PolyU honours two distinguished personalities at the 28th Congregation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) held its 28th Congregation today, presided over by PolyU’s Council Chairman Dr LAM Tai-fai and President Professor Jin-Guang TENG. At the Congregation, Honorary Doctorates were conferred upon two prominent figures and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees were awarded to 363 graduates. The ceremony was held at the Jockey Club Auditorium on campus and Professor ZHONG Nanshan, Professor of Medicine at the Guangzhou Medical University, was invited to give a speech.

The two honorary degree recipients this year were (in alphabetical order of last name; please refer to the Appendix for the recipients’ biodata): Mr CHEUNG Ka-long, SBS, Gold medallist in Men’s Foil Individual at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics; and Professor YANG Mengfei, Researcher at the China Academy of Space Technology.

In his speech, Prof. Zhong Nanshan encouraged graduates to harness their expertise to help promote the Nation’s technological development in key areas, and to contribute to the scientific advancement of Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, the Nation and the world through their research and development efforts throughout the innovation process. This process starts with creativity, discovery and invention, and concludes with the creation of social and economic benefit. He said, “PolyU has put an emphasis on societal impact in its scientific research direction. I completely concur with this strategy.”

Prof. Jin-Guang Teng expressed heartfelt thanks to Prof. Zhong for his enlightening speech as well as his tireless efforts and contributions in combating COVID-19. Prof. Teng added that with the concerted efforts of members across society, the pandemic is coming under better control and people’s lives are gradually returning to normality. He also extended his congratulations to the honorary doctorates and doctoral graduates, noting that these graduates have overcome unprecedented challenges during the pandemic and made remarkable achievements. He encouraged them to use their knowledge to serve humanity and fulfil their aspirations.

Prof. Teng further said that Hong Kong is entering an exciting new chapter of development as it is being transformed into an international innovation and technology hub, playing an essential part in the Nation’s technological development. PolyU graduates should not only seize this opportunity to make impactful contributions, but also help to address global challenges such as climate change, poverty, the pandemic, energy shortages, and an ageing society.

Prof. Teng said, “In all these important ways, PolyU graduates can demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility, applying their research skills for the greater good of society and living up to the University’s motto of ‘To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind’.”

The University is conferring academic awards on a total of 10,189 students this year, including 363 Doctor of Philosophy degree graduates, 105 professional doctoral degree graduates, 51 Master of Philosophy degree graduates, 4,962 taught master’s degree graduates, 4,310 bachelor's degree graduates, 56 postgraduate diploma recipients, and 340 sub-degree award recipients.

*****End*****