Honorary Doctorates
In recognition of their distinguished accomplishments and contributions, PolyU bestowed honorary doctorates upon five prominent figures and doctoral degrees on 283 graduates at its 21st Congregation held on 14 November, presided over by Council Chairman Ms Marjorie Yang Mun-tak and President Prof. Timothy W. Tong.
The five honorary degree recipients were:
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1
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Mr Ho Kwon Ping, Founder and Executive Chairman of Banyan Tree Holdings (Doctor of Business Administration honoris causa); |
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2
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Dr David C. Chang, Professor Emeritus of New York University Tandon School of Engineering, and Chairman and CEO of Global Maximum Educational Opportunities, Inc. (Doctor of Engineering honoris causa); |
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3
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Prof. Dame Alison Richard, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge and Senior Research Scientist at Yale University (Doctor of Humanities honoris causa); |
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4
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Prof. Gang Pei, President of Tongji University (Doctor of Science honoris causa); and |
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5
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Mr John Slosar, Chairman of Swire Pacific Limited (Doctor of Business Administration honoris causa). |
Addressing the Congregation, President Tong highlighted that PolyU is a qualified supplier of professionals in construction, engineering and other related fields who are much needed to support the Chinese government's "One Belt One Road" development strategy. This May, PolyU joined hands with Xi'an Jiaotong University to initiate the Universities Alliance of the New Silk Road which steers and supports collaborations in education, science and technology, as well as cultural exchange.
While the University champions collaboration for the common good, Prof. Tong urged the graduates to share the spirit of collaboration as they plan for their future. "Take your place in the new generation of ‘positive leaders' who are ready to seize opportunities and create possibilities. Strengthen your mind, ignite your passion, act thoughtfully and decisively, and remain steadfast in defending your values. Remember, we count on you to guide our society towards a prosperous and peaceful future."
This year, the University conferred a total of 11,226 academic honours, including 222 Doctors of Philosophy, 61 discipline-based doctoral degrees, 52 Masters of Philosophy, 4,038 Master's degrees, 5,601 Bachelor's degrees, 22 postgraduate diplomas and certificates, and 1,225 sub-degree awards. ♦
