The opening ceremony was officiated by Professor Dong SUN (centre), Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, Professor Xiang ZHANG (2nd from right), President and Vice-Chancellor, along with other distinguished academics
‘We are not only training the workforace of tomorrow—we are cultivating the ‘‘field marshals’’ of the digital revolution,’ emphasised Professor Yi MA, Director of the School of SCDS.
As artificial intelligence (AI) and data science continue their meteoric rise today, they are fundamentally transforming the very tapestry of human society. From healthcare to finance, from urban planning to environmental protection, these technologies are becoming the cornerstone of innovation and progress. This technological revolution has also sparked a global reimagining of higher education, calling for a fundamental rethinking of how we nurture the next generation of technology pioneers.
In the face of this transformative era, HKU has taken a bold stride forward by establishing the new School of Computing and Data Science (SCDS), under both the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Engineering. This strategic initiative represents not just an organisational change, but a visionary attempt to embrace tomorrow's imperatives while upholding the longstanding tradition of academic excellence in technology education.
Professor Yi MA
Director of the School of Computing and
Data Science (SCDS)
An Innovative Integration Bridging Theory and Practice
Driven by a strategic integration of Computer Science, Data Science and Statistics, the establishment of the new school embodies a profound understanding of what tomorrow's technology leadership demands. By bringing these disciplines together, HKU creates a synergy that mirrors the real-world convergence of analytical thinking and computational innovation.
‘At the HKU School of SCDS, our vision transcends the traditional boundaries of science and engineering. We are dedicated to nurturing a vibrant academic platform that fosters transformative education, multidisciplinary research, and technological innovation,’ emphasised Professor Yi MA, Director of the SCDS.
Where traditional computer science programmes might focus solely on computational skills, and statistics programmes on theoretical foundations, the School offers a unique educational ecosystem where rigorous mathematical and statistical foundations meet cutting-edge computational implementation.
Rather than merely repackaging and modifying existing courses, the School presents an innovative approach to curriculum design—from foundational Artificial Intelligence literacy courses for all university students to specialised professional programmes. This holistic reform ensures seamless progression from basic principles to advanced applications, eliminating gaps across disciplines in the learning journey.
‘We are leading to a systematic redesign that harmonises fundamental mathematics and advanced domain expertise of computing and data science into a coherent whole,’ Professor MA remarked, explaining the revolutionary vision behind the SCDS.
The leadership team of the School of Computing and Data Science (SCDS)
Nurturing Tomorrow's Digital Leadership
Opening its doors on 1 July 2024, the SCDS offers a range of undergraduate programmes on computing, data science and statistical decision sciences, including a new programme on AI and data science that explores the frontiers of machine learning and data analytics.
These programmes are designed to equip students with technical proficiency and the versatility to lead in an ever-evolving technological landscape. While guiding students through a carefully structured journey that combines perspectives on the development of technology with cutting-edge applications, the curriculum also emphasises the knowledge of evidence-based decision-making and a comprehensive understanding of how emerging technologies can be effectively applied across different sectors.
‘We are not only training the workforce of tomorrow—we are cultivating the “field marshals” of the digital revolution. We aim to nurture future pioneers who will command the frontiers of AI, data science, and computational Innovation,’ noted Professor MA. This vivid metaphor further amplifies the School's educational philosophy of cultivating visionary leaders who can navigate the complex intersection of technology, innovation, and society.
In a move that underscores its commitment to future-ready education, the School is also pioneering a university-wide AI literacy initiative. This initiative aims to equip every HKU student with a foundational understanding of AI and its implications in the coming future, positioning them at the vanguard of a world where the boundaries between human and AI increasingly blur. Through this initiative, HKU is not just preparing students for the future—we are empowering them to shape it.
As HKU embarks on this exhilarating journey of innovation, the SCDS stands as more than just a new chapter in our distinguished history—it represents our response to the transformative power of AI and data science that is reshaping the very fabric of human society. We strive to create a new realm where innovation meets education, where future leaders are nurtured to harness emerging technologies with both technical mastery and ethical wisdom. In this era of unprecedented technological advancement, we stand ready to shape the pioneers who will not only navigate but define the digital frontiers of tomorrow.
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