The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) celebrated its Congregation 2025 on March 15, 2025, by conferring Honorary Doctorates upon five distinguished leaders in recognition of their exemplary contributions to society. The awards ceremony, presided over by HKUST Pro-Chancellor Dr. John CHAN Cho-Chak, highlighted the remarkable achievements of these individuals across various fields.
Among the attendees were prominent figures including HKUST Council Chairman Prof. Harry SHUM, Court Chairman Dr. the Honorable Andrew LIAO Cheung-Sing, and President Prof. Nancy IP, alongside members of the Council, Court, and the university’s senior management team.
The recipients of this year’s Honorary Doctorates, awarded in alphabetical order, 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 praised the honorees for their trailblazing work and their role in inspiring future generations. He stated, “These five honorary doctors are trailblazing exemplars whose accomplishments have inspired the global pursuit of excellence. They have continuously broken new ground in their respective fields, advancing global development through their foresight and steadfast determination.”
Additionally, President Prof. Nancy IP acknowledged both the honorary recipients and the graduating class, emphasizing the significance of their academic journey. She remarked, “Today, we gather not only to confer degrees but also to celebrate the years of vigorous study, unwavering dedication, and the impactful contributions you, our graduates, are already making.”
Prof. Ip also paid tribute to the late founding President of HKUST, Professor Chia-Wei Woo, whose vision laid the foundation for an institution that bridges Eastern and Western cultures. She expressed confidence that the Class of 2025 would embody this vision as they move forward into their careers.
With this ceremony, HKUST reached a significant milestone, celebrating over 111,000 alumni globally. This year, the university conferred a total of 6,929 academic degrees, which included 2,620 bachelor’s degrees, 3,824 master’s degrees, and 485 doctoral degrees.
The highest accolade in teaching, the Michael G. Gale Medal for Distinguished Teaching, was awarded to Prof. Ben CHAN Yui-Bun, Associate Professor of Engineering Education, for his exceptional contributions to education.
The event also featured engaging discussions between the honorary doctors and the HKUST community. Prof. Shum hosted a lively fireside chat with Mr. Schwarzman, titled “Lessons from a Life of Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Giving Back.” Their conversation captivated the audience as they explored how entrepreneurial vision can influence education and societal advancement.
Mr. Schwarzman shared insights on attracting talent amidst global competition, advising students to focus on the uniqueness of their ventures and their broader social impact. He underscored the critical role of advancements in both artificial intelligence and the humanities in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Meanwhile, Mr. Liu Cixin took participants on a tour of the Lee Shau Kee Library, where he engaged students in a discussion about the creative processes behind his acclaimed work, The Three-Body Problem. He shared his views on the relationship between creativity and science fiction literature, as well as the influence of artificial intelligence and big data on its future.
The Honorary Doctorate recipients have left a profound mark in their respective fields, and their recognition at HKUST reinforces the institution’s commitment to fostering leaders who will shape a better tomorrow.
