Some awards are not just signifiers of an individual’s outstanding achievements, sometimes they go deeper than that, bringing to light a sense of trust, a bond of partnership, and a belief in that individual’s vision, abilities and ambitions.
That’s what HKU’s Endowed Professorships and its Outstanding Young Professorships are.
An Endowed Professorship is one of the most significant awards the University can bestow on its most eminent scholars in support of their academic and research activities.
Outstanding Young Professorships were established at HKU to nurture and support rising stars and young talents, designated for outstanding Assistant Professors or Associate Professors, demonstrating HKU’s commitment to fostering the next generation of academic leaders.
HKU held its 14th Inauguration of Endowed Professorships, celebrating the establishment of six new Endowed Professorships and four new Outstanding Young Professorships. Additionally, 12 Endowed Professorships with successive appointments were also recognised.
In addition to being a testament of the University’s enduring Town-Gown partnership, each gift carries with it a unique story about the hopes and generosity behind the philanthropy, and the vision and aspirations of the recipient.
The ceremony was officiated by Dr the Honourable Sir David Li Kwok-po, Pro-Chancellor, and distinguished guests included Professor Xiang Zhang, President and Vice-Chancellor; Mrs Cherry Tse, Executive Vice-President (Administration and Finance); Professor Peng Gong, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic Development); Professor Jay Siegel, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning); Professor Lau Chak-sing, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health); Professor Yang Wang, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Institutional Advancement); Professor Vivian Yam, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global Innovation Centre); Professor Lap-Chee Tsui, Chairman of HKU Foundation and Deans of Faculties. The event was attended by over 200 participants.
Six Newly Established Endowed Professorships
David H Y Chang Professorship in Chinese History
Professor Guoqi Xu
With a groundbreaking approach to transnational and shared history of China and the world, Professor Xu will use the endowment from Tigillus Foundation to strengthen this research area and establish HKU as a leading hub in the field.
Mok Sau-King Professorship
Professor Guochun Zhao
Supported by the late Ms Mok Sau-King, Professor Zhao will further study early Earth to uncover insights into how planets in the solar system formed and evolved.
Sapientia Eminence Professorship
Professor Hongjie Dai
With Mr Vitor Cheung’s donation, Professor Dai will advance nanomedicine and nanoscience research, aiming for breakthroughs that could revolutionise imaging-guided surgery through cutting-edge scientific translation.
Zhang Yonghong Professorships in Accounting
Professor Pingyang Gao
With Dr Zhang Yinghong’s generosity, Professor Gao will continue his research on securities regulation and corporate governance, while expanding data collection on the Hong Kong market to analyse operational dynamics, pinpoint areas for improvement, and reinforce its status as a premier financial hub.
Zhang Yonghong Professorship in Economics and Strategy
Professor Jin Li
Professor Li focuses on boosting organisational trust to improve efficiency and empower youth, creating opportunities and societal benefits. His research also explores AI’s impact on future workplaces.
Zhang Yonghong Professorships in Marketing
Professor Echo Wan
Professor Wan will expand her research in marketing and consumer psychology, focusing on optimizing marketing strategies and customer experiences in an increasingly digital and AI-driven marketplace.
Four Newly Established Outstanding Young Professorships
Belinda Hung Outstanding Young Professorship
Professor Shirley Li
With Ms Belinda Hung’s support, Professor Li aims to explore the link between sleep and health using advanced technology, promoting better sleep and enhancing well-being.
Gallant Ho Outstanding Young Professorship
Professor Benjamin Chen
Funded by Drs Gallant and Rebecca Ho, Professor Chen will empirically investigate procedures so as to broaden access to justice, foster trust in the legal system, and improve public decision-making.
Gallant Ho Outstanding Young Professorship
Professor Chu Hin
Professor Chu will utilise the endowment to advance research on human pathogenic coronaviruses, strengthening preparedness for future pandemics.
Tin Ka Ping Foundation Outstanding Young Professorship
Professor Gaowei Chen
Professor Chen will expand his research on AI-enhanced classroom dialogue, supported by Tin Ka Ping Foundation, to improve education in Hong Kong and globally.
