The Faculty of Humanities has launched the Yuen Ren Chao Prize in Language Sciences to honour distinguished contributions to the field.

Named after the late Prof. Yuen Ren Chao, a pioneering linguist, the biennial prize will have two awards - a Lifetime Achievement Award and an Early Career Contribution Award. The first awards will be presented in 2024.

At the launch ceremony, PolyU President Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said the prize will catalyse greater linguistic and cultural understanding. He added that PolyU is honoured to advance Chao’s legacy, as the University’s Faculty of Humanities pursues excellence in multidisciplinary language research.

Speakers highlighted Prof. Yuen Ren Chao’s influence, with Dr Louis Ng (6th from left) calling him a scholar whose knowledge spanned disciplines. The programme also included captivating performances of songs composed by Prof. Chao, by renowned artists Dr Warren Mok (4th from left) and Ms Bing Bing Wang (3rd from left).

Nominations are open until 30 November 2023. Awardees will deliver lectures and receive cash prizes at conferment ceremonies. For more information, please visit www.polyu.edu.hk/fh/chao-prize.