Harrow International School Hong Kong wins Gold Award at the 2023 Hang Lung Mathematics Awards

The Announcement and Awards Presentation of the 2023 Hang Lung Mathematics Awards (HLMA), co-organized by Hang Lung Properties Limited and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), was held at the Conrad Hong Kong on Tuesday night.

Kyan Ka Hin Cheung and Ethan Jon Yi Soh from Harrow International School Hong Kong received the Gold Award for their research report titled, “On the Properties of the Semigroup Generated by the RL Fractional Integral”.

Chun Hei Mok and Hei Wong from S.K.H. Tsang Shiu Tim Secondary School and Hei Tung Tam from HKUGA College won the Silver Award and the Bronze Award, respectively. Together with their teachers and schools, they competed for HK$1 million prize money, alongside four Honorable Mentions of equal ranking.

The Hon John KC Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, delivered the opening remarks. “The Awards contributed significantly to fostering a conducive learning environment for our students, encouraging them to embrace the beauty, and the power, of mathematics and science.”

Dr Christine Choi, Secretary for Education, attended the ceremony and presented the Gold Award.

Celebrates 20 Years of Excellence

The prestigious HLMA was founded in 2004 as a biennial mathematics research competition for secondary school students in Hong Kong. It encourages students to realize their creative potential in mathematics and sciences, and stimulates their passion for intellectual discovery.

In its illustrious ten editions, 2,600 students from more than 200 schools have participated, submitting over 460 research reports.

Mr. Ronnie C. Chan, Chair of Hang Lung Properties, remarked that this competition embodies our unwavering commitment to community investment, promoting excellence and innovation in mathematics education for the youth of Hong Kong.

“Together, we have empowered generations of young minds to pursue their passion and unlock their potential in mathematics, science, and technology.” Chan added.

Professor Nancy Ip, President of HKUST, shared her expectations for partnering with Hang Lung Properties. “Our aim is to equip the next generation with analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, preparing them to lead with foresight and creativity,” she explained. “With joint efforts, we are fulfilling our vision to transform Hong Kong into a global hub for innovation and technology.”

Rigorous Assessment

Participants in the Award underwent a rigorous assessment, with their research reports subjected to a multi-phase review process by a Scientific Committee of world renowned mathematicians. The 15 teams that made it to the final round were invited to an Oral Defense where they presented their research to the Scientific Committee. Chaired by Professor Richard Schoen,  2017 Wolf Prize Laureate in Mathematics, the Committee lauded the high quality of this year’s research reports.

Two previous HLMA winners were invited to the ceremony to share their experiences and perspectives on the transformative power of mathematics and its influence on neuroscience and neural engineering. They are Dr. Owen H. Ko, a 2004 HLMA winner and now Assistant Dean (Research), Faculty of Medicine at The Chinese University of Hong Kong; and Ms. Ewina Pun, a 2012 HLMA winner and now a doctoral candidate at Brown University.

A Beacon of Inspiration

This year’s competition drew over 70 teams from nearly 50 Hong Kong secondary schools. Each team chose a mathematics topic, designed and conducted research, and submitted a research report under the supervision of a teacher.

Hang Lung Properties donates HK$2.5 million for each competition. HK$1 million is allocated as prize money, with the remainder of the funds going toward essential programs such as academic consultation, assessment, administration, and educational outreach activities.

In addition, teachers nominated by the winning schools can apply for scholarships from HKUST to further their education through the Master of Science Program in Mathematics for Educators.

In the past two decades, HLMA has made profound influence in cultivating young mathematical talent, with many past winners graduating from top universities worldwide and now contributing significantly to society through work in academia and professional fields. The Awards play an important role in recognizing and fostering a love of mathematical inquiry that lasts far beyond secondary schools.