One of the world’s most renowned chemists and two internationally recognised experts in computer science will give specially commissioned talks at City University of Hong Kong (CityU) this week at the CityU Distinguished Lectures series.

All three are due to receive honorary degrees at CityU’s 2010 Congregation (9-18 November) for their innovative work and their commitment to improving society through research and visionary entrepreneurship.

Professor Jean-Marie Lehn, winner of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1987, will give a talk titled “From Matter to Life: Chemistry? Chemistry!” on 8 November. In his talk he will explain how the evolution of the universe has generated more and more complex matter through self-organisation. This self-organisation sees molecules interact with each other to form more complex entities, such as human life.

He will show how chemistry provides a bridge between the molecules of inanimate matter and the highly complex molecular architectures and systems which make up living organisms.

Professor Lehn, CityU’s Chair Professor-at-Large, has held teaching positions at a number of distinguished universities, and is now Chair Professor of Chemistry of Molecular Interactions at the Collège de France.

Dr Barry Lam, Founder and Chairman of Quanta Computer, will give a talk titled “Cloud Computing Enables Digital Knowledge Economy” on 10 November, showing how cloud computing can impact our everyday life and make a difference to society. Dr Lam is widely hailed as a visionary in the IT field. Under his leadership since 1988, Quanta Computer has undergone rapid development, becoming the world’s largest designer and manufacturer of notebook computers within 10 years.

Dr Lee Kai-Fu, Innovation Works Chairman and CEO, will give a talk titled “The Chinese Internet: A Reflection of China” on 12 November. He will compare the Chinese Internet to its US counterpart in terms of development, usage and demographics. He will explain why Chinese video, social networking, search, gaming, instant messaging, marketplace, payment, blogging/microblogging activities have evolved in different directions compared to those in the US.

Before starting his own business, Dr Lee held leading positions at Apple, SGI, Microsoft, and then served as a Google Vice President and the President of Google Greater China. He developed many innovative products over the years and he now heads Innovation Works in Beijing. It provides a platform for preparing the next wave of Chinese high-tech companies and nurturing the next-generation of Chinese entrepreneurs.

Altogether five distinguished persons will receive honorary doctoral degrees on 11 November at CityU in recognition of their significant contributions to education and the well-being of society. They are Mr Chung Shui-ming, Director-General of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong; Dr Lam; Dr Lee; Professor Lehn; and The Hon Andrew Li Kwok-nang, Hong Kong’s first Chief Justice.

Details of the three Distinguished Lectures are as follows:

Professor Jean-Marie Lehn: “From Matter to Life: Chemistry? Chemistry!”

Date: 8 November 2010

Time: 4:30pm

Dr Barry Lam: “Cloud Computing Enables Digital Knowledge Economy”

Date: 10 November 2010

Time: 4:30pm

Dr Lee Kai-Fu: “The Chinese Internet: A Reflection of China”

Date: 12 November 2010

Time: 11:00am

All three lectures will be held in the Multi-media Conference Room at 4/F, Cheng Yick-chi Building, CityU.

Notes to editors: The photo will be sent via email and available for downloading at CityU’s web site (www.ncm2.xyz/media).

Filename: Jean-Marie Lehn

Caption: Professor Jean-Marie Lehn will give a talk titled “From Matter to Life: Chemistry? Chemistry!” on 8 November.

Filename: Barry Lam

Caption: Dr Barry Lam will give a talk titled “Cloud Computing Enables Digital Knowledge Economy” on 10 November.

Filename: Lee Kai-fu

Caption: Dr Lee Kai-fu will give a talk titled “The Chinese Internet: A Reflection of China” on 12 November.

Media enquiries: Karen Cheng, Communications and Public Relations Office, CityU (3442 6805 or 9201 8895).