Professor Max Shen, HKU’s Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), has been elected as an International Member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) in recognition of his remarkable contributions to the fields of artificial intelligence and supply chain optimisation.
Reflecting on his election, Professor Shen expressed his profound gratitude for the honour: “This distinction represents tremendous recognition of my team’s contributions to the innovation and technology sector while providing strong impetus for our research endeavours. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Chinese Academy of Engineering, the HKU team, and our partners for their steadfast support. Moving forward, we will continue advancing the development of AI and supply chain optimisation technologies, fostering collaboration between industry, academia, and research institutions, translating research discoveries into sustainable, practical solutions that contribute to the innovation and technology ecosystem both nationally and globally.”
Professor Xiang Zhang, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKU, extended his congratulations and highlighted the importance of this accolade, stating, “Professor Shen’s election as an International Member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering is a prestigious honour, reflecting his outstanding contributions to AI and supply chain optimisation. This recognition also exemplifies HKU’s strengthening role as a bridge between national and global research ecosystems.”
An internationally renowned scholar, Professor Shen has built an exceptional career at the intersection of research and practical application. He obtained his PhD from Northwestern University in 2000 and began his academic career as an Assistant Professor at the University of Florida. In 2004, Professor Shen joined the University of California, Berkeley, where he became Chancellor’s Professor and Chair of the Department of Industrial Engineering and Operations Research, as well as a Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. He also served as a Centre Director at the Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute and was an Honorary Professor at Tsinghua University prior to joining HKU in 2021.
His research interests are diverse, encompassing logistics and supply chain management, data-driven decision making, and system optimisation. He has led projects across various fields, including business, energy systems, transportation systems, smart cities, healthcare management, and environmental protection. Professor Shen’s significant contributions have not only advanced these areas but have also nurtured a new generation of innovators; many of his former students now hold leadership roles in prominent universities and technology firms worldwide.
The recent recognition from the CAE adds to an already impressive list of accolades for Professor Shen, which includes fellowships with the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS) and the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering. He is also a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and a Fellow of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers. Additionally, he has previously served as the President of the Production and Operations Management Society (POMS).
Professor Shen’s election to the CAE cements his reputation as a prominent leader in engineering and applied sciences, representing not only individual achievement but also the growing global contribution of HKU in bridging innovative research and practical technology solutions.
The Chinese Academy of Engineering is the nation’s highest honorary and advisory academic institution in the fields of engineering sciences and technology. New members are elected every two years. This year, the CAE welcomed 71 new members from China and 24 from abroad, bringing the total count to 1,002 academicians from China and 148 from other countries.
