The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) welcomed His Excellency Mr. Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov, Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan, for an official campus visit on September 10, 2026. The visit marked a significant step in strengthening ties between Uzbekistan and Hong Kong, with a focus on higher education, research, innovation, and talent development. HKUST was the only university included in the Prime Minister's Hong Kong itinerary, underscoring its role as a leading global institution and a key partner for Central Asian nations seeking to advance their knowledge-based economies.
The high-level delegation of 24 members was received by Dr. Choi Yuk-Lin, Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government; Prof. Harry Shum, Council Chairman of HKUST; Prof. Nancy Ip, President of HKUST; and other senior university leaders. Discussions centered on higher education development, artificial intelligence (AI), technological innovation, talent cultivation, research commercialization, and opportunities for closer collaboration. The exchange also explored pathways for academic partnerships, student and faculty mobility, and support for Uzbekistan's ambitions in emerging technology sectors.
Prime Minister Aripov remarked, "We are deeply impressed by HKUST's achievements and its ability to translate cutting-edge research and innovation into practical industrial applications. With over 7,000 Uzbek students pursuing higher education across China, we see tremendous potential to strengthen our academic ties with Hong Kong and prioritize HKUST as a key destination for our students. As both Uzbekistan and HKUST mark their 35th anniversaries, establishing this partnership presents a symbolic and meaningful opportunity to expand educational excellence and global reach together." His comments highlight the growing demand for world-class education among Uzbek youth and the potential for HKUST to serve as a gateway to Asia's innovation ecosystem.
Prof. Shum added, "We are deeply honored to welcome Prime Minister Aripov and the distinguished Uzbek delegation to HKUST during the Belt and Road Summit. As a young, globally minded university celebrating our 35th anniversary, HKUST serves as a vital super-connector—bringing together diverse talent from over 80 nationalities. Building on our foundation with the El-Yurt Umidi Foundation, this visit marks a pivotal step in deepening ties between Hong Kong and Central Asia, opening up new horizons for collaborative growth and youth development along the Belt and Road." This aligns with HKUST's strategic vision to foster international partnerships and contribute to the Belt and Road Initiative through education and research.
President Ip noted, "We were delighted to engage in a highly productive and forward-looking dialogue with Prime Minister Aripov and his delegation. Uzbekistan's strategic priorities in AI, robotics, fintech, and cybersecurity align closely with HKUST's research strengths and advanced facilities. AI and medical science, in particular, offer promising areas for collaboration and could serve as important starting points for future joint initiatives. Beyond educational exchanges, we see tremendous opportunities to deepen cooperation in research, innovation, talent development, and knowledge transfer. We look forward to visiting Uzbekistan and working closely with our partners to co-create impactful solutions, nurture future-ready talent, and contribute to sustainable economic and technological development." The emphasis on AI and medical science reflects HKUST's commitment to addressing global challenges through interdisciplinary research.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between HKUST and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The agreement establishes a framework for educational collaboration and promotes excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research. Witnessed by Prime Minister Aripov, Dr. Choi, and Prof. Shum, the MOU was signed by President Ip and Mr. Salomov Uktam Rahimovich, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan. This formalizes the commitment to joint initiatives and paves the way for concrete programs.
The delegation also toured the HKUST Von Neumann Institute, learning about the university's world-leading research in AI, including next-generation multimodal AI systems, robotic intelligence, AI-driven 3D understanding and generation, and large-scale healthcare models. They met with 31 Uzbek students studying in Hong Kong, including 14 undergraduates at HKUST, to hear about their academic experiences. The visit not only strengthens bilateral relations but also positions HKUST as a hub for Central Asian talent and a catalyst for innovation-driven growth in the region. For more information about HKUST, visit https://hkust.edu.hk/.
