City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) conferred honorary doctorates on three distinguished individuals on 1 November, in recognition of their significant contributions to education and societal well-being. The distinguished persons are:

• Dr the Hon Leung Chun-ying, Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference;
• Professor Hiroshi Amano, Professor and Director of the Center for Integrated Research of Future Electronics, Institute of Materials and Systems for Sustainability, Nagoya University; and
• Dame Madeleine Atkins, President of Lucy Cavendish College, University of Cambridge.

Presiding over the ceremony was Dr Chung Shui-ming, Pro-Chancellor of CityUHK. In attendance were Mr Lester Garson Huang, Chairman of the Council; Ms Lilian Chiang Sui-fook, Deputy Chairman of the Council; Mr Charles Chin Ying-on, Treasurer of the Council; Professor Freddy Boey, University President; and other members of the Council, including Dr Eugene Chan Kin-keung, Dr Raymond Leung Siu-hong, Ms Rita Pang Yat-sum, Mr Rex Wong Siu-han, and Mr Justin Wong Tak-ho.

In his address, President Boey stated that the three eminent individuals serve as excellent role models for students, faculty and everyone connected to the University. He remarked that Dr Leung is committed to boosting career opportunities for young people in the Greater Bay Area, Professor Amano is one of the world’s most eminent scientists, and Dame Madeleine leads a College at one of the world’s most prestigious universities.

“Such dedication to improving society will definitely boost CityUHK’s current agenda of transforming the University into a team-based, learning-centric, locally focused, globally minded institution, reaching out internationally and seeking collaboration with overseas universities and industry partners,” he added.

In celebration of the University’s 30th anniversary, President Boey highlighted the latest developments at CityUHK, including significant progress in the global university rankings, research funding, and the establishment of new research institutes, such as the newly founded Hong Kong Institute of AI for Science, in collaboration with academic and industry partners. These new developments ensure that we will remain a University of standing in the region, and further afield.

He emphasised that support from these eminent individuals will help the University continue “Innovating into the Future”, shaping a better future for all and empowering the next generation.

In her address, Dame Madeleine expressed gratitude and delight for all the honorees for joining the University community. “I would like to congratulate City University of Hong Kong for the model it presents to the university sector, ambitious for achieving good, seeking excellence in everything it does, supporting students who want to make a positive impact on the world, and partnering with organisations that are genuinely international in their interests and committed to addressing global concerns,” she said. 

She added that CityUHK, Nagoya University and the University of Cambridge are at the forefront of conducting the research needed to address complex global problems that threaten humankind and our planet. The three universities are dedicated to translate their research findings into solutions that can be sustainably implemented through organisations of all kinds.

CityUHK has embarked on a series of collaborations with the University of Cambridge, including a recently launched five-year scholarship programme with Lucy Cavendish College at the University of Cambridge, and becoming the first international partner of the Future Global Leaders Programme launched by the College.

Biographies of the 2024 Honorary Doctorates

Media enquiries:
Poying Hung, Communications and Institutional Research Office, CityUHK (Tel: 3442 4218 or 6034 3830)
Vanessa Cheung, Communications and Institutional Research Office, CityUHK (Tel: 3442 5221 or 6408 7411)