The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) installed its fifth President and the first woman to head a University Grants Committee-supported institution - Prof. Nancy IP - at its 30th Congregation today. While celebrating the academic achievements of the Class of 2022, the University also conferred honorary doctorate degrees to four distinguished academic and social leaders at the ceremony.
Prof. Ip, who took office as President on October 19, was capped by Council Chairman the Hon. Andrew LIAO Cheung-Sing at the installation ceremony. Addressing the Congregation, the home-grown leader who joined HKUST as a junior faculty member back in 1993 pledged to dedicate all her efforts to strengthening the University's interdisciplinary research, innovation, and education, and to deepening its collaboration with both the public and private sectors in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and beyond. She further spelled out an ambition for HKUST to expand its social impact by developing cutting-edge solutions to pressing global issues such as aging population, pandemics, and the climate crisis.
"My goal is to strengthen the University's position as an academic, research, and innovation powerhouse by widening our talent base, empowering our community, and fostering collaboration and innovation across campus, thus paving the groundwork for HKUST to become the most innovative university in Asia," Prof. Ip said.
The new President also congratulated this year's graduates on the successful completion of their degree courses in the face of the COVID-pandemic. She encouraged them to keep up with their perseverance and "can-do" spirit as they entered a new chapter of their lives.
"You may soon experience the challenges of the real world, such as pandemic stress, global economic uncertainties, and a competitive job market," she said. "I trust that your time at HKUST has equipped you with the knowledge, skills, ingenuity, and a "can-do" attitude to transform adversities into achievements, and I am confident that you will each find creative and effective ways to turn challenges into opportunities."
The 30th Congregation conferred 2,525 bachelor's degrees, 3,144 master's degrees, and 374 doctoral degrees, expanding the HKUST alumni community to over 93,200 members.
The University also conferred honorary doctorate degrees to four distinguished academic and social leaders at the ceremony. They were (in alphabetical order of surnames):
Prof. KAN Yuet-Wai, Louis K. Diamond Chair in Hematology and Professor Emeritus at the University of California San Francisco - Doctor of Science honoris causa
Prof. Sir Jim MCDONALD, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Strathclyde - Doctor of Engineering honoris causa
Dr. WANG Xiaodong, Director and Investigator of the National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing - Doctor of Science honoris causa
Ms. YIP Wing-Sie, Music Director Emeritus of Hong Kong Sinfonietta - Doctor of Humanities honoris causa
At the ceremony, Prof. Ip also presented the Michael G. Gale Medal for Distinguished Teaching - HKUST's highest accolade in teaching, to Prof. Desmond TSOI Yau-Chat of the Department of Computer Science & Engineering, School of Engineering in recognition of his outstanding service in education.
For the address by Prof. Nancy Ip , please visit here
Biography of Honorary Doctorate awardees (arranged in alphabetical order of surnames):
Prof. KAN Yuet-Wai
