The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has awarded Honorary Fellowships to six notable individuals, recognizing their significant contributions to society and unwavering support for the university. The honorees include Ms. Cally Chan Shan-Shan, Mr. Vincent Cheung Sai-Sing, Prof. Mak Kin Fai, Dr. Frank Tong Fuk-Kay, Prof. David Wang Der-Wei, and Dr. Zhou Lidong. The ceremony took place on March 15, 2025, and was officiated by Prof. Harry Shum, Chairman of the HKUST Council, alongside Prof. Nancy Ip, President of HKUST.
Prof. Shum praised the awardees for their remarkable achievements and commitment to advancing knowledge and society. He stated, “HKUST grows stronger by welcoming those who embody its innovative ethos and mission. Our new Honorary Fellows have demonstrated remarkable leadership and dedication to society, each contributing in unique ways that align with HKUST’s mission.” He expressed enthusiasm for the positive impact the new fellows will have on the global community.
Prof. Nancy Ip also congratulated the recipients, emphasizing their role as contemporary role models. “This year’s Honorary Fellows exemplify innovative leadership through their pioneering spirit and commitment to excellence,” she said. “They have expanded the wisdom of humanity and sparked technological innovation, enriching the lives of communities worldwide.”
Profiles of the Honorary Fellows
Each of the six honorees has made significant strides in their respective fields, reflecting the values of HKUST.
Ms. Cally Chan Shan-Shan has made history as the first female General Manager of both Microsoft Hong Kong and Macau and Hewlett-Packard (HP) in those regions. With a career spanning over 35 years, she began at HP as one of the few female engineers and rose to become Vice President and Managing Director. After a successful tenure at HP, she joined Microsoft, where she has been pivotal in advancing cloud computing and AI initiatives. Chan is also known for her advocacy for gender inclusion in technology, having increased female representation at Microsoft to nearly 40% and founding the FACE Club to support women in tech.
Mr. Vincent Cheung Sai-Sing, Group CEO of Nan Fung Group, has transformed the family business from its textile roots into a diversified conglomerate with a focus on life sciences. Cheung, who studied Molecular and Cell Biology at UC Berkeley, has invested in therapeutics, medical devices, and diagnostics. He founded Nan Fung Life Sciences in 2017 to connect scientists, entrepreneurs, and investors, and established Pivotal bioVenture Partners to drive venture investments.
Prof. Mak Kin Fai is a distinguished physicist and an alumnus of HKUST. He has made significant contributions to condensed matter physics, with over 100 peer-reviewed publications and more than 60,000 citations. Currently a director at the Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter, Prof. Mak is dedicated to strengthening collaborations between his institute and HKUST.
Dr. Frank Tong Fuk-Kay is recognized for his contributions to semiconductor lasers and optical communications. After earning his PhD from Columbia University, he worked at IBM, where he developed technologies for Blu-ray discs. Tong has also been instrumental in establishing the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute and now serves as Managing Partner of QBN Capital, focusing on transformative ventures.
Prof. David Wang Der-Wei is a leading scholar in Chinese literature and holds the Edward C. Henderson Professorship at Harvard University. His research includes modern and contemporary Chinese literature and comparative literary theory. Wang has received numerous accolades, including election as an Academician of Academia Sinica.
Dr. Zhou Lidong is the Managing Director of Microsoft Research Asia (MSRA) and a leader in computer science. He has influenced AI research significantly and led MSRA to become a prominent laboratory in foundational AI research. Dr. Zhou is a strong advocate for interdisciplinary research and has established a partnership with HKUST to enhance talent development in smart healthcare.
The conferral of these Honorary Fellowships underscores HKUST’s commitment to recognizing individuals who exemplify innovation and leadership across various fields. The university anticipates that these distinguished individuals will continue to inspire future generations and drive meaningful change in society.
