HKUST GREAT Smart Cities Institute Unveils ‘Streetsights’: A City-Scale AI Breakthrough Achieving 90%+ Taxi Demand Prediction Accuracy
[9 July 2026] The GREAT Smart Cities Institute (GSCI) at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) announced the results of Streetsights, a landmark smart mobility collaboration, at a press conference on 9 July 2026, together with industry partner Suntec Innovations Limited (Suntec).
GSCI Supports CILT International Convention 2026 in Hong Kong
[8 July 2026] The GREAT Smart Cities Institute (GSCI) is pleased to serve as a supporting organisation for the upcoming CILT International Convention 2026, hosted by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) this September in Hong Kong.
AI-Powered Traffic Innovation Wins Gold at CIC AI Award 2026
[24 June 2026] We are thrilled to announce that our project, “Road Works for Smart and Green Mass Transit System Phase 1 in Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area – Investigation, Design and Construction,” has been honored with the Gold Award in the “AI Adoption” (Design and Planning) category at the CIC AI Award 2026.
Prof. Gary CHAN Shares Smart City Research on AIoT 3D Reconstruction at E&M I&T Day 2026
[9 June 2026] The GREAT Smart Cities Institute (GSCI) at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) participated in the recent E&M I&T Day 2026, held at the Hong Kong Science Park. Hosted by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD), the event served as a premier platform for industry leaders and researchers to discuss the future of smart city research and urban innovation.
HKUST Prof. ZHANG Limin Honored with Certificate of Merit at the Fourth National Award for Excellence in Innovation
[9 June 2026] Prof. ZHANG Limin, Head and Chair Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), recently received a Certificate of Merit at the Fourth National Award for Excellence in Innovation, in recognition of his pioneering research achievements in geotechnical engineering and his outstanding contributions to national disaster prevention and mitigation.
GSCI Director Leads Smart Mobility Exchange at HKU on AI-Driven Mobility
[24 March 2026] Professor Hong K. Lo, Director of the GREAT Smart Cities Institute (GSCI) at HKUST, recently ignited a high-level dialogue at the HKU Innovation Wing on the future of urban mobility. Moderated by Professor W.Y. Szeto of HKU, this TechTalk dynamic exchange challenged traditional civil engineering by championing a shift toward AI-driven, adaptive traffic management.
HKUST GSCI and AECOM Establish Strategic Alliance to Drive Multidisciplinary Innovation in Smart Cities
[4 February 2026] Against the backdrop of a rapidly changing global landscape, the GREAT Smart Cities Institute (GSCI) at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has reached a pivotal milestone by entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AECOM Asia Company Limited (AECOM), the global infrastructure leader. The landmark agreement was signed by Dr. Johnny Cheuk, Senior Vice President and Hong Kong Executive Leader at AECOM, and Prof. Hong K. Lo, JP, Director of GSCI and Dean of Engineering at HKUST. By matching world-class smart city research leadership with global infrastructure expertise, the partnership will act as an innovation engine for the city’s most ambitious development projects, addressing the complexities of the modern built environment.
GSCI Wins Dual Honors at Hong Kong ICT Awards 2025 for Smart Mobility Solutions
Recognizing Award-Winning Kwun Tong STMS and Real-Time Adaptive Traffic Signals System (RTATSS)
[21 November 2025] The GREAT Smart Cities Institute (GSCI) is thrilled to announce its success at the Hong Kong ICT Awards 2025 earning two prestigious accolades for our innovative work in Smart Mobility Solutions.
Strengthening Global Ties with the University of Manchester Engineering School
[7 November 2025] The GREAT Smart Cities Institute (GSCI) recently welcomed Professor Sarah Cartmell, Vice Dean and Head of the School of Engineering at the prestigious University of Manchester. This successful visit marks a significant advancement in strengthening our international academic partnerships, our shared commitment to engineering innovation, and the development of sustainable smart cities.
CRRC Leadership Visits to Discuss Future Rail Transit Partnership
Fostering Innovation in Rail Technology and Urban Systems
[3 October 2025] The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) School of Engineering (HKUST Engineering) and the HKUST GREAT Smart Cities Institute (GSCI) successfully hosted a high-level delegation from CRRC Corporation Ltd. (中国中车集团), the world’s largest supplier of rail transit equipment, and its affiliate CRRC (Hong Kong) Co. Ltd. The visit served as a strategic engagement platform to explore potential multi-disciplinary Industry-Academia collaboration in advanced smart rail technology and sustainable urban systems, with the goal of contributing to regional economic development across the Greater Bay Area and globally.
GSCI Team Wins Top Smart Mobility Award for Metro Maestro
Honored with the 'Best Smart Mobility Award' at the Hong Kong/Shanghai Co-operation Open Data Challenge 2025
[26-27 August 2025] The GREAT Smart Cities Institute (GSCI) has earned the prestigious “Best Smart Mobility Award” at the Hong Kong/Shanghai Co-operation Open Data Challenge (HSODC) 2025 for its innovative project Metro Maestro. This groundbreaking solution, developed in collaboration with the HKUST-MTR Joint Lab, is designed to revolutionize urban transit by using near real-time predictions to manage metro disruptions efficiently.
Visit to Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST)
[20 August 2025] We were warmly welcomed by President Joseph Lee, Prof. Cai Zhanchuan, Director of the School of Computer Science and Engineering, and Prof. Lu Xiaoping, Program Director of the same school. Our visit to LIU’s Innovation and Technology Center included an overview of key research initiatives under the Faculty of Innovation Engineering. Highlights included the autonomous vehicle project Athena, the Multi-Angle Appearance Inspection Machine for automotive seal and keyboard defect detection, robotic surgical arms developed in collaboration with industry partners, and a series of advanced material science demonstrations.
HKUST GSCI and Wong Tai Sin Police Launch Smart Traffic Project
The collaborative project uses the Dynamic Intersection Signal Control Optimization (DISCO) System to tackle a 50-Year Traffic Problem
On 19 Aug 2025, the GREAT Smart Cities Institute (GSCI) the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) proudly launched the Wong Tai Sin Police Smart Traffic Project in partnership with Wong Tai Sin District Police. Held at the East Kowloon Headquarters, this significant event brought together key stakeholders, including Prof. LO Hong Kam, Dean of Engineering and Director of GSCI at HKUST; Dr LAW Yuet Wing, Regional Commander of Kowloon East, Hong Kong Police Forceand Mr. WU Kui Wah, JP, District Officer (Wong Tai Sin), Home Affairs Department.
HKUST and Hong Kong Police Force Launch Smart Traffic Management System in Kwun Tong
[05 March 2025] The GREAT Smart Cities Institute, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and the Hong Kong Police Force have joined forces to launch the Smart Traffic Management System (STMS), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing traffic challenges in the Kwun Tong business area. This AI-powered system leverages cutting-edge research and technology from HKUST to enhance urban mobility and safety. The STMS collects real-time traffic data, including vehicle flow and illegal parking, around the clock. By utilizing advanced algorithms, it automatically analyzes this information to provide effective solutions for traffic management and suggests optimal resource allocation during congestion or accidents. Chief Inspector Yu Shing-lam emphasized that the STMS is designed to focus exclusively on traffic data, ensuring the privacy of residents by deleting collected data within 28 days.
HKUST-MTR Joint Research Laboratory Celebrates Major Awards
[22 November - 07 December 2024] The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)-MTR Joint Research Laboratory has achieved remarkable recognition for its innovative public transport ridership simulation project, receiving prestigious awards at both the Hong Kong ICT Awards 2024 and the Asia Pacific Information and Communications Technology Alliance (APICTA) Awards 2024.
HKUST Industry Engagement Day Plus - Safer, Greener, and Better
On November 22, 2024, the GREAT Smart Cities Institute, in collaboration with the HKUST Office of Knowledge Transfer and the HKUST Civil and Environmental Engineering Alumni Association, successfully hosted the Industry Engagement Day Plus - Safer, Greener, and Better! This event showcased 22 innovative HKUST start-ups and projects, presenting solutions to make our city safer, greener, and smarter.
HKUST x MTR Joint Lab: Call for Proposal 2024
[21 October - 25 November 2024] The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) set up a joint research laboratory with the Mass Transit Railway (MTR), i.e., the HKUST-MTR Joint Lab, on low-carbon smart city development. We are inviting research proposals on three main topics for the coming year, as detailed below: (a) Automatic identification of unsafe behaviours in construction sites, (b) Enhancement of safety monitoring in construction sites by adopting advanced wireless communication and IoT technologies, and (c) Development of an internal carbon pricing mechanism for carbon reduction initiatives. The selected project teams will work closely with MTR on real case studies with data and technical advice/support to be provided by MTR.
Driving Change: Smart Mobility Solutions in Kwun Tong District
[26 September - 26 October 2024] In an attempt to combat traffic chaos in the Kwun Tong area, the Hong Kong Police Force in Kwun Tong District, in collaboration with GSCI, devised a groundbreaking Smart Traffic Control Plan. This innovative approach not only slashed manpower needs by 80% but also solved congestion problems.
The British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong Visit to HKUST Sustainable Smart Campus
[25 January 2024] Members of The British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong recently visited our sustainable smart campus. We were thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase the goals and vision of our GSCI and SSC team, as well as engage in fruitful discussions aimed at identifying areas of potential collaboration.
Vietnam Visiting Scholars Scheme (Sponsored by the Chinese Studies Foundation and SUNWAH Group)
[30 September 2023] Sponsored by the Chinese Studies Foundation and SUNWAH Group, the Scheme welcomes academics from universities and institutions in Vietnam specialized in smart cities research. Visiting appointments range from 1 months to 6 months, including Professors and Post-docs.
HKUST x MTR Joint Lab: Call for Proposal 2023
[08 May - 05 June 2023] The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has set up a joint research laboratory with the Mass Transit Railway (MTR), i.e. the HKUST-MTR Joint Lab, on smart mobility and community development. We are inviting research proposals on four main topics for this year, namely: (a) service disruption, (b) passenger path generation within MTR stations, (c) quantifying carbon footprint in railway project and (d) inspection and maintenance challenges in MTR premises. The selected project teams will work closely with MTR on real case studies with data and technical advice/support to be provided by MTR.
HKUST Partnership with Chinese Studies Foundation and SUNWAH Group for education and technology collaborations with GBA and Vietnam
[30 August 2022] The signing ceremony was held in HKUST in Hong Kong on August 30, 2022 to mark the collaboration of HKUST with the Chinese Studies Foundation and SUNWAH Group. The Chinese Studies Foundation has made a donation of HK$ 1 million to HKUST to establish the GBA & Vietnam Knowledge Exchange Fund. From 2022/23 to 2024/2025 academic years, the Fund shall be managed by The GREAT Smart Cities Institute (GSCI) at HKUST.
HKUST-MTR Joint Laboratory Memorandum of Understanding Signing Ceremony
[10 June 2022] The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MTR Corporation and MTR Academy on the establishment of the “HKUST-MTR Joint Research Laboratory”. MTR hopes to apply innovative technology in railway and other services through collaboration with HKUST’s GREAT Smart Cities Institute, thereby encouraging local scientific research and building a smart community. The collaboration will last for three years, and will mainly focus on smart community and smart mobility. Ideas will be exchanged through the laboratory, and the projects will be tailor-made to suit the needs and apply to the public’s travelling and daily lives. With the joint effort, we hope to build a greener city and contribute to the city’s carbon neutrality goal.