The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) conferred honorary doctorates on five academic and social leaders at its 18th Congregation today (Friday).
HKUST’s Pro-Chancellor, Sir SY Chung, presided over today’s ceremony. The five recipients of the honorary doctorates were:
- The Hon Ronald Joseph ARCULLI, Chairman of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited – Doctor of Laws honoris causa
- Prof John HOPCROFT, co-winner of Turing Award (1986) and professor of computer science at Cornell University – Doctor of Engineering honoris causa
- Mr LO Ka Chung, Chairman of Foo Hang Jewellery Ltd – Doctor of Social Sciences honoris causa
- Prof Raj REDDY, winner of Turing Award (1994 ) and Professor of Computer Science and Robotics at Carnegie Mellon University – Doctor of Engineering honoris causa
- Prof Jonathan SPENCE, Professor Emeritus of Yale University and world authority on the history of modern China – Doctor of Humanities honoris causa
At the congregation ceremony, HKUST President Prof Tony F Chan congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to live with passion and curiosity. “If you keep your mind curious and your heart caring, if you choose to follow your passion rather then seek a safe and passive job, no one can predict how far you will go,” Prof Chan said.
The Congregation also saw the presentation of other awards for outstanding achievements.
Prof Michelle Yik, Associate Professor of the Division of Social Science, was bestowed HKUST’s highest accolade in teaching – the Michael G Gale Medal for Distinguished Teaching. Having served on various boards regarding students’ community participation and general education, Prof Yik appointed as Director of HKUST’s signature Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program in 2009 and she also received the Humanities and Social Science Teaching Award in 2007.
The Stephen Cheong Kam-chuen Medal for Distinguished Service to the Student Body was awarded to Mr Ivan So Yik Ching, a third year student in Industrial Engineering and Logistics Management. Ivan served in the Students’ Union for the academic year 2009-2010 in the capacities of Acting President and Internal Vice-President. He was also elected into the University Council as the first student member.
To tie in with the commitment of sustainable development, HKUST adopted a series of environmental measures on carbon reduction in congregation. The measures include providing additional recycling bins, composting used cups and plates, providing a carbon-friendly menu, as well as paper recycling. HKUST is committed to its carbon-neutral and zero-waste initiative by holding the first carbon-neutral university congregation in Asia.
The 18th Congregation conferred 1,883 bachelor’s degrees, 1,391 master’s degrees, and 151 doctoral degrees, expanding the HKUST alumni community to over 39,000.
For media enquiries, please feel free to contact :
Ross Lai
Tel: 2358 6306 / 9103 2928
Email: rosslai@ust.hk
Donna Wong
Tel: 2358 6317
Email: donnaw@ust.hk
