Newsletter No. 60

CUHK NEWSLETTER pollution, marine water pollution, road safety and airborne asbestos and other harmful substances in the vicinity of the dump site. But although the University had requested the government to choose another site, the government stated that Pak Shek Kok is the most suitable location. It went on to assure the University that it would implement all the mitigation measures recommended in a report of an environmental impact study of the proposed project it had commissioned. After careful consideration of the report, however, the University finds that the study has underestimated the adverse effects of the project; the University also questions the effectiveness of the recommended mitigation measures and points out that the study has failed to include some highly exposed sites as sensitive receivers, such as staff/student residences, the University Sports Stadium, and two plots of land adjacent to the railway which are being developed into academic, research, and training facilities. The University reiterates that there are no compelling or convincing reasons that a public dump has to be sited right next to the campus. There has to be an alternative dumping site in the territory. However, it also adds that if the government insists on proceeding with the project, it should carry out the additional mitigation and environmental monitoring measures suggested by the University and pay for all necessary expenses. If the pollution level is found to exceed the acceptable limit repeatedly, the project should immediately be suspended. The government is considering the University's objection and further negotiation is expected soon. Three University Members Honoured Prof. Charles Kao (second from I right) and Dr. George Hockham (first from right) at the opening of their namesake laboratory. Flashback to the 1960s: the then young scientist Charles Kao doing an early experiment on optical fibres at the Standard Telecommunications Laboratory in Harlow. Prof. C. N. Yang Dr. Dennis S. C. Lam Three members of the University were recently honoured by local and overseas organizations. • Prof. Charles K. Kao, vice- chancellor, was honoured for his contributions to optical fibre communications. A new building of Bell-Northem Research of Northern Telecom was named after Prof. Kao and his former colleague, Dr. George Hockham. The Kao & Hockham Laboratory is located in Harlow, Great Britain. • Prof. C. N. Yang, distinguished professor-at-large, was named laureate of the 1994-95 Bower Award and Prize for Achievement in Science by the Franklin Institute of Philadelphia. The prize is worth a quarter of a million US dollars and will be awarded to Prof. Yang in May 1995 in recognition of his contributions to gauge field theory. The Franklin Institute is one of the oldest and most prestigious scientific organizations and museums in the United States and has, for nearly a century and a half, honoured eminent scientists and technologists worldwide whose achievements have made significant impacts on mankind. • Dr. Dennis S.C. Lam, lecturer in ophthalmology and visual sciences, was selected as one of the T en Outstanding Young Persons of 1994, of Hong Kong on 23rd October. Now into its 22nd year, this selection is known to bestow prizes upon persons under 40 for their outstanding achievements and contribution to Hong Kong society. NO.60 NOVEMBER 1994 4