Graduates of HKUST(GZ)'s MSc DCAI program pioneer success
While their peers are still navigating the job market, the first group of graduates from the Master of Science in Data-Centric Artificial Intelligence Technology (MSc DCAI) program at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) has already secured satisfying offers from employers, with some continuing to study further for PhDs.
Among the 46 graduates, 37 received offers from top-tier companies for algorithm engineering positions. The remaining 9 chose to pursue PhDs at prestigious universities around the world.
With such outstanding results, they have demonstrated that the MSc DCAI program at HKUST(GZ) decodes not only data but also the future.
Commitment: From vision to reality
Professor Lei CHEN, founding director of the MSc DCAI program and dean of the Information Hub at HKUST(GZ), seems "not surprised" by these achievements.
"Two years ago, when the program first began admitting students, I promised the University president and the students that we would guarantee each student '1+1', meaning 'one Master's degree, one job'. Over the past two years, we have worked tirelessly to fulfill this promise, and now that it has become a reality, I am very satisfied," he said.
CHEN's confidence stems from his 15 years of teaching experience at HKUST, where he led the launch of Hong Kong's first MSc in Big Data Technology. This program became one of HKUST's most popular postgraduate courses, with excellent employment offers, thanks to its strong faculty, well-structured curriculum, and close collaboration with the industry.
In 2019, he joined the founding team of HKUST(GZ), committed to creating a new MSc program that would not simply replicate existing models but deeply integrate HKUST(GZ)'s interdisciplinary philosophy, closely align with societal and industrial needs, and cultivate talent truly needed by the industry.
"Mainland tech companies are rich in resources, whether they're internet giants or engaged in traditional industries, they are undergoing digital transformation. They are eager to collaborate with universities and provide internship opportunities for students,” CHEN said. “So why not create a '1+1' model for our students?"
In June 2023, the MSc DCAI program at HKUST(GZ) was officially approved, becoming the first MSc program to enroll students at the University. It is the first in Asia to implement a dual-mentor system (academic mentor + industrial supervisor) and guarantee each student a one-year industry internship. Just three months later, 46 students were selected from among hundreds of applicants to become the program's first group.
Innovation: Dual focus on theory and practice
The MSc DCAI program follows a two-year full-time model: in the first year, students complete required courses in Practical Lab Course, Industry Round Table, and Independent Project,, along with seven elective courses. In the second year, they undertake a one-year internship at a company.
Professor Xiaowen CHU, head of the Data Science and Analytics Thrust at HKUST(GZ), emphasized the interdisciplinary approach to student selection. "We do not limit admissions to students with a computer science background. As long as they have a certain foundation in science and a passion for big data and AI, we can help them successfully transition within two years through our systematic combination of theory and practice."
As an academic mentor to several students in the program, CHU emphasizes personalized teaching methods. "For students from different backgrounds, we tailor learning plans to address their knowledge gaps and track progress through regular meetings. This personalized training model has proven effective in helping non-CS students catch up within about six months," he said.
Assistant Professor Jing TANG, the current MSc DCAI program director, is also the academic mentor to several students. TANG said: "Some students, who returned to campus after years of work, don’t have a solid foundation in specialized courses. However, with careful guidance from both academic and industry mentors over the course of one year or more, they are able to complete well-known large model reinforcement training innovation projects during their internships."
TANG talked about some students who felt lost when tasked with basic work like data cleaning during their internships. Through regular communication and guidance from their mentors, they gradually understood the importance of starting from the basics as a "career advancement path", which eventually led them to opportunities to showcase their abilities and secure satisfying job offers, TANG added.
Assistant Professor Yuyu LUO, who designed the Practical Lab Course, highlighted its unique features. The course focuses on data science and large model technology, using an innovative "1+6" teaching model: one hour of theoretical instruction and six hours of practical operation each week.
"We don't stick to fixed textbooks but keep up with industry trends, teaching the most needed technologies and tools. This 'study and apply' method allows students to quickly acquire practical skills and prepare for independent projects and internships," said LUO.
The program's dual-mentor system, a pioneering initiative, pairs each student with an industrial supervisor. This system has attracted technical experts and senior managers from companies like Alibaba, JD.com, Tencent, ByteDance, Beike, and Microsoft, who hold PhDs from world-class universities and have extensive practical experience at leading tech companies.
In explaining why a one-year internship is needed, Professor CHEN said that a three-month internship might only allow students to familiarize themselves with the environment before leaving, while a six-month internship might see them leaving halfway through a project. The one-year internship design aims to ensure that students not only grasp theoretical knowledge but also deeply engage in the full cycle of a project, he said.
However, advancing the program was not without challenges. He said that the biggest challenge was matching students with internship opportunities. The University collaborated with numerous leading internet companies for internship opportunities, but ultimately, students still need to go through the companies' internship interview processes, he said.
"Over the past two years, we have actively reached out to a wealth of resources to ensure that no student is left behind in securing a suitable internship," CHEN said. "I am very familiar with our students. They are all very talented. Sometimes it's just a matter of matchmaking, but they need a chance to be 'seen' and to prove themselves, so we must spare no effort to this end."
From September 2024 to May 2025, the 46 students in the MSc DCAI program completed their one-year internships at various tech companies across cities like Beijing, Hangzhou, and those of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Achievements: Bridging academics and careers
After the internships commenced, the program's advanced training philosophy quickly received positive feedback from the internship companies, who praised the students' professional qualities and work capabilities.
A student surnamed PENG, who interned at JD.com, was commended by her industrial supervisor Liping LI, the company’s data scientist, for her professional capabilities and good conduct during her one-year internship. “She has a deep understanding of data science and can skillfully use data tools like SQL and Python, applying what she learned in university to JD Logistics' actual business scenarios."
Another student, surnamed OUYANG, who interned at Xiaomi, was praised for his ability to combine theory with practical work. He is quicker to take on new tasks than his peers, according to industrial supervisor Jianwei QI, a senior algorithm engineer at Xiaomi. "We look forward to OUYANG making greater contributions to the team after officially joining the company. We hope HKUST(GZ) will continue to send us more outstanding talents."
Ping An Technology senior algorithm engineer Tianyu SUN even sent a letter of thanks to the University, praising the student surnamed YAO, who interned with him. "She excelled in model design and optimization, and was skilled in communication and collaboration. She maintained a proactive attitude when facing difficulties and challenges, was willing to express her opinions, and open to feedback. Her pragmatic and reliable style earned her widespread recognition within the team, making her a true 'engineering talent'." SUN also expressed anticipation in the letter for establishing a long-term cooperative relationship with HKUST(GZ).
Speaking of the achievements, Professor CHEN said: "We have opened up promising prospects. Now many companies are approaching us for more interns and employees. A 'virtuous cycle' has been formed, meaning that future students will have more access to higher-quality internship platforms."
Outlook: A bridge linking industry, academia and research
"We always say we aim to cultivate the talent most needed by society and enterprises. How do we achieve this? The MSc in Big Data Technology program provides the perfect answer," said Professor CHEN, who sees the MSc DCAI program as a bridge connecting industry, academia and research.
"We aim to create a demonstration platform for the deep integration of industry, academia, and research. Through two years of training, students are placed at the forefront of the industry, mastering the latest technological trends, which in turn feeds back into course optimization, creating a virtuous cycle of talent cultivation."
Professor Lionel NI, president of HKUST(GZ), expressed delight at the achievements of the first group of graduates of the MSc DCAI program. He said that since its founding, HKUST(GZ) has been guided by national strategic needs, led by cutting-edge technological developments, and bolstered by industry-academia-research integration in the Greater Bay Area.
The University has proactively structured integrated disciplinary programs across the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels to cultivate high-level talent urgently needed in key fields, he said.
In recent years, HKUST(GZ) has launched MSc programs more closely integrated with the industry, continuously meeting society's expectations and demands for quality educational resources.
President NI highlighted that in the future, the University will continue to follow trends in technological and industrial transformation, promote reform in educational systems, explore new models for talent cultivation, and stimulate innovation potential to meet the demand for education in the new era.
Applications for 2026-27 master's and doctoral admissions are currently open, with the number of MSc programs increasing to four, covering Data-Centric Artificial Intelligence Technology (MSc), Smart Manufacturing (MSc), Carbon Neutrality and Green Finance (MSc), and Technology and Policy (MSc). Additionally, new programs in cutting-edge fields such as Computational Arts (Master of Arts) and Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MBA+) have been added.
In Beijing's Ditan Park, also known as the Temple of Earth, a cypress tree adopted by a graduate student surnamed ZHENG is thriving. It serves as a special memento he left before leaving Beijing after his internship, marked with the letters "HKUST(GZ) DCAI".
This tree, symbolizing the vitality of the MSc DCAI program, is destined to flourish in the years to come, providing a canopy of growth for more HKUST(GZ) students.
