In recognition of the contribution to City University of Hong Kong (CityU) made by Professor David Tong Shuk-yin, Deputy President, a farewell party was held on 27 November for the retiring professor.

About 80 guests attended the party, including Professor Way Kuo, University President; Professor Richard Ho Yan-ki, Provost; Professor Roderick Wong Sue-cheun, Vice-President (Research) and Dean of Graduate Studies; Dr. Ellen Ko Law Yin-lan, Vice-President (Administration), and Professor Paul Lam Kwan-sing, Acting Vice-President (Undergraduate Education), together with representatives from various colleges, schools and academic departments as well as heads of administrative units.

"I would like to thank Professor Tong for his years of contributing to City U. During his service, Professor Tong endeavoured to advance the ranking of the university. We will carry on his work towards this goal," said Professor Kuo. He also said he hoped Professor Tong would enjoy his retirement and stay in close contact with the University. Professor Kuo then presented a photo memento, guest signature book and other gifts to Professor Tong in appreciation of his contributions.

At the farewell party, the organiser showed a video of many memorable moments from Professor Tong's participation in university activities. Professor (Chair) Chan Chi-hou, Dean of the College of Science and Engineering, Professor (Chair) Michel Andre Van Hove, Head of the Department of Physics and Materials Science, and Professor Cheng Sheung-tak, from the Department of Applied Social Studies, were invited to share their experiences of working with Professor Tong. They praised his outstanding academic achievements and thoughtful and calm style of working. They expressed their hope that Professor Tong would explore new academic areas in his retirement.

Professor Tong, who served CityU for more than seven years, expressed thanks to the University and colleagues for organising the farewell party. "I would like to thank my colleagues for their support, their passion and their hard work," said Professor Tong in his farewell speech.

Professor Tong joined the Department of Physics and Material Science as Chair Professor of Physics at CityU in 2001. Since December 2002, Professor Tong has been Vice-President (Academic Affairs) assisting the President in the planning, development, formulation, implementation, monitoring and review of the academic matters of the University. He assumed the position of Deputy President in December 2003 and worked closely with the President on the development of the University. Prior to joining CityU, Professor Tong held senior academic appointments in both the US and Hong Kong. These include Director and Distinguished Professor at the Surface Studies Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Chair Professor and Head of the Physics Department at Hong Kong University.