The Hong Kong Internet Exchange (HKIX) is not part of the CUHK Network. It is a social service offered by the University to the public. The University operates the HKIX not for profit or gain, but as a service to society.

Prof. P.C. Ching recalled, 'In the 1990s when the Internet in Hong Kong was still in its infancy, communication among different Internet service providers (ISPs) had to be routed through overseas facilities, which was time-consuming and expensive. There were discussions to set up a local interconnection point for local ISPs. But the Government's attitude was lukewarm. Prof. Charles K. Kao, then CUHK Vice-Chancellor, opined that the University should take the lead in establishing such an infrastructure to facilitate local inter-ISP traffic.' That is the reason that the HKIX is housed at and run by CUHK.