Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
September 15, 2026
HKUST Hosts Uzbekistan Prime Minister, Signs Landmark MOU
TLDR
- HKUST gains a strategic edge by partnering with Uzbekistan, positioning itself as a top destination for Central Asian talent and innovation.
- HKUST and Uzbekistan signed an MOU to collaborate on AI, research, and talent development, with the visit including a tour of the Von Neumann Institute.
- The partnership fosters global education and innovation, creating opportunities for students and researchers to address societal challenges together.
- During the visit, Prime Minister Aripov met 31 Uzbek students in Hong Kong, including 14 undergraduates at HKUST.
Impact - Why it Matters
This visit and MOU signify a deepening partnership between Hong Kong and Uzbekistan, positioning HKUST as a key hub for Central Asian talent and innovation. It opens doors for collaborative research in AI, robotics, and fintech, and enhances student and faculty exchanges. For readers, it highlights the growing importance of international academic cooperation in driving technological advancement and economic growth, offering new opportunities for students, researchers, and businesses in both regions.
Summary
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) hosted H.E. Mr. Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov, Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan, on September 10, 2026, for a high-level campus visit. HKUST was the only university included in the Prime Minister's Hong Kong itinerary, highlighting the growing partnership between Uzbekistan and the university. The 24-member Uzbek delegation was welcomed by Dr. Choi Yuk-Lin, Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government; Prof. Harry Shum, Council Chairman of HKUST; and Prof. Nancy Ip, President of HKUST, along with senior university leaders.
During the visit, Prime Minister Aripov engaged in in-depth discussions with HKUST leadership on higher education development, artificial intelligence (AI), technological innovation, talent cultivation, and research commercialization. The exchange explored pathways for academic partnerships, student and faculty mobility, and support for Uzbekistan's knowledge-based economy. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between HKUST and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan, witnessed by Prime Minister Aripov, Dr. Choi, and Prof. Shum. The delegation also toured the HKUST Von Neumann Institute, learning about advancements in AI, robotics, and healthcare models, and met with 31 Uzbek students in Hong Kong, including 14 undergraduates at HKUST.
Prime Minister Aripov praised HKUST's ability to translate research into industrial applications and noted the potential for stronger academic ties as both Uzbekistan and HKUST mark their 35th anniversaries. Prof. Shum emphasized HKUST's role as a super-connector during the Belt and Road Summit, while President Ip highlighted alignment in AI, robotics, fintech, and cybersecurity. The visit underscores HKUST's global engagement and commitment to innovation and talent development, as reported by Media OutReach Newswire.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content distributed by Media Outreach. Read the original source here, HKUST Hosts Uzbekistan Prime Minister, Signs Landmark MOU
