HKU Bulletin May 2014 (Vol. 15 No.2)

the Inaugural University Laureate HKU has appointed the world-renowned Sinologist Professor Jao Tsung-I the inaugural University Laureate. Vice-Chancellor Professor Lap-Chee Tsui presented the title to Professor Jao at the Inaugural University Laureate Presentation Ceremony, held on January 10, with the President of the China Institute of Culture Professor Xu Jialu as the officiating guest. Established in 2013, the University Laureate is the highest academic honour that HKU can bestow on individuals who have made extraordinary scholarly contributions to the academic world, who have received international acclaim, and, who have been in association, or have committed to be associated, with the University. Professor Jao’s lifelong academic pursuits and his passion for art and culture have earned him a worldwide reputation. His research is broad and diverse, covering history, archaeology, literature, culture, education, religion and art. His pioneering research on Dunhuang materials has firmly established Dunhuang studies as a major discipline in modern Sinology. Teaching at HKU from 1952 to 1968, Professor Jao has been associated with HKU for more than sixty years. The Jao Tsung-I Petite Ecole was established in 2003 with a generous donation by Professor Jao of his collection of over 40,000 books and about 200 of his artworks. The title of University Laureate being conferred upon Professor Jao Tsung-I (centre) in recognition of his scholarly achievements. Three variations on the plum blossoms - Qin and Xiao Duet by Professor Lau Chor-wah (left) and Mr Sou Si-tai (right) on the occasion. From left: HKU Chair of Education Professor Cheng Kai-ming, Director of Jao Tsung-I Petite Ecole Professor Lee Chack-fan, Professor Jao Tsung-I, Vice-Chancellor Professor Lap-Chee Tsui and President of China Institute of Culture Professor Xu Jialu. Endowed Professors HKU presented nine new Endowed Professors and four successive appointments in its Eighth Inauguration of Endowed Professorships, officiated by Council Chairman Dr the Honourable Leong Che-hung and presided by Vice-Chancellor Professor Lap-Chee Tsui in the Grand Hall, Lee Shau Kee Lecture Centre on February 24. The occasion also marked the establishment of a total of 80 Endowed Professorships, including three Distinguished Visiting Professorships, since 2005. As one of the most significant awards bestowed upon eminent academics within the University to support their academic and research activities, Endowed Professorships, initiated by Professor Lap-Chee Tsui, have been created to bridge academia and generous philanthropists and provide perpetual support to areas of academic excellence. Each Endowed Professorship is established with a generous donation of HK$10 million or more which is matched by the University with an equal amount. An Advisory Committee has been set up to ensure the appointments are made in accordance with established University procedures. Members of the Committee include Dr Raymond Ch’ien (Chairman), Dr York Liao, Professor Felice Lieh-Mak and Ms Mary Ma. For more about HKU’s Endowed Professorships, please go to http://www.hku.hk/ephku/ Eight distinguished individuals have been awarded Honorary University Fellowships in recognition of their contributions to the University and the community. Below is a brief but by no means comprehensive description of their achievements: Mrs Annie Liang Bentley, a pioneer in communications, forged a tradition of class reunion philanthropy towards HKU. Dr Philip Chen Nan-lok, a senior figure in aviation and business, has served on prominent trade bodies and promoted higher education. Ir Dr Joseph Chow Ming-kuen, a civil and structural engineer, has supported HKU in many capacities and promoted the engineering profession. Dr David Fang Jinsheng is a respected and accomplished member of the medical profession who is also known for his tenor voice. Mr Lui Kwan-fat, ‘Uncle Fat’, served HKU Students’ Union for 44 years, many of them as Union Manager. Professor Saw Swee-hock, Founding Chair of HKU’s Department of Statistics, has contributed professionally and financially to tertiary institutions in Hong Kong and the region. Dr James Wong Sai-wing, mathematician, has spearheaded a business and shared his expertise with HKU and community organisations. Mrs Carol Yu Louey Kwok-won, social philanthropist, established the Carol Yu Centre for Infection which supports HKU’s groundbreaking work in this field. For more about Honorary University Fellowships, please go to http://www4.hku.hk/honfellows/ Honorary Fellows 24 | 25 The University of Hong Kong Bulletin | May 2014 Honours