17th Cross-strait Symposium on Environment, Resource and Ecological Conservation
The 17th Cross-strait Symposium on Environment, Resource and Ecological Conservation, jointly organized by the Department of Geography and Resource Management and several other organizations, was held on 21-25 December 2016. About 180 scholars and graduate students from the Mainland, Taiwan and Hong Kong gathered on campus to carry out effective academic exchange and discussion under the overall theme of "Harmony between Society and Nature, Prosperity in Urban and Rural Areas". The symposium was highly successful with a broad coverage in many areas including development and management of water and land resources, ecosystems and ecological restoration, climate change and low-carbon development, ecological civilization and regional sustainable development, and urban environment and nature conservation. This conference series was first initiated in 2000 by the Department of Geography and Resource Management, jointly with Chinese Academy of Sciences Geographic Science and Resource Institute and Chinese Culture University in Taiwan, and since the first symposium was then held on CUHK campus, one annual event has been held every year at many locations in the Greater China region.

Professor LAI Yuk-fo Derrick received Young Researcher Award 2015
Professor LAI Yuk-fo Derrick has recently been awarded the Young Researcher Award 2015 by the University in recognition of his remarkable accomplishments in research. The award consists of a trophy, a certificate and HK$100,000 in the form of a research grant.

Former Ph.D. student received Postgraduate Research Output Award 2015
Professor LI Jianfeng, former Ph.D. student (2012-15), has recently been awarded the Postgraduate Research Output Award 2015 by the University in recognition of his remarkable accomplishments in research. The award consists of a trophy, a certificate and HK$20,000 cash prize.

Hong Kong Geography Day 2016
The Hong Kong Geography Day 2016, co-organized by the Department of Geography and Resource Management and the Hong Kong Geographical Association, was held on 19 November 2016 at CUHK. Geography Day is a biennial event aiming to promote geography knowledge among the public and also provides a platform for professional sharing. The main theme of this year is "Adapting Changes and Enhancing Sustainability: Hong Kong and Beyond". The opening ceremony was officiated by Mr. Ling Kar Kan, JP, Director of Planning of the HKSAR Government, and Professor Gabriel Ngar-Cheung Lau, AXA Professor of Geography and Resource Management, CUHK. Mr. Ling delivered a keynote speech entitled "Make Hong Kong Tomorrow-ready", which highlights the vision of Hong Kong to be a liveable, competitive and sustainable Asia's World City. Similar to other cities, Hong Kong is facing numerous challenges and threats. Another keynote speaker, Prof. Lau, shared his views on the challenge of climate change from a Hong Kong perspective. Other distinguished scholars and research students from Hong Kong and Guangzhou were invited to deliver seminars on a variety of issues and challenges of global changes and sustainability.
Following the opening ceremony, a number of activities took place, such as University Research Seminars, Research Student Paper and Poster Competition, Secondary School Talks, GIS Workshop for Secondary School Teachers, GRM Open House, Visit to T · Park and board exhibitions by local universities, relevant departments of the HKSAR Government, NGOs and business community to display the information and their interrelationship with the discipline of geography. Over 400 students and teachers from local secondary schools, graduate students and professors from local universities, and guests from Guangzhou attended this event.

Prof. NG Mee Kam elected as a fellow of Academy of Social Sciences
Prof. NG Mee Kam has recently been elected as a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences. The Academy is a national academy of academics, learned societies and practitioners in the social sciences in the United Kingdom. This year it has conferred the award of Fellow on 84 leading social scientists who have been recognized "after an extensive process of peer review for the excellence and impact of their work through the use of social science for public benefit" (http://www.acss.org.uk/news/eighty-four-leading-social-scientists-conferred-fellows-academy-social-sciences/).

Emeritus Professor Yeung Yue-man honored by Western University
Emeritus Professor Yeung Yue-man received Honorary Doctor of Law from his alma mater, Western University in Ontario, Canada, in recognition of his numerous achievements and important contributions in academic research and public service. The convocation was held in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 28 May 2016.

Prof. Chen Yongqin received research award from Ministry of Education
Prof. Chen Yongqin has recently won the natural science second-class award of the Higher Education Outstanding Scientific Research Output Awards 2015 from the Ministry of Education. The award recognizes his outstanding research, jointly with Profs. Zhang Qiang and Chen Xiaohong of Zhongshan University, on "Basic theories and applications of basin-scale water cycle and simulation of land surface hydrological processes". The award ceremony was held in City University of Hong Kong on 24 May 2016.

Professor LAM Kin Che receives the IAIA 2016 Regional Award
At the 36th Annual IAIA Conference held in Nagoya Japan on 11-14 May 2016, Professor Lam Kin Che, Adjunct Professor of our Department, received the IAIA 2016 Regional Award. This is the first award given to a person in the Greater China region by IAIA since its foundation in 1980.  IAIA is an international professional body made up of over 1700 impact assessment practitioners, environmental professionals, government officials, researchers and policy advocates from 120 nations. IAIA organizes a conference each year in different parts of the world. Held in Nagoya this year, the annual conference was attended by about 800 delegates. In presenting the award, the Chair of the Awards Committee said Professor Lam was selected for his ongoing and sustained contributions to impact assessment in Asia, including his role in organizing regular regional meetings on Strategic Environment Assessment (SEA) and his work on capacity building and promoting good impact assessment practices in the region.

Advanced Workshop on Cities, Environment and Sustainability
On April 11th, 2016, the Department of Geography and Resource Management (GRM), the Institute of Future Cities and the Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability jointly organized the Advanced Workshop on Cities, Environment and Sustainability. The workshop aims to exchange latest research findings and future directions in the interdisciplinary research areas of cities, environment and sustainability, which are the major research strength of GRM and the two institutes. Three distinguished visitors delivered keynote speeches, including Prof. Billie Turner II from Arizona State University, Prof. Michael Batty from University College London, and Prof. Susan Hanson from Clark University. Local researchers also shared their insights, including Profs. Gabriel Lau, Huang Bo, Ng Mee Kam and Xu Yuan from CUHK, Prof. Chinmoy Sarkar from HKU, and Prof. Wang Donggen from HKBU. Prof. Chiu Chi-yue, Dean of Faculty of Social Science at CUHK, delivered a welcome speech at the workshop. Profs. Fung Tung, Anthony Yeh, Lin Hui and Shen Jianfa chaired various sessions. Over 110 faculty members, postgraduate students and other participants across Hong Kong attended the workshop.

Dr. Joanna Lee received Exemplary Teaching Award
Dr. Joanna Lee has recently been awarded the Exemplary Teaching Award 2015 by the Faculty of Social Science in recognition of her outstanding performance and accomplishments in teaching. Prof. Shen Jianfa, our Department Chairman, presented a trophy and a certificate to her in the presentation ceremony held on 19 March 2016.

Professor Derrick Lai received Research Excellence Award
Professor Derrick Lai has recently been awarded the Research Excellence Award (2014-15) by the University in recognition of his remarkable accomplishments in research. The award consists of HK$200,000 in the form of a research grant. Prof. Chiu Chi Yue, Dean of Faculty of Social Science, presented a trophy and a certificate to him in the presentation ceremony held on 19 March 2016.

GRM students recognized in the Dean's List 2014-15 of Faculty of Social Science
The following students were presented the Dean's List certificates in recognition of their outstanding academic achievements by the Faculty of Social Science on 19 March 2016. As guest of honor, Mr. Chong Chan-yau, President of Hong Kong Blind Union, was invited to officiate the ceremony of Appreciate Achievement Award Celebration and address the audience. Congratulations to our students!
[Taught Master's Programmes] MSc in Geoinformation Science: CHEN Nanyan; MSSc in Sustainable Tourism: LIANG Jingyi, WANG Zhe, ZHANG Shuying, YUEN Siu Kan
[Undergraduate Programme] 1st Year: CHU Chun Ho, CHU Kin Ching, MA Sze Chai; 2nd Year: CHAN Chun Kit, GUO Xinyi, KO Wing Sum, KWONG Ho Yin, LI Shau Yin; 3rd Year: AU Wing Sum, CHAN Kei Yee, CHEUNG Suet Yi, HO Nga Sum Clarice, KWONG Hiu Lam Lillian, LAI Fung Ki, MAN Ka Chun, TAM Tsz Ching, TAM Wai Yan, WONG Chun Ngar, WONG Pui Ting, WU Shuk Man; 4th Year: DUEN Long Yee, LAU Tak Long, TONG Cheuk Hei, WAN Chi Yan

Delegation of Lanzhou University Visited our Department
A delegation of three faculty members and eight students from the College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, led by Prof. LI Ding, visited our Department on 25 January - 2 February 2016. The delegation met with our colleagues to discuss collaboration in teaching and research and visited geoparks, City Gallery, and flood prevention facilities in Hong Kong. Prof. LI Ding delivered a seminar on desertification prevention and poverty alleviation in arid regions in northwestern China.

Two CAE academicians visited our Department
Prof. Wei Ziqin and Prof. Ding Yihui, Academicians of Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), visited our Department on 10 December 2015 for academic exchange and discussion of research collaboration. On the day before they gave talks on "The Second Geodetic Boundary Value Problem" and "Impacts of and Countermeasures against the Threats of Rainstorm and Sea Level Rise under Climate Change on Coastal Mega-cities in China", respectively, at CUHK.

Graduate Student received international award
Ms. Law Man Suet Michelle, our Ph.D. student, has recently been awarded the Earthwatch Shulman Award (2015-16) by the Earthwatch Institute (Europe) for supporting her training needs in conservation research. The award consists of GBP 500 in the form of a conference grant.

Professor XU Yuan received Young Researcher Award 2014
Professor XU Yuan has recently been awarded the Young Researcher Award 2014 by the University in recognition of his remarkable accomplishments in research. The award consists of a trophy, a certificate and HK$100,000 in the form of a research grant.

Prof. Bob Andersen and Prof. Daniel Shrubsole of UWO visited the Department
Prof. Bob Andersen, Dean of Faculty of Social Science, and Prof. Dan Shrubsole, Chair of Department of Geography, The University of Western Ontario, visited the Department on 26 November 2015 and met with our colleagues to discuss and develop plans for student field trips and research collaboration between our two departments.

Prof. Huang Bo appointed as Editor-in-Chief of Comprehensive GIS by Elsevier UK
Prof. Huang Bo has been appointed as Editor-in-Chief of Comprehensive Geographic Information Systems (Comprehensive GIS) by Elsevier (Oxford, UK). The appointment was made in recognition of Prof. Huang's thought leadership in the area. The 3-volume Comprehensive GIS is a landmark publication in the area, one of the most authoritative sourcebooks in the field. Prof. Huang currently serves as the Asia-Pacific Editor of International Journal of Geographical Information Science (Taylor & Francis) and Executive Editor of Annals of GIS (Taylor & Francis).

Prof. Mee Kam Ng received AESOP Best Published Paper Award
In the Annual Congress of Association of European Schools of Planning (AESOP) held in Prague in July 2015, Prof. Mee Kam Ng received the AESOP Best Published Paper Award 2015 for her paper entitled 'Intellectuals and the Production of Space in the Urban Renewal Process in Hong Kong and Taipei. Details of the award including the Award Committee Statement can be found at: http://www.aesop-planning.eu/awards/en_GB/2015/07/18/readabout/aesop-best-published-paper-2015.

Dr. CHAN Chung Shing received the Young Scholars Thesis Award
Dr. CHAN Chung Shing, our Research Assistant Professor, has recently been selected to be one of the winners of the Young Scholars Thesis Awards 2014. This award is offered by the Graduate School of the Chinese University of Hong Kong to recognize outstanding doctoral theses written by research doctoral graduates.

Graduate student received Fulbright scholarship
Mr. Li Jianfeng, our Ph.D. student, has recently been selected to receive the prestigious Fulbright-RGC Hong Kong Research Scholar Award for conducting research at Princeton University for ten months. He is the first Fulbright Scholar in our Department. The Fulbright Program has announced this year's awards at: http://www.fulbright.org.hk/main/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Fulbright-RGC-HK-Awards-Announcement-2015-20165.pdf

Prof. Lin Hui received distinguished research award
Prof. Lin Hui and his research team received a Second-class Award of the Ministry of Education Higher Education Outstanding Scientific Research Output Award scheme in 2014 for their outstanding work on the theory and methodology of virtual geographic environments for geographic experiments. The award presentation ceremony was held on 7 May 2015 on CUHK campus.

Professor Jacqueline Cramer of Utrecht University visited our Department
Prof. Jacqueline Cramer of Utrecht University, former Minister of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment (2007-10) of the Netherlands, visited our Department on 16 April 2015 and delivered a seminar talk on "Towards a circular economy: The case of the metropole region Amsterdam".

Academician of Academia Sinica, Taiwan visited our Department
Prof. Shaw Chen Liu, Academician of Academia Sinica, Taiwan visited our Department on 15 April 2015 for academic exchange and discussion of research collaboration. On the previous day he gave a talk on "Trends of Regional Precipitation and Their Control Mechanisms during the 1979-2013 Warming" at CUHK.

Dr. Frankie Wong received Exemplary Teaching Award
Dr. Frankie Wong has recently been awarded the Exemplary Teaching Award 2014 by the Faculty of Social Science in recognition of his outstanding performance and accomplishments in teaching. The Faculty Dean presented a trophy and a certificate to him in the presentation ceremony held on 14 March 2015.

GRM students recognized in the Dean's List 2013-14 of Faculty of Social Science
The following students were presented the Dean's List certificates in recognition of their outstanding academic achievements by the Faculty of Social Science on 14 March 2015. As guest of honor, Ms. Ada Wong, a renowned social activist, was invited to officiate the ceremony and address the audience. Congratulations to our students!
[Taught Master's Programmes] MSc in Geoinformation Science: ZHOU Yulun; MSSc in Sustainable Tourism: GUO Kaiying, LIU Ruiqi, XIA Luanjie, XU Han
[Undergraduate Programme] 1st Year: CHAN Chun Kit, KO Wing Sum, KWONG Ho Yin, LI Shau Yin, ZENG Jun Yu; 2nd Year: CHAN Kei Yee, CHAN Pui Yan, CHENG Ho Lam, HO Hei Lam, LAI Fung Ki, LI Tseung Yat, MAN Ka Chun, NG Siu Ho, NG Yee, POON Hiu Tung, WONG Chun Ngar, WONG Pui Ting, WU Shuk Man, YU Jacqueline; 3rd Year: CHAN Pui Chun, CHUNG Yin Ying, KOK Man Chun, LAU Tak Long, LI Ching Yeung, LUI Hoi Yi, POON Kit Wa, WONG Lok Yan Gladys, WONG Yin Fong, WU Long Chi, YUEN Ka Yan

Two CAS academicians visited our Department
Prof. Tong Qingxi and Prof. Zhou Chenghu, Academicians of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), visited our Department on 12 February 2015 for academic exchange and discussion of research collaboration. On the day before they gave talks on "Commercialization of Space-borne Remote Sensing" and "Development of GIS in China", respectively, at CUHK.

Delegation of Lanzhou University visited our Department
A group of four staff and seven students led by Professor Wang Nai'ang from Department of Geography, College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University (LZU) visited GRM during 18-25 January 2015. Our faculty members met the LZU colleagues and discussed the continuous cooperation in teaching and research, especially the join field trip in Gansu. The joint Lanzhou trip started in 2006 and the 10th trip will take place in the summer of 2015. Prof. Wang Nai'ang presented a seminar in the Department on the scientific expeditions and discovery in Badan Jilin desert.

Delegation of Yunnan University Visited our Department
A delegation of eight members from the Asian International Rivers Center (AIRC), Yunnan University, led by Prof. HE Daming, visited our Department on 11-14 December 2014. The delegation met with our colleagues to discuss collaboration in teaching and research and visited coastal wetlands and geoparks in Hong Kong. Prof. He Daming, Director of AIRC, delivered a seminar on transboundary water security in Asia.

Two CAE academicians visited our Department
Prof. Guo Renzhong and Prof. Li Jiancheng, Academicians of Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), visited our Department on 4 December 2014 for academic exchange and discussion of research collaboration. On the day before they gave talks on "GIS applications in urban development" and "Development of geodetic survey in China", respectively, at CUHK.

Students Won Excellence Award in the 7th South China Geographical Science Tournament
Four GRM students won the Excellence Award for their project entitled "Development and conservation: Seeking a win-win solution" in the 7th South China Geographical Science Tournament held on 21 November 2014 in Fuzhou. The student team led by Prof. Huang Bo consisted of Ip Tsoi Yam, Leung Shu Ting, Chan Sin Ting and Chow Lok Yiu.

Chairman of the Department of Geography, National Taiwan University visited our Department
Prof. Jinn-yuh Hsu (fourth from the left), Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Department of Geography, National Taiwan University, visited the Department on 22 October 2014. He met with Prof. SHEN Jianfa, our Department Chair, and several other colleagues to discuss cooperation opportunities, especially on student exchange, joint field trips and research collaboration.

Prof. Gabriel Lau honored by American Meteorological Society
Prof. Gabriel Lau has been selected as the 2015 Bernard Haurwitz Memorial Lecturer by American Meteorological Society. This lecturership was established to honor a very prominent dynamical meteorologist, Bernard Haurwitz. The Bernhard Haurwitz Memorial Lecturer is selected in recognition of significant contributions to the understanding of atmospheric and oceanic fluid dynamics, the circulation of the middle atmosphere, or the dynamics of climate. Prof. Lau will deliver an hour-long keynote lecture at the next annual meeting scheduled for January 4-8 2015, at Phoenix, Arizona, USA.

Prof. LAM Chiu Ying's new book "Sky and Earth Talk Not"
Professor LAM Chiu Ying has recently published a new book entitled "Sky and Earth Talk Not" (Joyful Books Co. Ltd. 2014). The book was launched on 4 July 2014, together with a lecture to a full-house audience. The book covers a wide range of phenomena on Earth with an emphasis on thoughtful observation as a means to understand Nature. Professor Lam donates all the book royalty to the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society for nature conservation.

High-level Forum on "Fostering International Geospatial Health Research Collaborations: Challenges and Opportunities" held on CUHK campus
Co-organized by the Department of Geography and Resource Management, the Institute of Space and Earth Information Science of CUHK and four other organizations, the forum was held from June 16 to 18, 2014 on campus. The goal of this forum was threefold: 1) to review the development of this area, including its concepts, theories, methodologies, and applications; 2) to suggest a future agenda for research and practice based on this review; and 3) to bring together leaders in research and decision makers to examine pathways forward to enhancing international collaboration and to build an international research network. The forum featured 13 keynote presentations by prominent scholars and governmental officials with enormous experiences in research and practice on GIScience and public health as well as vivid discussions between the speakers and audience.

Prof. Lin Hui delivered a prestigious lecture
Prof. Lin Hui delivered the Sixth Annual Memorial Lecture to commemorate Sri Lankabhimanya Sir Arthur C. Clarke in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, at the invitation by the Ministry of Technology and Research of Sri Lanka. More details are given at CUHK CPR website [Link].

Emeritus Professor Yeung Yue-man's new book published
Emeritus Professor Yeung Yue-man's new book titled "Hong Kong in a Changing World – 40 Topics from Past Speeches" has been published by the Infolink Publishing Limited (IPL) recently. A seminar by Prof. Yeung on “Hong Kong in Rapid Changes” cum new book launch was held jointly by IPL and the Commercial Press on 3 May 2014.

Our department recognized as a Competent Green Office
To support the University’s pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20% per capita by 2025, our department is one of the first few academic units that have joined CUHK’s Green Office Programme (GO!) and committed to undertake at least half of the action items on the GO! Checklist.  Our department has recently been recognized as a Competent Green Office in 2013 in recognition of our green achievements over the past year.

Guests from the University of Waterloo visited our department
Two guests from the University of Waterloo in Canada, Prof. Andre Roy and Prof. Jean Audrey, Dean and Associate Dean (Graduate Studies) of Faculty of Environment, visited our department on 30 April 2014 to explore student exchange and other collaborative opportunities in the areas of climate change, sustainable urban environment and public health, energy technology and conservation, and environmental policy and governance.

Two academicians of Academia Sinica, Taiwan visited our Department
Prof. Chao-Han Liu, former President of National Central University (NCU) and Prof. Norden E. Huang, K.T. Lee Chair Professor of NCU visited our Department on 30 April 2014 for academic exchange and discussion of research collaboration. On the day before they gave talks on “A thermometer in the sky” and “What is frequency?”, respectively, at CUHK.

Professor Fung Tung received Long Service Award
Professor FUNG Tung has recently received the 2013 Long Service Award of the University in recognition of his 25 years of service. The award presentation ceremony was held on 9 April 2014 and officiated by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Joseph J.Y. Sung (video link). After the ceremony, colleagues in the Department held a celebration party to applaud and appreciate Professor Fung Tung’s long-term commitment, dedication and contribution to the Department and the University over the years.

Prof. Daniel Shrubsole of UWO visited the Department
Prof. Daniel Shrubsole, Chair of Department of Geography, The University of Western Ontario, visited the Department on 7 April 2014 and met with our colleagues to discuss and formulate initiatives for student exchange and research collaboration between our two departments.

Our graduate student received the Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fellowships for Overseas Studies
Mr. Chung King-Lam, a final year M.Phil. student of our Department, has been awarded the Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fellowships for Overseas Studies 2014/15. He succeeded with five others among 208 applicants to receive a maximum of $283,000 per year. With the support of this prestigious fellowship he will be reading a three-year Ph.D. degree in Planning Studies at University College London in the United Kingdom.

Professor Lam Chiu Ying received teaching award
Professor Lam Chiu Ying has been awarded the CUHK Exemplary Teaching Award in General Education 2013. This highly competitive award is a due recognition of his dedicated efforts to pursue teaching excellence and nurture our young students. The University launched this award in 2006 and has selected 1-3 awardees (2 in most years) every year. The award presentation ceremony was held 11 March 2014 in the Sir Run Run Shaw Hall (video link).

GRM students recognized in the Dean's List 2012-13 of Faculty of Social Science
The following students were presented the Dean’s List certificates in recognition of their outstanding academic achievements by the Faculty of Social Science on 8 March 2014. As guest of honor, Mr. Ling Kar-kan, Director of Planning Department and alumnus of our department, was invited to officiate the ceremony and address the audience.
<Undergraduate Programmes>
1st Year: CHAN Kei Yee, CHAN Pui Kin, TO Cheuk Hei, WONG Hiu Ching
2nd Year: CHAN Kwun Tat, LAU Tak Long, LI Ching Yeung, LUI Hoi Yi, POON Kit Wa, WONG Kin Fai, WU Long Chi
3rd Year: HUI Yuen Ting, KWOK Yue Tai, LEE Man Ho, LEUNG Yin Kiu, LUK Rachel, WONG Debbie

Two Academicians of Chinese Academy of Sciences visited our Department
Prof. Guo Huadong and Prof. Wu Guoxiong, Academicians of the Division of Earth Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, visited our Department on 27 February 2014 for academic exchange and discussion of research collaboration. On the day before they gave talks on "Scientific Big Data and Digital Earth" and "Impacts of the Tibetan Plateau on the Formation and Variability of the Asian Summer Monsoon", respectively, at CUHK.

GRM students won the Champion of CUHK Golden Jubilee Professor Joseph J.Y. Sung Awards for Environmental Protection
Five GRM students [Chan Lok Tung (Yr 3), Ho Nga Sum Clarice (Yr 2), Lam Sin Ting (Yr 2), Wong Kai Nang (Yr 2), Jacqueline Yu (Yr 2)] and one law student (Estelle Lam, Year 4) formed a team to propose a project entitled "CU No Rubbish! CUHK Freecycling Scheme" and won the Champion ($40,000) of the CUHK Golden Jubilee Professor Joseph J.Y. Sung Awards for Environmental Protection in December 2013.

Four Academicians of Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) visited our Department
CAE Academicians Jiang Jingshan, Wang Jiayao, Xu Xiangde, and Xu Jianmin visited our Department on 21 November 2013 for academic exchange and discussion of research collaboration. On the day before Academicians Xu Xiangde and Xu Jianmin gave talks on "The Control Effects of Tibetan Plateau as Atmospheric "Water Tower" on Regional Water Cycle" and "Development and Applications of Meteorological Satellites", respectively in our Department.

Faculty members received awards in recognition of their contributions
Prof. Shen Jianfa was awarded the International Prize of Environmental Creation 2013 from the Institute of Environmental Creation International in Japan for his significant contribution to the study of population, development and ecological degradation in Western China. Prof. Chen Yongqin received Award of Excellence in Science and Technology of China Society of Natural Resources in October 2013 in commemoration of the society's 30th anniversary. Professor Ng Mee Kam has been awarded a Merit Award in the HKIP Awards 2013 competition by the Hong Kong Institute of Planners.

Great success of GRM Alumni Reunion Day
To celebrate the Golden Jubilee of CUHK, the Department organized a series of gathering events with the GRM Alumni Association (CUGRMAA) on the CUHK Alumni Homecoming Day (Dec 7). Laboratory visit and tea gathering in the afternoon kept alumni abreast of the latest development of the Department. The Sharing Session in LT2 of Sino Building showcased photos of school life collected from alumni in different years with sharing by members on and off stage. Everyone was excited to joyfully talk about the good old days and enjoyed the sharing immensely.
Afterwards it was the 4th AGM of the CUGRMAA and committee members reported on the Alumni Association affairs in 2013. Then all participants of the gathering joined other classmates and friends in the Chung Chi College Staff Club for the reunion dinner. There were altogether 15 tables filled with over 180 alumni, friends and GRM faculty members. Alumni enjoyed the evening with the video prepared by the Department on life in the Department in their university time over the past several decades, the lucky draw and souvenirs from the GRM Department and Alumni Association. The party ended perfectly with group photo-taking of alumni by years.

Launch of AXA Professorship of Geography and Resource Management
The AXA Research Fund, the scientific initiative of global insurance Group AXA, has awarded EUR 1 million to The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) to create an AXA Professorship of Geography and Resource Management, the first distinguished professorship named by AXA in Hong Kong. The position will be held by internationally renowned climate scientist, Professor Gabriel Ngar-Cheung Lau. Professor Lau is also the Director of Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability at CUHK. In this six-year project, Professor Lau's research will focus on forecasting and understanding of the impact of climate change on East Asia. A launching ceremony was held on October 21, with Professor Lau giving his inaugural lecture on 'Diagnosis of Atmospheric Variability Associated with Storm Tracks, El Nino, Heat Waves and Climate Change'.

Our Department jointly organized an UNDP public lecture
Four units of the University (our department, Urban Studies Programme, Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability, and Institute of Future Cities) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) jointly organized a public lecture titled ‘Sustainable Cities—Transition to Urbanization in the New Era’ on 19 October 2013. Ms. Rebeca Grynspan, UN Under-Secretary-General and UNDP Associate Administrator, gave a speech on sustainable cities and urbanization. She also interacted with the audience on the pathways of Chinese cities in pursuit of sustainable development in the new era. Prof. Chen Yongqin David, Department Chairman and Prof. Ng Mee-kam, URSP Director shared their views and facilitated the discussion.

GRM Students won the 2013 Geographical Science Tournament for South China Universities
Lining Up, a team of four student representatives from the Department of Geography and Resource Management (GRM), won the 2nd Prize in the 2013 Geographical Science Tournament for South China Universities, a regional geography competition that was held on 12 October 2013 at Zhangjiajie in Hunan Province. The team also won the Most Creative Research Theme Prize in the same tournament. The competition was jointly organized by the Geographical Society of China and Sun Yat-sen University to encourage university students to investigate a geographical issue through independent research. Lining Up was one of the nine teams from nine universities that were qualified in the final. Its members include 4 year two students of GRM. They are Chung Ho Ching, Ho Hei Lam, Wu Shuk Man, Chan Ling Leong. They were awarded two certificates and cash award. Their research, guided by Professor Xu Jiang, is to investigate the food stalls in Hong Kong from cultural geography perspective.

The 6th International Conference on Atmosphere, Ocean and Climate Change
The 6th International Conference on Atmosphere, Ocean and Climate Change, jointly organized by the Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability and the Chinese-American Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, and co-organized by the Hong Kong Meteorological Society and our department, was held from 19 to 21 August 2013. Over 170 practitioners, researchers and educators from around the world who are engaged in research on atmosphere, ocean and climate change presented their latest researches and insights.

18th Inter-University Seminar on Asian Megacities: Asian Urbanism and Beyond
Organized by the Urban Studies Programme, the Department of Geography and Resource Management and the Faculty of Social Science, an international conference titled "Inter-University Seminar on Asian Megacities: Asian Urbanism and Beyond" was held from 15 to 17 August 2013 at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. The Conference not only celebrated the 50th anniversary of CUHK, it also marked the first anniversary of the launching of the Urban Studies Programme. The three-day conference featured five keynote presentations, some twenty thematic breakout sessions and three post-conference technical tours, attracting more than 150 scholars from 15 countries.

Our department recognized as a Competent Green Office
To support the University's pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20% per capita by 2025, our department is one of the first few academic units that have joined CUHK's Green Office Programme (GO!) and committed to undertake at least half of the action items on the GO! Checklist. Our department has recently been recognized as a Competent Green Office in 2012 in recognition of our green achievements over the past year.

Faculty members serve the community actively in leading capacities
Professor LAM Chiu Ying is the Honorary President of Hong Kong Bird Watching Society, Chairman of the Executive Committee of Hong Kong Countryside Foundation, Chairman of Environmental Campaign Committee, HKSAR Government (2013-14), Member of Environment and Conservation Fund Committee, HKSAR Government (2013-14), and Associate Member, Central Policy Unit, HKSAR Government (2013), and Member of International and Relief Service Management Committee, Hong Kong Red Cross. Professor KC Lam and Professor MK Ng have been appointed as Member of Environmental Impact Assessment Appeal Board Panel of HKSAR Government from April 2013 to 31 March 2016.

Our department ranked 33rd again in the world in 2013
QS World University Rankings has released the latest ranking for Geography, according to the performance of each programme in three areas, i.e., academic reputation (score 83.30), employer reputation (score 79.0), and citations per paper (score 75.0). Our department has achieved a remarkable result of being ranked No. 33 again (same as 2012) among the top 200 geography programmes around the world. For more details, please visit http://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/university-subject-rankings/2013/geography

Tea gathering cum dinner to appreciate scholarship and bursary donors
To express our gratitude to the donors for their generous support, our Department held a thank-you tea gathering cum dinner on 24 May 2013. The event provided an opportunity for our student recipients of scholarships and bursaries to meet the donors and share their university life experiences. Eight donors and twelve student representatives attended the tea gathering and dinner. Donors received words of thanks from the students and souvenirs from the Department.

Two Senior Colleagues received Long Service Awards
Two senior colleagues of the Department, Professor Leung Yee and Mrs. Wan Mak Mei Yuk, Jane, have recently received the 2012 Long Service Awards of the University in recognition of their 35 years of service. The award presentation ceremony was held on 9 May 2013 and officiated by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Joseph J.Y. Sung (see this Link). After the ceremony, colleagues in the Department held a celebration party to applaud and appreciate the long-term commitment, dedication and contribution of the two award recipients to the Department and the University over the years.

The 2nd International Conference on Sustainable Tourism in Urban Environments
The MSSc programme in Sustainable Tourism offered by our department organized and hosted the conference which was held on 8 - 10 May 2013. The event was partially sponsored by Chung Chi College ad supported by the Northern Arizona State University, International Geographical Union and World Leisure Organization. The opening ceremony was officiated by Prof. FUNG Tung, Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Paul LEE, Dean of Social Science and Prof. CHEN Yongqin, Chairman of the Department. The conference brought together participants from all over the world who presented 28 papers including 4 keynote speeches covering sustainable tourism topics that include culture and heritage, geotourism, diaspora and tourism, conservation, theme parks, public participation, social responsibility, environmental attitudes and specific tourism development issues. The delegates participated in a field trip to the North East New Territories of Hong Kong.

Public Lecture on Climate Change and Climate Services
The public lecture on "Climate Change and Climate Services: Engaging the Community and Sustaining the Future" by Mr. David Grimes was held on campus on 23 March 2013. Mr. Grimes is currently the President of the World Meteorological Organization, and the Assistant Deputy Minister and Head of Meteorological Service, Environment Canada. Organized by the Department of Geography and Resource Management (GRMD) and the Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability (IEES), and co-organized by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO), Hong Kong Geographical Association, and Hong Kong Meteorological Society, this lecture attracted an audience of about 120. The lecture was chaired by Prof. David Chen, Chairman of GRMD and started with welcoming addresses by Prof. Yee Leung, Director of IEES, and Mr. Chi-ming Shun, Director of HKO. Mr. Grimes shared his insights on the challenge of managing climate-related risks and the importance of engaging the community and providing effective climate services in mitigating and adapting to future climate change.

GRM students recognized in the Dean's List 2011-12 of Faculty of Social Science
The following students were presented the Dean's List certificates in recognition of their outstanding academic achievements by the Faculty of Social Science on 9 March 2013. As guest of honor, Mr. Chan King Cheung, Chief Editor of Hong Kong Economic Journal and alumnus of our Faculty, was invited to officiate the ceremony and address the audience. Congratulations to our students!
[Taught Master's Programme]
MSSc in Sustainable Tourism: Yip Kwok Chung
[Undergraduate Programme]
1st Year: Fu Ka Wing Fanny, Lau Tak Long, Li Ching Yeung, Poon Kit Wa, Wu Long Chi, Yuen Ka Yan
2nd Year: Hui Yuen Ting, Kwok Yue Tai, Lo King Fan
3rd Year: Au Hei Man, Chan Ka Ho, Chan Kin Ho, Choi Ming Sum, Chong Tan Nei, Chung King Lam, Fu Yan Yin Jenny, Ng Yuet Mei, Wang Jian, Wong Shu Kwan
4th Year: Ip Yuk Wai, Liang Mili, Pang Hong Yi Bonnie