PolyU COMP 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner cum Distinguished Alumni Award Presentation Ceremony Concludes Year-long Programme of Celebration

The 50th-anniversary programme of the Department of Computing (COMP) kicked off in January this year, with a series of events to celebrate this remarkable milestone. It has included a distinguished talk series, digital time capsule campaign, alumni homecoming dinner, research student conference, programming contest for secondary school students and other celebratory activities.

Since its establishment in 1974 as the first university department in Hong Kong to offer computing education, COMP has been a driving force behind Hong Kong’s technological transformation. For half a century, it has nurtured over 12,000 graduates and generations of professional computing talents who have made valuable contributions to the advancement of our society. Many of its alumni are professional talents, industry leaders, business elites and community pioneers, making significant contributions to Hong Kong, the Mainland and the world at large.

 

On 8 November, COMP celebrated the successful conclusion of its 50th-anniversary programme—by hosting the Anniversary Gala Dinner and Distinguished Alumni Award Presentation Ceremony. This event brought together over 250 distinguished guests from government, the public sector, academia and industry, along with current and former faculty, alumni and students, marking the culmination of a year filled with festivities.

The evening began with an opening ceremony symbolising the collective strength of PolyU and its collaborators which has fueled the Department’s excellence over the past five decades. The Ceremony was officiated by esteemed guests including Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation); Dr Xuedong HUANG, Chief Technology Officer of Zoom and Chairman of the COMP Departmental Advisory Committee; Prof. Qing LI, Chair Professor and Head of COMP; Mr Kar-Kan LING, PolyU Interim Vice President (Campus Development and Facilities); Dr Miranda LOU, PolyU Executive Vice President; Prof. H.C. MAN, Dean of the PolyU Faculty of Engineering; Ir WONG Chi Kwong, Tony, JP, Commissioner for Digital Policy of the HKSAR Government; and Prof. Hon. Kam-fai William WONG, MH, Hong Kong Legislative Council Member (listed in alphabetical order).

In her opening address, Dr Miranda LOU, Executive Vice President of PolyU, reflected on the Department’s journey over the last 50 years and its significant contributions to computing technology and talent development. She expressed confidence that the Department of Computing was well-equipped moving forward to maintain its leadership in education and interdisciplinary research.

Ir Tony WONG, JP, Commissioner for Digital Policy and a proud alumnus, shared insights on the vital roles of government, universities and industry in promoting innovation. He underscored the importance of ongoing collaboration and expressed heartfelt gratitude to his alma mater, reminiscing about his own student experiences at the University.

Prof. LI Qing, Chair Professor of Data Science and Head of COMP, spoke passionately about the Department’s emphasis on the future. He reaffirmed a solid commitment to innovation and excellence, outlining initiatives aimed at enhancing educational programmes, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration and advancing research efforts that promote social progress, thus positioning COMP as a leader in the field.

Over the past five decades, COMP’s unwavering pursuit of academic and research excellence has consistently garnered recognition as one among the world’s top 100 institutions by subject. The Department has been ranked 31st in the Best Global Universities Subject Rankings by the U.S. News & World Report 2024. In 2022, PolyU ranked first in CoinDesk’s Best Universities for Blockchain globally, out of 240 renowned institutions. This recognition brings honour not only to the Department but also to our whole university community.

Following the opening speeches, the recipient of the Departmental Outstanding Alumni Award, Mr Vincent MA, CEO of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park Limited, and Miss Bianca HO, Director of Information Technology (Global) of Swire Hotels Group, were honoured by Dr Lou. The event also recognised past awardees who joined this year’s honorees to receive an anniversary pin in acknowledgement of their unwavering support and outstanding accomplishments. Additionally, retired faculty and long-serving staff were presented with plaques to celebrate their invaluable contributions to the Department.

The evening continued with a joyful cake-cutting and toasting ceremony, where representatives from PolyU and the Anniversary organising committee joined in sharing good fortune with all attendees. The Gala Dinner was enlivened by an array of entertainment activities. A talented ensemble of staff, alumni and students performed a heartfelt original song titled “Hand in Hand,” composed in honour of the Department’s anniversary. A dazzling tron dance performance and engaging lucky draw sessions added to the festive spirit of the night. Additionally, four alumni from the Department’s very first cohort, including Dr Louis MA, former Director of CityU SCOPE, shared inspiring stories from their time at PolyU.


Before the end of the dinner, all the guests participated in a final countdown ceremony and witnessed the sealing of a digital time capsule. The messages stored inside the capsule will be revealed in five years’ time. The success of the Gala Dinner was made possible by the generous support of our event sponsors, including Microware Limited, Automated Systems (HK) Limited, BinoViz Limited, Huawei, OPPO and 2square Capital.

The Dinner not only honoured five decades of achievement but also set a hopeful tone for the future of the Department of Computing as it looks ahead to continued excellence and innovation in the years to come. With its new theme and strategy of “Pioneering Possibilities, Powering Potentials”, COMP will continue to excel and explore new frontiers. Whether in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity or other emerging fields we have yet to imagine, COMP is poised to scale new heights in education and research, contributing to the betterment of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world.