HKUST Holds Eighth Inauguration Ceremony of Named Professorships to Honor Faculty Members' Outstanding Academic and Research Achievements

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) today held the Eighth Inauguration Ceremony of Named Professorships to honor seven outstanding faculty members and acknowledge the generous support of their donors and supporters in promoting HKUST's dedicated pursuit of academic and research excellence. Officiating at the ceremony was HKUST Pro-Chancellor Dr. John CHAN Cho-Chak.

HKUST Council Chairman Prof. Harry SHUM said, "The Named Professorships enable the University to attract and retain world-class scholars who drive innovation, inspire students and faculty alike, and address the most pressing challenges of our time—from sustainability and digital transformation to economic resilience and social equity. We are honored to receive generous support from visionary enterprises and distinguished individuals. Their commitment empowers HKUST to serve not only as a center of learning but also as powerful engine of societal transformation. This support enriches our intellectual ecosystem, where rigorous academic exploration is closely connected to real-world needs, while strengthening the University's pivotal role in driving innovation, nurturing future leaders, and advancing positive change across sectors and society.”

HKUST President Prof. Nancy IP congratulated the newly appointed Named Professors and expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the donors for their generous support. She stated, "HKUST is globally recognized for its world-class education, research, and innovation that serves the betterment of society. This year, we are proud to induct seven new Named Professors, each bringing a wealth of expertise across diverse research disciplines. Their distinguished contributions to society exemplify their unwavering commitment to academic and research excellence, as well as their dedication to nurturing the next generation of leaders and innovators. As we approach the 35th anniversary of HKUST's founding, I feel privileged to have witnessed the University's remarkable evolution into a leading global institution. Our success would not have been possible without the steadfast support of our donors, whose generosity has empowered our scholars to pursue impactful research and teaching while cultivating an environment in which excellence can thrive.”

The seven Named Professors awarded this year focus their research on various fields, including biomedical engineering, neuroscience, geotechnical engineering, fintech and big data, business ecosystems, and environmental sustainability.

The Named Professors are:

Launched in 2013, the Named Professorships was established through donations from individuals and corporations. It aims to honor and recognize eminent academics at HKUST for their contributions to the field of academia and uphold the University's remarkable tradition of academic and research excellence by attracting the best scholars in the region and from around the globe, and by retaining outstanding academicians at the University. To date, more than 70 distinguished scholars have been bestowed with the title of Named Professor. The establishment of the professorships relies on the support of philanthropists dedicated to the development of higher education in Hong Kong. This year’s corporate and individual donors include (listed in alphabetical order by corporate name and surname): Vina CHENG, Citi, Fung Group and Victor and William Fung Foundation Limited, Shanghai Tang Junyuan Education Foundation, Mrs. Bernadette TANG, The S. H. Ho Foundation Limited, and by funds set aside by the University, in honor of the contributions of the late Dr. CHUNG Sze-Yuen.

The event was joined by distinguished guests including: HKUST Court Chairman Dr. the Honorable Andrew LIAO Cheung-Sing, Vice-President for Administration and Business Prof. TAM Kar Yan, Vice-President for Research and Development Prof. Tim CHENG, Vice-President for Institutional Advancement Prof. Charles NG, Vice-President for Development Ir John KWONG, as well as other members of senior management, Council and Court members, and donor representatives, including Vina CHENG; Ms. Aveline SAN, CEO and Head of Banking of Citi Hong Kong; Mr. WONG Kai-Man, Executive Director of Victor and William Fung Foundation Limited; Mr. William TANG, Executive Director of Shanghai Tang Junyuan Education Foundation; and Dr. HO Tsz-Leung, Governor of The S. H. Ho Foundation Limited.

For more information about the Named Professorships, please click here.