In celebration of HKUST’s 35th Anniversary and to embody the unifying 1-HKUST spirit across our vibrant community, the Global Engagement & Communications Office (GECO) is excited to launch the HKUST Talent Quest! This competition is open to all HKUST members—students, faculty, staff, and alumni alike. We can’t wait to see you take the stage and showcase your unique talents!
The grand finale will take place in the Main Hall of Shaw Auditorium, where top performers will compete for grand prizes. Join us in making this celebration unforgettable—unleash your talent and shine!
Who can join?
All students, faculty, staff and alumni from HKUST are welcome!
The HKUST Talent Quest is open to both individuals and teams (teams may consist of any number of members and formed in any combination).
- Each participant may enter the competition only ONCE (whether as a solo entrant or as a member of a team). Participants cannot join multiple entries.
- All participants MUST commit to being available on the scheduled dates for the 2nd Round and the Finale. Unavailability to attend these stages may result in disqualification.
What are we looking for?
All types of live performing talents are welcome. Be creative and impress us! However, please ensure that performances are enjoyable for audiences with diverse nationalities and backgrounds.
When & where?
How to join?
Online Application
Please submit the following:
- Completed Application Form (available here); together with
- A 30-60 second audition video that best showcases your act or performance via the application form
All video submissions will be reviewed and preliminarily screened by the HKUST Talent Quest organizing team.
Live Audition
Contestants shortlisted for the 2nd Round will receive an invitation to perform at a live audition.
- The audition will be held behind closed doors (open only to participating contestants and the organizing team).
- Each performance MUST NOT exceed 4 minutes in length.
Selected individuals and groups will be advanced to the Grand Finale and perform live on the grand stage of the Main Hall, Shaw Auditorium, in front of a large audience.
The judging panel will reveal the winners towards the end of the show, and our STAR is born!
Judging panel
The judging panel for the 2nd round and Finale will consist of representatives from senior management, distinguished alumni from the performing arts and entertainment industry and more! This stellar lineup ensures professional, inspiring, and fair evaluation of every performance—bringing expertise, prestige, and excitement to the HKUST Talent Quest!
Awards
All finalists advancing to the Grand Finale will receive a certificate and souvenir in recognition of their outstanding performance.
Grand Awards at the Finale*
*Grand awards (including Champion, 1st Runner-up, and 2nd Runner-up) are designated equally for individuals or teams. NO additional prizes will be awarded to team members; the grand prize is shared among the winning group.
Assessment Criteria (2nd Round & Finale)
The judges will evaluate each performance using the following criteria:
- Quality of talent (40%)
- Stage presence (25%)
- Audience engagement (25%)
- Capacity for Growth (10%)
During the Finale, judges may press the “WOW Buzzer” to reward finalists for an outstandingly impressive moment in their performances. If the “WOW Buzzer” is pressed, a bonus of 20% will be added to the final score.
Enquiry
The Global Engagement & Communications Office of HKUST reserves the right to make award decisions and final interpretation of all terms and details of the competition.