Newsletter No. 186

Top M a t h e m a t i c i a ns Gather t o Di scuss D i r e c t i o ns of M a t h e m a t i c a l Research i n C h i n a M athematicians from the US, Japan, mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong gathered at the International Conference on Perspectives of Mathematical Research in China for the 21st Century, organized by the Institute of Mathematical Sciences (IMS) of the University in the Cho Yiu Conference Hall from 28th to 30th May 2001. The aim of the conference was to discuss the strategic directions of future mathematical research in China. At the opening ceremony of the conference, the IMS and the Department of Mathematics signed academic collaboration agreements with eight prestigious academic institutions, namely, the University of Science and Technology of China, the Academy of Mathematics and Systems Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tsinghua University (Hsinchu), Chiao Tung University (Hsinchu), Nanjing University, Zhongshan University, National University of Singapore, and the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute of Berkeley, California. On the same occasion, representatives from Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology introduced their new exchange scholarships with the IMS. The IMS has been established for over five years with a mission to promote interdisciplinary research in the mathematical sciences and to nurture young scientists for both Hong Kong and China. Its activities have been supported by very substantial donations from Mr. Robert Kuok of the Kerry Group and Dr. L i Ka Shing of Cheung Kong (Holdings) and Hutchinson Whampao. Officiating at the opening ceremony were Dr. Alice Lam, chair of the University Grants Committee, Mr. Robert Kuok, Dr. L i Ka Shing, Prof. Arthur K.C. Li, vice-chancellor of the University, and Prof. Yau Shing-tung, director of IMS. M O R E SUPPORT FOR C U HK RESEARCH T h e following four research projects undertaken by members of the University have succeeded in attracting funding support from different quarters. • Associational Revolution in China (US$50,000) Sponsor. Non-profit Sector Research Fund, Aspen Institute Principal investigator. Prof. Shaoguang Wang (Department of Government and Public Administration) • The Hong Kong-PISA Project: Monitoring the Quality of Education in Hong Kong from an International Perspective (HK$8,181,000) Sponsor. Quality Education Fund Principal investigator: Prof. Ho Sui-chu (Department of Educational Administration and Policy) • An Investigation of Hong Kong Chinese Women's Experience and Responses to a Diagnosis of an Abnormal Smear (HK$77,217) Sponsor. Health Services Research Fund Principal investigator: Dr. Sheila Twinn (Department of Nursing) • Children's Healthy Lifestyle KAP Research (HK$ 11,968) Sponsor. Asian Food Information Centre Principal investigator. Prof. Georgia Sue Guldan (Department of Biochemistry) A B i g Thank You to Scholarship Do n o rs Dr. Alice Lam (left) and Prof. Arthur K.C. Li ( r i g h t ) M any students of the University have benefited from scholarships that enable them to go abroad for further studies and academic exchange. Some are the winners of highly competitive and prestigious scholarships, such as the Rhodes Scholarship, the Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fellowships for Overseas Studies, scholarships from the Jockey Club Music and Dance Fund, and the Hong Kong Bank Foundation Overseas Scholarship. To express the University's immense gratitude to the donors who have made possible these learning opportunities to the students, a Soaring Dragons presentation ceremony was held on 31st May 2001 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. There were over 200 participants including guests, awardees and their parents. Dr. Alice Lam, chair of the University Grants Committee, officiated at the ceremony. She joined Prof. Arthur K.C. Li, vice-chancellor of the University, in presenting souvenirs to the donors. Three scholarship recipients were invited to share their learning experience overseas with the audience. According to the records of the Office of Student Affairs, over 1,000 outstanding CUHK students have won scholarships ill 2000-1 for overseas studies, short-term tours, and exchange visits in countries including the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, Japan, and Sweden. The overseas experience is expected to broaden their perspective and increase their sensitivity to intercultural differences. New Teaching and Research Centre Opens as Faculty of Medicine Celebrates 20th Anniversary T h e Postgraduate Education Centre of the Faculty of Medicine was officially opened at the Prince of Wales Hospital on 2nd June 2001. The new building houses state-of-the-art conference facilities for the Faculty of Medicine and Hong Kong's first ever School of Public Health. The construction of the centre was made possible by the generous donations of the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the Shaw Foundation, the Friends of Prince of Wales Hospital, and Kai Chong Tong. The opening of the centre also marked the 20th anniversary of the Faculty of Medicine. It is a big step forward in its effort to strengthen medical continuing education and to contribute to the advancement of public health through education, training, and research. Officiating at the opening ceremony were Dr. E.K. Yeoh, Secretary for Health and Welfare of the HKSAR government; Mr. Alan F.S. Li, chairman of the Hong Kong Jockey Club; Ms. Mona Fong, the Shaw Foundation Hong Kong; representatives of the Friends of Prince of Wales Hospital and Kai Chong Tong; and Prof. Arthur K.C. Li, vice-chancellor of the University. On the evening of the same day, the 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner of the Faculty of Medicine was held at the Grand Hall in Phase 2 of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.