Speeches & Writings
KAUST graduates celebrate ‘journey of discovery’ at 10th Commencement ceremony
December 15, 2019
Presided over by senior leadership, faculty and the KAUST trustees and led by Dr. Tony Chan, the University's president, the ceremony also featured speeches by 2019 Ph.D. graduate Yasmeen Najm and KAUST's founding President Dr. Choon Fong Shih.
Chinese students explore KAUST
May 20, 2019
Undergraduate students from the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China in Chengdu visited the KAUST campus in March. KAUST President Tony Chan met with the students during an open forum.
Tony Chan’s speech at the 9th KAUST Commencement ceremony
December 14, 2018
Within the global academic world, our University has earned the recognition, and respect, of our peers
Our Digital Future in a Divided World
Out of the Box | courtesy of “The Standard” at http://www.thestandard.com.hk/
July 10, 2018
The digital future is already with us. The rise of artificial intelligence, big data, robotics, have disrupted our economies and personal lives…Universities are at the center of this disruptive revolution.
Mecca for innovation and entrepreneurship
Out of the Box | courtesy of “The Standard” at http://www.thestandard.com.hk/
March 20, 2018
The critical decision – to provide space for start-ups to thrive – would lead to the creation of an ecosystem.
State of the world from the Alps
Out of the Box | courtesy of “The Standard” at http://www.thestandard.com.hk/
February 13, 2018
He said the World Bank is starting a "Human Capital Project" - which will include a ranking of countries based on their investment in health and education. Investing in people is the best way to help the world's population to adjust to rapid changes in the technological world.
HK's Innovation Economy and STEM Education: their interdependence and competitive advantages
Speech at Metro Radio Forum
July 9, 2018
We have to be willing to accept that innovation means trying new things and to be open to new ideas. That there is no guarantee of success, and that we need to take risks, but that we can also accept and learn from failures. That innovation usually leads to uncertainties and disruptions.
A tech Cold War is brewing
Out of the Box | courtesy of “The Standard” at http://www.thestandard.com.hk/
June 5, 2018
Science is global but technology is often subject to national protection.
The hottest profession
Out of the Box | courtesy of “The Standard” at http://www.thestandard.com.hk/
April 17, 2018
But the more recent “perfect storm” of smarter algorithms, of data, and ever-faster computers has suddenly enabled AI to make spectacular advances.
Science breakthrough reflections
Out of the Box | courtesy of “The Standard” at http://www.thestandard.com.hk/
February 21, 2017
This highlights (the) often overlooked fact that many medical advances are made possible by frontier research in basic science.
Stop complaining about Shenzhen: here are three steps to make Hong Kong an innovation and technology magnet
Published in South China Morning Post
July 13, 2018
While this is a relatively new phenomenon, innovation and technology’s importance as an engine for economic growth and betterment of human life is not new..
Uber: leading edge of the new shared economy
Out of the Box | courtesy of “The Standard” at http://www.thestandard.com.hk/
May 22, 2018
The term “shared economy” has been used frequently these days, not only among economists, but also by the media. It is a new economic model based on using under-utilized individually owned resources for the public at a fee. The resources can range from cars (Uber ), to homes and beds (AirBnB). It disrupts..
Xerox no more the iPhone of its day
Out of the Box | courtesy of “The Standard” at http://www.thestandard.com.hk/
March 27, 2018
It did not capitalize on the treasure trove of research innovations coming out of PARC (but ironically others did).
Solar eclipse and the advent of science
Out of the Box | courtesy of “The Standard” at http://www.thestandard.com.hk/
September 5, 2017
They wanted to understand nature, make something new happen, and they ended up changing the world ..
The Rise of Asian Universities in a Globalized World
President’s Speech at Chulalongkorn University Centennial Celebration
March 25, 2017
Some have said that we are now witnessing the 4th industrial revolution, a digital revolution with a speed of no historical precedent, disrupting almost every industry in every country, characterized by a fusion of technologies that is blurring the lines between the physical, digital, and biological spheres.
Open to innovation
Out of the Box | courtesy of “The Standard” at http://www.thestandard.com.hk/
October 31, 2017
That was quite surprising to me, especially because my impression of Japan was that it is very well run but quite conservative with rigid regulations.
Nobel thoughts
Out of the Box | courtesy of “The Standard” at http://www.thestandard.com.hk/
December 20, 2016
I, like many other scientists, did not think he would have a chance to win the Nobel because what he did regarding fiber optics was considered by many physicists as ‘merely’ engineering and not worthy of a Nobel.
Dubai is just like Hong Kong on steroids
Out of the Box | courtesy of “The Standard” at http://www.thestandard.com.hk/
November 29, 2016
In November 2016, I had the honor to join a delegation…to visit Dubai and Tehran to explore new business opportunities.
“Like” does not equal right
Out of the Box | courtesy of “The Standard” at http://www.thestandard.com.hk/
November 22, 2016
While critical thinking may sound like a cliché, it is as relevant today as ever. We must remember that truth needs to be established, not claimed.
Times Higher Education Asia Universities Summit
President's Speech
June 20, 2016
It has been fostered by prescient planners, and public and private investment; recognition of the significance of research as a driver of the knowledge economy; awareness that a 21st-century education involves much more than simple transmission of knowledge
The Impact of China’s Economic Rise on Global Higher Education
XTH GLION COLLOQUIUM (2015)
June 17, 2015
Universities today are expected to return to society the results of the public’s investment. Technology transfer has become a pivotal key performance indicator for universities. Innovation and entrepreneurship have become key components of strategies adopted by many universities
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
Office of the President