Bulletin Autumn‧Winter 2003

ANNIVERSARY PUBLIC LECTURES The Story of a Mathematician of The Chinese University (19th September) Prof. Yau's story is not only about the growth of a CUHK student but also the growth of a village child in Hong Kong. Prof. Yau Sh i ng - t ung Director of the CUHK Institute of Mathematical Sciences, CUHK alumnus World-class mathematician Prof. Yau Shing- tung is the only Chinese to have won the Fields Medal, wh i ch he d i d for his contributions to partial differential equations, algebraic geometry, and relativity theory. Currently teaching at Harvard University and The Chinese University, Prof. Yau shared I w i t h the audience his days i n Sha Tin and Ma L i u Shui, his experience s t u d y i ng overseas, and the path f r om a Ho ng Kong student to a world-famous academic. Performing Arts and Creativity (22nd September) Mr. Ko T i n - l u ng Director of Chung Ying Theatre Company, RTHK show host, CUHK alumnus Mr. Ko reminded the audience that when faced w i th economic recession, staggering unemployment, and political instability, they should rely on their brains to tackle challenges. Mr. Ko describes how he realizes his own potential and expresses his creativity through the performing arts. This has enabled him to pull himself up by the bootstraps and live life to the full. Genetic Engineering (22nd September) Prof. Samu el Sun Professor of biology and chairman of the Department of Biology, CUHK alumnus Genetic engineering has opened u p unprecedented opportunities for human health, agriculture, and the environment, but it also harbours unfathomable risk. Human cloning, in particular, is a highly controversial topic w i th far-reaching ethical and social implications. Prof. Sun, the first scientist to extract and clone a plant gene, discusses how the technology of genetic engineering can be applied to change the future of the human race. Chinese University Bulletin Autumn • Winter 2003 14