195th Congregation (2016)

From left: HKU Council Chairman Professor Arthur LI; Dr Mary-Claire KING and Professor Lap-Chee TSUI, Doctors of Science honoris causa; HKU President Professor Peter MATHIESON; Dr Victor Joseph DZAU, Doctor of Science honoris causa; Dr Elsie LEUNG Oi Sie and Dr LUI Che Woo, Doctors of Social Sciences honoris causa; and HKU Pro-Chancellor Dr David LI Kwok Po

The Pro-Chancellor of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) Dr the Honourable Sir David Li Kwok Po conferred honorary degrees upon five outstanding individuals at the 195th Congregation held today (March 15) in Loke Yew Hall.

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.

The honorary degree recipients are:

Doctor of Science honoris causa
Victor Joseph DZAU
Mary-Claire KING
Lap-Chee TSUI

Doctor of Social Sciences honoris causa
Elsie LEUNG Oi Sie
LUI Che Woo

Professor Lap-Chee Tsui, the 14th Vice-Chancellor and President of the University, who was conferred Doctor of Science honoris causa, delivered the acceptance speech on behalf of the Honorary Graduates.

Professor Tsui is a world renowned scientist for the discovery of the gene for cystic fibrosis and contributions to the study of the human genome. He emphasised the importance of teamwork and spirit in his scientific achievements and in the operation of the University. He said the most important thing among the list of strategies when he was the Vice-Chancellor was “building a cohesive university family of staff, students, alumni and friends”.

Professor Tsui said: “When I was here at HKU, I had a group of absolutely brilliant and hardworking staff, both academic and non-academic, and a bunch of most loyal alumni and highly supportive friends. I am proud to say that we together have made quite a bit of advancements for the university over my 12 years of tenure as the Vice Chancellor and President here.”

He said under globalisation, there are greater demands for individuals with multiple skills and the abilities to innovate and lead. The role of universities, however, is not just to create and transmit knowledge and train competency in their students, but rather, to instill value to the next generation of leaders. He encouraged HKU family members to work together to continue to achieving excellence for the University.

“I am sure you will work with Professor Mathieson in the same spirit of partnership and commitment that you did with me, and I look forward to seeing this great University of Hong Kong continue to go from strength to strength in the years to come.” He said.