The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) held its Congregation 2025 on March 15, 2025, honoring five distinguished leaders with honorary doctorates. The awards were presented by HKUST Pro-Chancellor Dr. John Chan Cho-Chak in recognition of their remarkable contributions to society. The ceremony was attended by Prof. Harry Shum, Chairman of the HKUST Council, Dr. the Honorable Andrew Liao Cheung-Sing, Court Chairman, and Prof. Nancy Ip, President of HKUST, among other esteemed guests.
This year’s recipients, honored for their exceptional achievements, include:
– Prof. Pradeep K. Khosla, Chancellor of the University of California San Diego – Doctor of Engineering honoris causa
– Prof. Roger David Kornberg, Nobel laureate in Chemistry – Doctor of Science honoris causa
– Mr. Liu Cixin, Hugo-winning author – Doctor of Humanities honoris causa
– Prof. Sir Christopher Pissarides, Nobel laureate in Economic Sciences – Doctor of Social Sciences honoris causa
– Mr. Stephen A. Schwarzman, Chairman, CEO, and Co-Founder of Blackstone – Doctor of Business Administration honoris causa
In his address, Prof. Shum commended the honorary doctors for their groundbreaking work and societal contributions. He stated, “These five honorary doctors are trailblazing exemplars whose accomplishments have inspired the global pursuit of excellence. Their exemplary legacy motivates faculty and students at HKUST to emulate their success, demonstrating the courage to challenge the status quo.”
The celebration also recognized the graduating class, with Prof. Ip praising their dedication and hard work. “This ceremony honors the exceptional individuals you have become – critical thinkers, visionary innovators, and compassionate leaders poised to shape our future,” she remarked. She further acknowledged the vision of the late founding president, Professor Chia-Wei Woo, whose goal was to cultivate pioneers bridging Eastern and Western cultures.
With the graduation of the Class of 2025, HKUST reached a significant milestone, boasting a global alumni community exceeding 111,000 members. This year, the university awarded a total of 6,929 academic degrees, which included 2,620 bachelor’s degrees, 3,824 master’s degrees, and 485 doctoral degrees.
During the ceremony, Prof. Ip also presented the Michael G. Gale Medal for Distinguished Teaching to Prof. Ben Chan Yui-Bun for his exemplary contributions to education. The event featured a dynamic fireside chat between Prof. Shum and Mr. Schwarzman, titled “Lessons from a Life of Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Giving Back.” Their engaging discussion focused on how entrepreneurial vision can enhance education and drive societal progress.
In a fascinating segment, Mr. Liu Cixin took part in a tour of the Lee Shau Kee Library and engaged students in a discussion about the imaginative realms of science fiction. He shared insights on the creative journey behind his acclaimed novel, The Three-Body Problem, and explored the future of science fiction in light of advancements in artificial intelligence and big data.
The honorary doctorates awarded this year not only recognize exceptional individuals but also aim to inspire future generations of leaders and innovators. As HKUST continues its commitment to fostering pioneering minds, it reinforces its role as a leader in education, research, and societal impact, paving the way for a brighter future.
