PolyU honours five distinguished personalities at the 29th Congregation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) held its 29th Congregation today, presided over by PolyU Council Chairman Dr LAM Tai-fai and President Prof. Jin-Guang TENG. At the Congregation, held in the Jockey Club Auditorium on campus, Honorary Doctorates were conferred upon five prominent figures and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees were awarded to 375 graduates.

The five honorary degree recipients were (in alphabetical order of last name; please refer to the Appendix for the recipients’ biodata):

• The Hon Mrs Laura CHA SHIH May-lung, GBM, GBS, JP, Chairman of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd

• Prof. GONG Qihuang, President of Peking University and Academician of The Chinese Academy of Sciences

• Mr Xiaojia Charles LI, SBS, Founder and Chairman of Micro Connect

• Prof. XU Ningsheng, Former President of Fudan University and Academician of The Chinese Academy of Sciences

• Prof. ZHONG Nanshan, Professor of Internal Medicine at Guangzhou Medical University and Academician of The Chinese Academy of Engineering

Prof. Jin-Guang Teng extended his congratulations to the honorary doctorates and doctoral graduates, stating that the graduates are experiencing a period in which innovation and technology are evolving at an extraordinary pace with the emergence of game-changing technologies such as generative AI that are rapidly transforming the way we work, study and live. PolyU is renowned for its excellence in research, innovation and STEM disciplines, and its graduates are in a strong position to drive progress in this new technological era. He encouraged them to utilise their talent and make a significant contribution to the achievement of Hong Kong's vision of developing into an international innovation and technology hub and to propelling the scientific and socio-economic advancement of our Nation and beyond.

Prof. Teng added that PolyU is positioning itself as an innovative world-class university with an aspiration to nurture graduates who will become leaders of innovation, and to translate research into innovations with direct societal benefits. He said, “The University has set up translational research institutes focused on technology and innovation in various cities across the Mainland, facilitating the transfer of knowledge to meet the industrial and societal needs of each city. Additionally, in response to the demands of talent for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, we are planning to establish a new Faculty at PolyU focused on computing, mathematical sciences and digital technology.”

Prof. Teng advised the graduates, “As you step into the next chapter of your lives, let the diligence and determination you have demonstrated throughout your studies guide you in overcoming future obstacles and seizing new opportunities to make a positive difference to the world around them, living up to our University motto, ‘To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind’.”

The University is conferring academic awards on a total of 10,304 students this year, including 375 Doctor of Philosophy degree graduates, 120 professional doctoral degree graduates, 50 Master of Philosophy degree graduates, 5,153 taught master’s degree graduates, 4,244 bachelor’s degree graduates, 17 postgraduate diploma recipients, and 345 sub-degree award recipients.

The Hon Mrs Laura Cha Shih May-lung was conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Business Administration.

Prof. Gong Qihuang was conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science.

Mr Xiaojia Charles Li was conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Business Administration.

Prof. Xu Ningsheng was conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science.

Prof. Zhong Nanshan was conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science.

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