability building, the University is creating opportunities for colleagues to explore AI, develop confidence and participate in shaping change. The AI for Work @HKU initiative also provides a foundation for reviewing and redesigning established practices through practical experience. Recognising that transformation requires sustained learning, experimentation and collaboration, HKU aims to navigate change responsibly and strengthen its ability to lead in an AI-enabled world.
Mr Paul Choi, Director of Human Resources, noted that there will be a shift in emphasis in the coming year. “Last year, this programme helped our colleagues understand AI and build their confidence. In the coming year, our goal is to help colleagues put that knowledge into practice,” he said.
The next phase of AI for Work @HKU will focus on turning capability into impact. While continuing to strengthen AI literacy and responsible use, the programme will support leaders, departments and AI Champions in developing AI-enabled solutions and accelerating adoption across the University.
October also saw the launch of the HKU AI Hub – steered by HKU Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning) Professor Jay Siegel – that will serve as a new university-wide gateway designed for the entire campus community of students, teachers, researchers, and professional staff. “The University is embarking on much larger AI initiatives, spearheaded by our HKU AI Hub,” Professor Zhang said. “If you imagine the HKU AI Hub as an overarching roof under which we want all our AI efforts sheltered, then AI administration is one of the pillars.”
Rather than navigating multiple websites and systems, the HKU AI Hub serves as a central platform that brings together AI-related services, tools, resources, and support available across the University, including generative AI tools, AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants, AI developer resources, APIs, agent-building tools, AI computing resources for advanced experimentation and innovation, training materials, learning resources and best practices; AI governance, security, and responsible AI guidance; as well as examples of AI projects and innovations across HKU.
These resources can translate into a wide range of benefits for staff and students. They can log in to enhance teaching and learning with AI tools that support curriculum design, content creation, assessment, personalised learning, and student engagement. In terms of productivity, they can leverage AI assistants and automation capabilities to streamline everyday tasks, freeing up more time for higher-value activities. AI-powered research tools, computing resources, and emerging technologies are all available to help advance research outcomes and interdisciplinary collaboration. Training resources, practical guidance, and examples of how AI can be applied effectively and responsibly across different disciplines and functions are all easily accessible.
The HKU AI Hub is more than a technology portal. It is a platform for fostering AI literacy, promoting responsible innovation, and enabling the HKU community to share ideas, experiences, and best practices. As AI technologies continue to evolve, the HKU AI Hub will expand with new services, resources, use cases, and opportunities for collaboration, making it even more accessible and rewarding for all members of the University to explore the platform and consider how AI can enhance their work, teaching, learning, and research.
The HKU AI Hub, AI for Work @HKU and other initiatives will contribute to building an AI-enabled campus and a university-wide community of practice that will keep HKU at the forefront of the AI-led transformation of higher education worldwide.
