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The University of Hong Kong (HKU) recently held its Fourteenth Inauguration of Endowed Professorships, celebrating the establishment of six new Endowed Professorships and four new Outstanding Young Professorships. Additionally, 12 Endowed Professorships with successive appointments were also recognised.

Endowed Professorships and Outstanding Young Professorships acknowledge exceptional dedication and achievements in academia. Through a solid Town-Gown partnership, each gift embodies a captivating narrative, and an inspiring vision of the generous philanthropists and the academe.

Endowed Professorships
David H Y Chang Professorship in Chinese History – Professor Guoqi Xu
With a groundbreaking approach to transnational and shared history of China and the world, Professor Xu will use the endowment from Tigillus Foundation to strengthen this research area and establish HKU as a leading hub in the field.

Mok Sau-king Professorship – Professor Guochun Zhao
Supported by the late Ms Mok Sau-King, Professor Zhao will further study early Earth to uncover insights into how planets in the solar system formed and evolved.

Sapientia Eminence Professorship – Professor Hongjie Dai
With Mr Vitor Cheung’s donation, Professor Dai will advance nanomedicine and nanoscience research, aiming for breakthroughs that could revolutionise imaging-guided surgery through cutting-edge scientific translation.

Zhang Yonghong Professorships
Dr Zhang Yonghong’s generosity empowers professors from HKU Business School to expand their research and analysis, drive meaningful community impact.

Zhang Yonghong Professorships in Accounting – Professor Pingyang Gao
Professor Gao will continue his research on securities regulation and corporate governance, while expanding data collection on the Hong Kong market to analyse operational dynamics, pinpoint areas for improvement, and reinforce its status as a premier financial hub.

Zhang Yonghong Professorship in Economics and Strategy – Professor Jin Li
Professor Li focuses on boosting organisational trust to improve efficiency and empower youth, creating opportunities and societal benefits. His research also explores AI's impact on future workplaces.

Zhang Yonghong Professorships in Marketing – Professor Echo Wan
Professor Wan will expand her research in marketing and consumer psychology, focusing on optimizing marketing strategies and customer experiences in an increasingly digital and AI-driven marketplace. 

Outstanding Young Professorship
Belinda Hung Outstanding Young Professorship - Professor Shirley Li
With Ms Belinda Hung’s support, Professor Li aims to explore the link between sleep and health using advanced technology, promoting better sleep and enhancing well-being.

Gallant Ho Outstanding Young Professorship - Professor Benjamin Chen
Funded by Drs Gallant and Rebecca Ho, Professor Chen will empirically investigate procedures so as to broaden access to justice, foster trust in the legal system, and improve public decision-making.

Gallant Ho Outstanding Young Professorship - Professor Hin Chu
Professor Chu will utilise the endowment from Drs Gallant and Rebecca Ho to advance research on human pathogenic coronaviruses, strengthening preparedness for future pandemics.

Tin Ka Ping Foundation Outstanding Young Professorship - Professor Gaowei Chen
Professor Chen will expand his research on AI-enhanced classroom dialogue, supported by Tin Ka Ping Foundation, to improve education in Hong Kong and globally.

The ceremony was officiated by Dr the Honourable Sir David Li Kwok-Po, Pro-Chancellor and was graced by distinguished guests including Professor Xiang Zhang, President and Vice-Chancellor; Mrs  Cherry Tse, Executive Vice-President (Administration & Finance); Professor Gong Peng, Vice-President & Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic Development); Professor Jay Siegel, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning); Professor Chak-Sing Lau, Vice-President & Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health); Professor Yang Wang, Vice-President & Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Institutional Advancement); Professor Vivian Yam, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global Innovation Centre), HKU; Professor Lap-Chee Tsui, Chairman of HKU Foundation and Deans of Faculties. The event was attended by over 200 participants.

About Endowed Professorships and Outstanding Young Professorships
HKU has welcomed over 130 Endowed Professorships since its inception in 2005. An Endowed Professorship is one of the most significant awards bestowed upon eminent academics within the University in support of their academic and research endeavours.

Featured for the first time last year at the ceremony, Outstanding Young Professorships are designated for outstanding Assistant Professors or Associate Professors, further reinforcing HKU's dedication to fostering the next generation of academic leaders.

To learn more, please visit: https://giving.hku.hk/givingtohku/endowed-professorships

Please click here for the list of Professorships.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Development & Alumni Affairs Office
Ms Melody Tang (Tel: 3917 1747/ Email: melodytang@hku.hk)
Ms Kelly Lee (Tel: 3917 1739 / Email: kellylht@hku.hk)