Hong Kong University (HKU) announced that Yong Wang has been appointed chair professor of catalysis for sustainability and associate dean for industry engagement in its Faculty of Engineering. His arrival is seen as a major step toward linking advanced research with greener industry practices, a topic that matters to future engineers.

Wang’s research centers on catalysis, a process where catalysts accelerate chemical reactions without being consumed. He aims to make industrial production more energy‑efficient and environmentally friendly, which could lower costs and emissions across many sectors.

He has created technologies that transform agricultural waste, carbon dioxide and discarded plastics into valuable chemicals and fuels, and he has designed catalysts that improve vehicle efficiency. These innovations demonstrate how waste can become a resource and how emissions can be reduced.

Wang holds 111 U.S. patents, with more than 90% licensed to industry, and has published nearly 500 papers that have been cited over 55,000 times. These achievements show his work is already trusted by companies worldwide.

At HKU, Wang will work to strengthen collaboration between academic researchers and industry and to advance technologies for reducing carbon emissions, developing sustainable energy and producing environmentally friendly materials. His role as associate dean for industry engagement will help translate laboratory breakthroughs into real‑world applications.

Wang’s move to HKU matters because it brings proven, patent‑rich expertise directly into a top Asian university, creating new opportunities for students and companies to develop greener solutions. Future engineers can expect stronger industry links and more sustainable career paths.