HKU Bulletin April 2010 (Vol. 11 No. 2)

20 The University of Hong Kong Bulletin 21 April 2010 Honours THE UNIVERSITY’S premier tribute The University’s honorary degree is the highest accolade it can bestow on an individual, and is awarded in recognition of distinguished service and commitment to the University, the community, and to academia. It is also awarded to those who have made valuable intellectual, social and cultural contributions to society. Professor Roger Tsien Yonchien At the 181st Congregation on December 8, 2009, Dr the Honourable David Li Kwok-po, Pro-Chancellor of the University, conferred an honorary degree upon Nobel Laureate in Chemistry Professor Roger Tsien Yonchien in recognition of his contributions to the fields of cell biology and neurobiology. Professor Tsien sees universities as offering students a similarly safe and stimulating environment to experiment and discover. “Universities provide a sheltering arena where students can try out different courses, areas of study, and career options, so that everyone can find out where his or her true interests and talents lie,” he said. Professor Lawrence Chan Chin-bong Professor Lawrence Chan Chin-bong is one of the most distinguished alumni of HKU’s Medical Faculty. He is currently Professor of Medicine, Molecular and Cellular Biology, and Biochemistry, as well as Betty Rutherford Chair for Diabetes Research at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. He has received numerous North American awards for his groundbreaking contributions to the areas of lipoprotein/lipid/carbohydrate metabolism and diabetes, and for his long dedication to research in the field of endocrinology. Chief among these is the Edwin B. Astwood Award, presented in 2007, and regarded as one of the most prestigious awards in the field of endocrinology and Mr Lawrence Fung Siu-por Mr Lawrence Fung Siu-por is an exceptional business leader and social advocate who has devoted himself to enhancing the interests of both Hong Kong and Mainland China. In 1988, he launched the Hong Kong Economic Times (HKET), one of the city’s leading business dailies. He is currently the Chairman and Founder of Hong Kong Economic Times Holdings Limited which, under his leadership, has diversified to include printed media, a financial news agency, information and solutions, recruitment advertising and training. Mr Fung is a HKU alumnus and former President of the Students’ Union. After metabolism. In the same year he was also recognized as Asian Physician of the Year by Indiana University. Professor Chan is Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)-Diabetes and Endocrinology Research Centre (DERC) and Chief of the Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism in the Department of Medicine. He has remained loyal to his alma mater , returning repeatedly to deliver plenary lectures, and contributing to joint research projects and mentoring our postgraduate students. In recognition of his contributions to medicine and academia, Professor Lawrence Chan Chin-bong was conferred the degree of Doctor of Science honoris causa . graduating with a Bachelor of Social Sciences degree in 1972, he gained a Master of Arts in Economics from the University of Manchester. In 2006, he and his wife established the Azalea (1972) Endowment Fund to provide funding for HKU designated projects that benefit the local community. He was a founding member of the HKU Graduates Association Education Foundation and is an Honorary Patron of the HKU Foundation. In 2003 he was awarded the Gold Bauhinia Star. In recognition of his contributions to academia and Hong Kong, Mr Lawrence Fung Siu-por was conferred the degree of Doctor of Social Sciences honoris causa . Professor Tsien is steeped in the values of scholarly learning. His father was part of the ‘scholar-gentry’ class in Hangzhou and his uncles were professors at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Professor Tsien, who is also the 34th generational grandson of King Qian Liu of Wuyue in China, attended Harvard and Cambridge. He was named co-recipient of the 2008 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work in developing green fluorescent protein, which enables scientists to identify where proteins are produced and monitor how they move within the body. Professor Tsien is based at the University of California, San Diego, and has expanded his colour palette to include blue, yellow, orange and red. The University’s Chancellor, Dr the Honourable Donald Tsang Yam-kuen (centre), conferred honorary degrees upon five outstanding individuals at the 182nd Congregation in March 2010.