Prof. Jimmy Fung, one of the earliest members of the HKUST faculty, is a well-recognized expert in atmospheric sciences, climate modeling, and air quality research. He currently serves as the Associate Provost (Teaching & Learning) and Chair Professor in the Division of Environment and Sustainability as well as the Department of Mathematics at HKUST. With over 30 years of academic and research experience, Prof. Fung has been at the forefront of using applied mathematics to tackle environmental challenges in the Greater Bay Area.

In this video profile, Prof. Fung shares how he applied mathematics early in his HKUST career to develop models identifying atmospheric pollutant sources. Among his many contributions, he established Asia’s first university-based regional air quality forecasting system and helped set up an air quality monitoring supersite at the edge of the HKUST campus. This facility, equipped with advanced monitoring devices, aids in designing effective pollution control strategies. He also played a key role in developing the PRAISE-HK app for personalized real-time air quality monitoring.

Prof. Fung has collaborated extensively with Hong Kong’s Environmental Protection Department (EPD) and Government Flying Service, conducting aerial surveys to monitor pollutants. In recent years, he worked with the EPD and Hong Kong Observatory to create an air quality forecasting system capable of predicting air quality and health indices down to street level.

The video also highlights the serendipitous opportunity that brought Prof. Fung to HKUST, recruited by the Founding President Prof. Chia-Wei Woo. Over his 30+ years of teaching, Prof. Fung has upheld the belief that inspired students come from dedicated teachers — just as his own secondary school teacher inspired his love for mathematics. Through his pioneering research, innovative teaching, and leadership in sustainability, Prof. Fung continues to shape solutions to global environmental challenges while advancing higher education excellence.