UIC organised its Honorary Fellowship Conferment and a press conference on 20 June 2024 to commend four exceptional individuals for their contributions to education, technology, art, and business.
The Honorary Fellows are: Prof Chen Shiyi, a Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and an internationally recognised physician and educator, was awarded for his scientific breakthroughs and achievements and for his contribution to talent cultivation (Read more: Citation for Prof Chen Shiyi);
Mr Franco Cutrupia, former Chairman of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in China, received the fellowship for his dedication to the world of business, education and cultural exchange (Read more: Citation for Mr Franco Cutrupia);
Mr Liu Shih Kun, a world-renowned Chinese pianist, was praised for his accomplishments in music performance, cross-cultural communication, and his promotion to music arts and education (Read more: Citation for Mr Liu Shih Kun);
Prof Ng Ching-Fai, founding President of UIC and former President and Vice-Chancellor of Hong Kong Baptist University, was recognised for his service to the public community, particularly in the field of higher education (Read more: Citation for Prof Ng Ching-Fai).
(From right) Prof Chen Shiyi, Mr Franco Cutrupia, Mr Liu Shih Kun and Prof Ng Ching-Fai
UIC President Prof Chen Zhi spoke at the award ceremony. He said that UIC expects the students to actively assume social responsibility while demonstrating their interdisciplinary skills and learning from the four Honorary Fellows.
The conferment was presided over by President and Vice-Chancellor of Hong Kong Baptist University Prof Alexander Wai.
A vote of thanks was given by Prof Ng Ching-Fai on behalf of the Honorary Fellows. He reviewed the glories and achievements of the Fellows and then recalled UIC's development as China's first liberal arts university. He pointed out that liberal arts education is "to train our next generation as well-rounded creative thinkers, servants of the community and effective cross-cultural communicators, negotiators across differences." (Read more: Vote of Thanks by Honorary Fellow Professor Ng Ching-Fai)
A press conference was organised on the same day after the conferment with the attendance of media from nationwide.
UIC Vice President (Academic) Prof Zhou Yongming gave an opening speech at the conference, stating that the four honorary fellows share a spirit with UIC in their concern for their homeland and society.
The honorary fellows later shared views on topics such as how to strengthen cooperation with UIC in the future, talent cultivation and educational development in the era of artificial intelligence (AI). They pointed out that although AI's development is unstoppable, human creativity and comprehensive capabilities remain irreplaceable and are crucial for innovation. There is even more need for individuals grounded in liberal arts education.
A welcome dinner was held for the four Honorary Fellows to communicate with UIC's faculty and students.
Executive Vice President of Beijing Normal University, Chairman of the UIC Council Dr Wang Shoujun delivers a speech at the dinner
Hong Kong Baptist University President and Vice-Chancellor Prof Alexander Wai delivers a speech
Gifts from UIC are presented to the Honorary Fellows respectively
Founding President of UIC Prof Ng Ching-Fai (middle) with UIC's second President Prof Tang Tao (left) and UIC's current President Prof Chen Zhi (right)
Piano performance at the dinner by Mr Liu Shih Kun
From MPRO
Reporter: Cecilia Yu
Photographer: Season Li, Owen Li, Hanna He
Editor: Deen He
