(From left) Professor Yang Chen Ning's representative, Professor John Hennessy, Ms Brigitte Lin Ching Hsia, Professor Dame Carol Black, Dr the Honourable Sir David Li,, Professor Xiang Zhang, Professor Steven Chu, Dr Jack Dangermond and Dr Colin LAM Ko Yin
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) conferred honorary degrees upon seven distinguished individuals at the 209th Congregation, held at Loke Yew Hall, Main Building today (April 3). Dr the Honourable Sir David Li, Pro-Chancellor of HKU, officiated at the Ceremony.
Of the seven honourees, Nobel Laureate in Physics and former US Secretary of Energy Professor Steven Chu, the founder and president of Environmental Systems Research Institute (Esri) Dr Jack Dangermond, Turing Award winner and former President of Stanford University Professor John L Hennessy, and Nobel Laureate in Physics Professor Yang Chen Ning (conferred in absentia) were conferred Doctor of Science honoris causa; renowned clinician and UK government advisor Professor Dame Carol M Black, Vice Chairman of Henderson Land Development Dr Colin Lam Ko Yin, and celebrated icon of Chinese language cinema Ms Brigitte Lin Ching Hsia were conferred Doctor of Social Sciences honoris causa.
Dr Colin Lam Ko Yin delivered an acceptance speech on behalf of the honorary degree recipients.
"As honourees, we represent a diverse range of backgrounds, but we are united in our commitments to a better tomorrow," said Dr Lam. "The University of Hong Kong has a century-long reputation for excellence, and today's ceremony highlights the collaboration between academic and business communities in driving innovation, progress and ESG. Environmental, Social and Governance considerations are vital in our world today. It is essential to prioritize the well-being of our planet."
Dr Lam said the honourees, each of them a colossus in his or her respective field, have "pushed the boundaries of human knowledge and innovations, and dedicated their lives to improve the world". He also shared the Lee Shau Kee Foundation and its group companies' contributions to fighting the pandemic, promoting green buildings, initiating innovative transitional housing projects, supporting higher education institutions and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. He looks forward to working with his fellow honourees to build a more sustainable and equitable future for Hong Kong and the world.
Honorary Degrees are awarded to individuals in recognition of their distinguished service and commitment to the University, the community, and to academia. They are also conferred to those who have made valuable intellectual, social and cultural contributions to society and the world.
For the citations and photos of the honorary graduates, please visit the 209th Congregation website at: https://www4.hku.hk/hongrads/
A video of Professor Yang Chen Ning, conferred in absentia, can be viewed clicking here.
