HONG KONG, October 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) today held its 2025 Congregation, conferring honorary doctorates on five eminent and distinguished leaders. The awards were presented by HKUST Pro-Chancellor Dr John CHAN Cho-Chak in recognition of their outstanding achievements and contributions to society.
The ceremony was joined by HKUST Council Chairman Professor Harry SHUM, Court President Hon Andrew LIAO Cheung-Sing, Council President Professor Nancy IP, as well as members of the Council and Court and the university management team.
This year’s honorary doctorate recipients, listed alphabetically by last name, are:
- Prof. Pradeep K. KHOSLA, Chancellor of the University of California San Diego – Doctor of Engineering for honor
- Professor Roger David KORNBERG, Nobel Prize in Chemistry – Doctor of Sciences for honor
- Mr. LIU Cixin, Hugo Award-winning author – Doctor of Humanities for honor
- Prof. Sir Christopher PISSARIDES, Nobel Prize winner in economic sciences – doctor in social sciences for honor
- Mr. Stephen A. SCHWARZMAN, Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder of Blackstone – Doctor of Business Administration for honor
HKUST Council Chairman Professor Shum congratulated the honorary doctors for their outstanding achievements and contributions to society. He said: “These five honorary doctors are pioneering examples whose achievements have inspired the global pursuit of excellence. They have continually innovated in their respective fields, advancing global development through their foresight and unwavering determination. ultimately shape the future. »
HKUST President Professor Ip celebrated the honorary doctorates for their illustrious achievements and profound impact, while applauding the graduating class for the fruits of their hard work and the promising beginnings ahead. She said: “Today we come together not only to confer degrees, but also to celebrate the years of vigorous study, unwavering dedication and significant contributions that you, our graduates, are already making. This ceremony honors the exceptional people you have become – critical thinkers, visionary innovators and compassionate leaders ready to shape our future. agility to adapt to change and resilience to overcome obstacles. Let this spirit be your model for making an impact. Wherever your path takes you, strive not only to achieve professional success, but also to make a deeper and more meaningful contribution to humanity. » (Full speech by the president And video)
President Ip also paid tribute to the enduring vision of the late HKUST founding president Professor Chia-Wei Woo, whose vision more than three decades ago envisioned an institution dedicated to training pioneers who bridge Eastern and Western cultures. She noted that the Class of 2025 embodies the realization of this global vision. Once they graduate, she expressed confidence that they will bring this unique perspective to the world, becoming leaders and innovators in their chosen fields. The University, in turn, remains steadfast in its commitment to its founding mission, continuing to empower future generations as pioneers who will shape a better future.
With the graduation of the Class of 2025, HKUST celebrated a remarkable milestone: a global alumni community of more than 111,000 people. This year, the University awarded 6,929 academic degrees, including 2,620 bachelor’s degrees, 3,824 master’s degrees, 485 doctorates and professional doctorates.
During the ceremony, Professor Ip also presented HKUST’s highest teaching honor – the Michael G. Gale Medal for Distinguished Teaching – to Professor Ben CHAN Yui-Bun, Associate Professor of Engineering Education in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Associate Dean of Students and Associate Director of the Center for Engineering Education Innovation, in recognition of his outstanding service in education.
The celebrations continued with powerful exchanges between the winners and the HKUST community. Professor Shum moderated a dynamic fireside chat with fellow Honorary Doctor, Mr. Stephen A. Schwarzman, titled “Lessons from a Lifetime of Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Giving Back.” They captivated the audience with a lively discussion on how entrepreneurial vision can shape education and propel societal progress. Mr. Schwarzman shared his ideas on how to attract exceptional talent amid intensifying global competition, advising students to prioritize the uniqueness of their companies and their broader social impact. He also highlighted the importance of academic advancements in the fields of AI and humanities in this era of technological transformation.
Meanwhile, the world of science fiction came alive when fellow Honorary Doctor, Mr. Liu Cixin, embarked on a tour of the Lee Shau Kee Library. He then immersed the students in an inspiring discussion about the imaginative realms of science fiction, touching on the creative journey and cosmic worldview behind The three body problem. In an in-depth dialogue with the audience, Mr. Liu shared his unique perspectives on stimulating creative inspiration, enhancing the appeal of science fiction literature, and the impact of AI and Big Data on its future.
Biographies of Honorary Doctorate Scholars (listed alphabetically by last name):
Professor Pradeep K. KHOSLA
Professor Khosla is a distinguished engineer and educator, currently chancellor of UC San Diego, where he has significantly advanced the university’s global reputation. His academic journey began in India, leading him to influential positions at Carnegie Mellon University, where he contributed to robotics and cybersecurity. Professor Khosla advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration to address societal challenges and highlights the importance of technology in education. Its partnership with HKUST aligns with their mission to harness technology for the benefit of society and advance medical innovation. (Full quote And speech video)
Professor Roger David KORNBERG
Professor Kornberg, winner of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, is renowned for his groundbreaking work on gene transcription. Professor Kornberg followed in his father’s footsteps and made important contributions to molecular biology. His discovery of the nucleosome and detailed mapping of RNA polymerase II function revolutionized our understanding of genetic information processing. A member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Professor Kornberg’s research has profound implications for the treatment of disease. Its collaboration with HKUST further strengthens the university’s position in the fields of life sciences and medicine. (Full quote And speech video)
Mr. LIU Cixin
With his novel The three body problemChinese author Mr. Liu became the first Asian writer to win the prestigious Hugo Award for science fiction, earning him international acclaim and a devoted following globally. The three body problem have captivated readers around the world, with translations into 35 languages and sales exceeding 30 million copies. His unique blend of scientific knowledge and philosophical introspection has earned him numerous accolades, including the Chinese Galaxy Awards and the Seiun Award. (Full quote And speech video)
Professor Sir Christopher PISSARIDES
Professor Pissarides, winner of the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences, is an eminent researcher in labor economics. His Diamond-Mortensen-Pissarides model revolutionized the understanding of unemployment and labor markets. As Regius Professor of Economics at the London School of Economics, Professor Pissarides has dedicated his career to tackling societal inequality and poverty through economic research. His recent interest in the future of work in the AI era highlights his commitment to meeting the challenges of technological change. As the Helmut and Anna Pao Sohmen IAS Roving Professor at HKUST, he continues to inspire and guide the academic community. (Full quote And speech video)
Mr. Stephen A. SCHWARZMAN
Mr. Schwarzman is chairman, CEO and co-founder of Blackstone, which he built to become the world’s largest alternative investment manager, with more than US$1 trillion in assets under management globally. An alumnus of Yale University and Harvard Business School, he rose quickly on Wall Street before launching Blackstone in 1985. His visionary leadership extends beyond finance, as he is a dedicated philanthropist, having donated more than $1 billion to date. His philanthropic work includes transformational gifts to major universities, including the University of Oxford, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Yale University, as well as the establishment of Schwarzman Scholars in Beijing, China. Recognized with numerous honors, including the Legion of Honor and the Order of Arts and Letters of France, both at the Commander level, the Order of the Aztec Eagle of Mexico, and appointment as an Honorary Knight of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Mr. Schwarzman’s influence extends to business and philanthropy. (Full quote And speech video)
Download the photos here: https://hkust.edu.hk/news/hkust-holds-congregation-2025-conferring-honorary-doctorates-five-distinguished-leaders
Show original content:^ https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/hkust-holds-congregation-2025-conferring-honorary-doctorates-on-five-distinguished-leaders-302588254.html
SOURCE The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
