The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) announced on Tuesday that it would confer honorary doctorates on five distinguished individuals, with the aim of recognizing their outstanding achievements in public policy, healthcare innovation, scientific research, and the arts.
They included lawmaker Tommy Cheung Yu-yan, professor Lord Ara Darzi, actor Michael Hui Koon-man, consultant of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies Lau Siu-kai, and biophysical chemist Sunney Xie Xiaoliang.
CUHK would confer upon Cheung the Doctor of Laws honoris causa in recognition of his efforts to advocate for the interests of the general public and the business community, especially in the catering industry.
It added that Cheung has provided crucial support to the government and the catering industry in navigating challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As for Darzi, CUHK said his pioneering advancements in minimally invasive and robotic surgery have significantly transformed global surgical practices and improved patient outcomes.
He will be conferred the degree of Doctor of Science, honoris causa.
CUHK said Hui has had a profound influence on Hong Kong’s film industry and cultural landscape through his innovative and thought-provoking films.
His contributions to the arts warrant the conferral of the Doctor of Social Science, honoris causa.
The university said Lau is recognized for being an authoritative scholar in social and political development in Hong Kong, particularly regarding governance and public opinion.
It added that his work has notably influenced the understanding of "One Country, Two Systems" and Mainland-Hong Kong relations. He will be conferred Doctor of Social Science, honoris causa.
As for Xie, CUHK said his groundbreaking research in biophysical chemistry and single-cell genomics has led to significant advancements in medical applications, including in vitro fertilization.
He will be conferred Doctor of Science, honoris causa.
