The National University of Singapore (NUS), together with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), and The University of Hong Kong (HKU), have received a donation of HK$50 million from GS Charity Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Glorious Sun Group. This contribution is intended to support academic research and talent cultivation in pure mathematics over the next five years.
Acknowledging the pivotal role and boundless potential of fundamental mathematics in driving technological innovation, the donation from GS Charity Foundation seeks to empower these top universities to spearhead initiatives in nurturing talent, fostering academic exchange and promotion international collaboration.
The donation ceremony, which was held on 31 July 2024, was graced by distinguished guests, including Dr Charles Yeung, Chairman of GS Charity Foundation and Glorious Sun Group, and Mrs Yeung; Mr Ong Siew Gay, Consul General of Singapore in Hong Kong; Mr Clarence Ti, Deputy President (Administration) of NUS, Professor Nancy Ip, President of HKUST; Professor Rocky Tuan, Vice-Chancellor and President of CUHK; and Professor Zhang Xiang, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKU, among others.
Dr Yeung said, “Since its establishment in 2005, the GS Charity Foundation has been dedicated to giving back to the community through the promotion of Buddhist studies and the conservation of Chinese cultural heritage, and advancing education is a key priority for our Foundation. Pure mathematics is a specialised research area that often described as a rigorous, abstract, and beautiful discipline. We hope that Glorious Sun’s participation in this Talent Development programme would provide mathematicians with an interactive exchange platform and nurture young mathematicians, allowing this fundamental subject to be passed on and continuously seek breakthroughs.”
Speaking on behalf of the four recipient universities, Prof Ip conveyed her deepest gratitude to the GS Charity Foundation for its generous support of higher education and fundamental research. “Pure mathematics is the bedrock of scientific innovation. Today’s ceremony not only marks a significant milestone in advancing pure mathematics and the nurturing of I&T talents in Asia, but also represents a profound recognition of the research excellence of the four universities. Through collective efforts, we aim to drive cutting-edge research in pure mathematics and enhance the competitiveness of Hong Kong and across Asia in this domain,” she said.
A post-doctorate research scheme and visiting scholar scheme will be launched following the signing of the agreement. The former will enable the annual recruitment of two postdoctoral students for each university, supporting their progression to full-time research or teaching positions while engaging in ongoing research in pure mathematics. The latter initiative will back the four institutions in tackling the world’s unresolved mathematical mysteries in partnership with mainland and overseas mathematicians through short-term visits or collaborations funded by the scheme.
Additionally, each university is encouraged to host or co-host at least two academic conferences every year to promote knowledge exchange amongst local, mainland and international scholars.
