Bulletin Spring‧Summer 1993

subsidize their activities. He pointed out that the foundation had supportedmany basic research projects which subsequently produced important scientific findings, initiated the provision of consultancy services for foreign governments, and actively promoted international technological cooperation and exchange. As a result, he said, the international standing of Chinese scientists had greatly improved. Visiting Scholars Give Talks • Prof. Richard Rorty, University Professor of Humanities of the University of Virginia, visited Shaw College in January 1993 as its Sir Run Run Shaw Distinguished Visiting Scholar, and gave two lectures respectively entitled ‘Human Dignity, Rationality and Sentimentality' and ‘A World without Intrinsic Properties' on 15th and 18th January. • Prof. Man-Duen Choi, a renowned mathematician and an alumnus of Chung Chi College, revisited the college as its Siu-lien Ling Wong Visiting Fellow from 8th to 19th February. During his stay at the University, Prof. Choi conducted a series of lectures on the following topics: ‘Factors and Relations in My Mathematical Pursuits', 'Sense and Sensibility beyond Mathematics', 'Mathematical Principles', The World in Mathematics', 'The Days We Were', and ‘A Tale of Flower Plucking'. • Prof. Paul Concus of the University of California at Berkeley was invited by the Department of Mathematics to give a public lecture on the shape of liquid surface under zero gravity on 29th April. Conferences and Seminars • United College held its annual workshop entitled ‘To know the Basic Law’ on 12th February. • Chung Chi College hosted its annual education conference entitled The World in Mathematics' on 13th February. • New Asia College organized a conference on microsurgery on 13th and 14th March. • The Faculty of Education organized two conferences entitled 'The Challenge of AIDS to the Education Profession' and 'Facing up to Challenges in Primary Education' on 20th March and 8th April respectively. Special Adviser to the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Baysung Hsu took up the position of Special Adviser to the Vice-Chancellor from 1st March 1993 after the expiry of his term of office as pro-vice- chancellor of the University on 28th February 1993. As Special Adviser to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Hsu will deal with matters relating to the University and Polytechnic Grants Committee (UPGC) and act as the central interface between the University and the UPGC. He will also assist in the preparation of the University's Five-Year Plans. University Members Serving on External Committees (1) The following members of the University have been appointed/reappointed by His Excellency the Governor to serve on various boards and committees: • Prof. Charles K. Kao, the vice-chancellor, as a member of the Industry and Technology Development Council for the period up to 31st December 1994. NEWS IN BRIEF 24