Bulletin Spring‧Summer 1995

publications, the circulation of which was primarily limited to mainland China. New Centre for Computer Research The Department ofComputer Science has taken amajor step forward in the development ofhigh-end computing research with the inauguration ofthe HK$6million Sun Technology Centre on 4th October 1994. The centre was set up as a joint venture between the University and Sun's research centre in the United States to allow technical exchanges between the two. Areas of computer science that will benefit from the collaboration include research on a supemetwork using fast ethemet and ATM technology from Sun, multi- processing and multi-threading technology, and object- oriented computing. Currently equipped with a 20-CPU SPARCcenter 2000, SPARCserver 670 and multiple high-end SPARC workstations, the centre will pioneer research in multiprocessing technology. Incidentally, the University is the first institution ofhigher learning in Asia to install the 20-CPU SPARCcenter 2000, amainframe-calibre system for data-centre applications from Sun Microsystems. CSC Shows Power of Information Technology A total of 2,309 CU staff, students, and visitors were attracted to the Information Technology Fair '94 where they had a chance to look at the University's advanced computer network and the latest computer applications in teaching, research and administration. Held at Sir Run Run Shaw Hall on 4th and 5th October 1994, the function promoted the use of information technology among the campus community and members ofthe public through experience-sharing and exchanges. The two-day showwas organized by the Computer Services Centre and included display boards, video broadcasts, demonstrations, mini-seminars and group discussions. On display were numerous unique applications including the geographical information system of the Department of Geography, brain visualization using AVS of the Department of Anatomy, the pathfinder English language learning tool ofthe English Language Teaching Unit, the architectural information system of the Department of Architecture, and the library catalogue on-line system of the University Library. Techniques in CD-ROM production, computer animation, electronic publishing, medical image visualization, networked fax service, video conference, virtual reality and voice mail were also demonstrated. Four Wins in a Row In the eighth intervarsity rowing championship held on the Shing Mun river on 18th September 1994, the CUHK men's team beat its HKU counterpart in the coxed eight 3,000-metre race for the fourth time in four consecutive years. The women's race this year was won by the HKU team, who retrieved the championship they had lost four years ago in 1990. Student Exchange for Green Cause Eight students visited Yale University from 28th January to 7th February 1995 under the student exchange programme between New Asia College and Yale University. The theme for this year's programme, the second of its kind, is the 'environment' . Delegates from New Asia presented general environmental issues in Hong Kong to their Yale counterparts at a symposium. They also visited museums, high schools and big corporations, attended lectures on environmental issues in the United States, and talked to American legislators News in Brief 43