Lingnan University confers two honorary doctorate degrees. (From left: Prof S. Joe Qin, President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science; Treasurer of the University Council Ms Katherine Cheung Marn-kay; Prof Yau Shing-tung, Prof Nieng Yan; Council Chairman Mr Andrew Yao Cho-fai )
Prof Nieng Yan thanks Lingnan University for their recognition on behalf of both Honorary Doctors.
At the Honorary Doctorate Conferment Ceremony2024 today (5 December), Lingnan Universityconferred two honorary degrees in recognition of outstanding professional achievements and valuable contributions to society. Renowned mathematician Prof Yau Shing-tung received a Doctor of Science, honoris causa, and distinguished structural biologistProf Nieng Yan received a Doctor of Science, honoris causa.
On behalf of them both, Prof Nieng Yanexpressed deep gratitude to Lingnan University for this recognition, saying “Receiving this honorary doctorate today from Lingnan University is a profound honour—made even more special by sharing this moment alongside the legendary scholar, Prof Yau Shing-tung. Prof Yau’s groundbreaking contributions to differential geometry and mathematical physics have not only advanced our understanding of the universe, but also inspired generations of researchers worldwide.”
She added that Lingnan University’s dedication to cultivating well-rounded, socially conscious graduates is a powerful model for our times, and “by fostering a culture of critical thinking, innovation, and ethical responsibility, Lingnan University equips its students to excel professionally and to become thoughtful, impactful global citizens. This vision resonates deeply with my belief in the transformative power of knowledge to build a just and compassionate society.”
Prof Yan encouraged young scholars, saying “Reflecting on my journey—from my early years at Tsinghua University to my time at Princeton—each step has been driven by a quest for knowledge, supported by mentors, and inspired by dreams. My hope is for young scientists, driven by intrinsic curiosity rather than external pressures, to discover and unlock their full potential, making original and transformative contributions. Returning to Shenzhen was like stepping into a nexus of energy and innovation. Here, I have once again witnessed China’s rapid scientific progress and reinforced my belief in the profound responsibility we hold as researchers in our time. Our mission is clear: to transform cutting-edge research into tangible solutions for human health challenges, and to cultivate the scientists who will carry this torch forward.”
She also expressed gratitude to her family for their unwavering support, and to her colleagues and collaborators for their inspiration and encouragement. “This honorary doctorate is more than a personal milestone; it is a reminder of the collective journey and the shared commitment to advancing science for the betterment of humanity.”
Lingnan also hosted the University Assembly in the morning, presided over by Prof Yau Shing-tung. Its theme was The Beauty of Mathematics, and Prof Yau talked to the faculty and students about unravelling the mysteries of mathematics,captivating his audience by his descriptions of the beauty, joy, and applications of mathematics. He explained that the beauty of nature inspired his study of pure mathematics, and he believes that “everything on earth can be changed, except the truth of Mathematics”, and that while physicists' understanding of truth continually evolves—from calculus, electromagnetic theory, and gauge theory to the Standard Model—the mathematical foundations of these theories have never been questioned. Thus, mathematics may be regarded as the cornerstone of human civilisation.
In 1976, aged just 27, Prof Yau solved the famous mathematical challenge in differential geometry, the Calabi conjecture. The Calabi-Yau Space he proposed has since become a foundational theoretical framework for describing the structure of the universe, and he told the faculty and students about the complex thoughts he had had at that pivotal time.
“The Calabi-Yau Space describes various physical phenomena. In 1976, before constructing the model, I was very anxious. It took me three years to build it, three years filled with moments of both excitement and despair. When I was excited, I felt I was about to succeed—that there were ‘heavenly winds and rains upon the ocean challenging me over’. When it was completed, the feeling from Song Lyrics emerged, ‘Amidst the falling petals, I stand alone, as gentle rain falls, and swallows soar in perfect harmony’.
“I wanted to express this imagery in paint or dance, but that wasn't easy. Since I accomplished this work before my wedding in 1976, I wrote a poem called ‘Record of the Immortal by the River: Events of the Year 1976’ to commemorate the occasion. Intense emotions may inspire scholars' creativity, leading to a subtle breakthrough after long years of accumulation. For me, it was the nourishment of love that helped to achieve an extraordinary feat and prove the long sought-after Calabi conjecture.” So at the age of 33, Prof Yau became the first Chinese recipient of the Fields Medal, often referred to as the Nobel Prize of Mathematics.
Prof Raymond Chan Hon-fu , Vice-President (Academics) cum Provost and Lam Man Tsan Chair Professor of Scientific Computing of Lingnan University, hosted a conversation with Prof Yau, where students and teachers asked questions, and created a lively atmosphere of discussion, showing Lingnan’s vibrant environment of academic exchange. Prof Yau said that the beauty of mathematics comes from a profound understanding of nature, and encouraged young researchers to delve deeper into advanced scientific studies and explore unknown realms.
