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CUHK receives US$1 million donation from Professor Yau Shing-tung to establish an early career mathematics professorship
Signs MoU with Tsinghua University to strengthen research collaboration
The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) received a generous donation of US$1 million from Professor Yau Shing-tung, Dean of Qiuzhen College, Tsinghua University, to establish the “Chiu Chin Yin Early Career Professorship in Mathematics” under CUHK’s The Institute of Mathematical Sciences (IMSCI) and Department of Mathematics. CUHK and Tsinghua University held the inauguration ceremony of the professorship today (24 October), recognising outstanding faculty member and supporting academic research. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between the two institutions to strengthen collaboration in nurturing talent, teacher exchanges and scientific research.
CUHK Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Rocky S. Tuan said: “Professor Yau Shing-tung is one of the most influential mathematicians of our time. He has received numerous international accolades such as the Fields Medal, Veblen Prize in Geometry and Crafoord Prize. Professor Yau has always kept his alma mater close to his heart and has long been supporting our young talent over the years. It is truly an honour to welcome back Professor Yau to campus today, as we celebrate new initiatives that foster the advancement of scholarship to nurture an innovative and well-educated next generation of leaders, guiding us and the world towards a better and brighter future.”
Professor Yau Shing-tung, who is also CUHK Distinguished Visiting Professor-at-Large, said: “I have a deep connection with CUHK. My late father taught at Chung Chi College and United College, and CUHK is not only my alma mater but also the institution where I taught for many years. During my time as a student, many mentors profoundly influenced my academic development and research. I hope to give back to my alma mater by strengthening collaboration in mathematics education and research between Tsinghua and CUHK, and by establishing an early career mathematics professorship in my father’s name to promote the advancement of mathematics.”
US$1 million donation from Professor Yau Shing-tung to establish mathematics professorship
Professor Yau Shing-tung has always been enthusiastic about mathematics research. He donated US$1 million to support the establishment of the early career mathematics professorship, named in honour of his father, Professor Chiu Chin-yin. The appointee will be affiliated with CUHK’s The Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Department of Mathematics and will hold the title “Chiu Chin Yin Assistant (or Associate) Professor of Mathematics”. At today’s ceremony, Professor Yang Ziquan was announced as the first Chiu Chin Yin Assistant Professor of Mathematics. Professor Yang’s research focuses on fields of arithmetic geometry and number theory, and he will continue his mathematical research at CUHK.
Professor Yau is a world-renowned mathematician who is currently a CUHK Distinguished Visiting Professor-at-Large and Director of The Institute of Mathematical Sciences. Professor Yau’s connection with CUHK dates back to before the University was founded, when his father, Professor Chiu Chin-yin, taught at Chung Chi College and United College, two of its founding colleges. Professor Yau graduated from CUHK’s Department of Mathematics at Chung Chi College in 1969 and has since made significant contributions to mathematical and scientific research, particularly in geometry and physics. He has contributed significantly to the development of the Department of Mathematics at CUHK over the years, providing generous funding to support the development of The Institute of Mathematical Sciences and the Department of Mathematics.
CUHK and Tsinghua University strengthen mathematical and scientific research collaboration
CUHK Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Poon Wai-yin and Professor Yau signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU marks a closer cooperation between CUHK and Tsinghua University in fields such as mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics and artificial intelligence. Both institutions will select approximately five undergraduate or graduate students to participate in exchange programmes for one semester or one academic year, during which students will learn from each other or engage in research. The MoU also encourages faculty members and exchange students to collaborate on interdisciplinary joint research projects, opening a new chapter in nurturing future talent in mathematics and science.
Professor Rocky S. Tuan delivers a speech.
Professor Yau Shing-tung delivers a speech.
Professor Song Chunshan, Dean of Science delivers a speech.
Professor Poon Wai-yin (left) and Professor Yau Shing-tung sign the MoU on behalf of their respective institutions.
The MoU signing ceremony was attended by Professor Rocky S. Tuan (4th right); Professor Yau Shing-tung (middle); Professor Poon Wai-yin (3rd right); Professor Anthony T.C. Chan, CUHK Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Alumni Relations & Advancement) (2nd right); Professor Song Chunshan (4th left); Professor Tsang Hon-ki, Dean of Engineering (3rd left); Professor Zou Jun, Chairman of the Department of Mathematics (2nd left); Professor Xin Zhouping, Executive Director of The Institute of Mathematical Sciences (1st left) and Professor Liu Kefeng, Vice-Director of the Shanghai Institute for Mathematics & Interdisciplinary Sciences (1st right).
First “Chiu Chin Yin Assistant Professor of Mathematics” appointee Professor Yang Ziquan.
