The President of City University of Hong Kong (CityU) has been bestowed the title and rank of Chevalier de l’Ordre National de la Legion d’ Honneur (Knight of the Legion of Honour).

Professor Way Kuo received his award from Mr Alexandre Giorgini, Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, at a reception held at Mr Giorgini’s official residence on 13 March. 

“This is a very great honour for me personally and for CityU,” said Professor Kuo at the reception. “The award is indicative of the strength of the relationship between CityU and France in many areas of research and collaboration.”

The Légion d’Honneur is awarded by the President of France, who services as grand master of the order, to individuals, French nationals or otherwise, who have made outstanding contributions to France.

Mr Giorgini, in his congratulatory address, pointed out that the criteria used for selecting awardees for the Legion of Honour had become tighter in recent years, which emphasises the significance of Professor Kuo’s achievement. He made special note of Professor Kuo’s research fields on reliability, energy security and nuclear energy, and their alignment with France’s strategic interests, his support for French academics at CityU and his dedication to the arts.

Since assuming the presidency of CityU in 2008, Professor Kuo has supported strong interactions with France. France’s most famous academics, including Nobel Laureates, Fields Medalists, and heads of major research institutions in France, have delivered distinguished lectures on campus and four French scholars are currently Senior Fellows of the Hong Kong Institute for Advanced Study at CityU.

“I first started visiting France nearly 40 years ago and since then I have maintained close connections and interactions with the French people. Like many of you, I have a great fondness for French culture and intellectual development for the betterment of society,” said Professor Kuo.

In attendance were Mr Carlson Tong Ka-shing, Chairman of the University Grants Committee, Dr Norman Leung Nai-pang, former Pro-Chancellor of CityU, Mr Lester Garson Huang, Council Chairman, Mr Vincent Chow Wing-shing, Deputy Council Chairman, Dr Peter Ho Ka-nam, Council Member, and from CityU Foundation? Miss Lily Chow, Ms Catherine Kwai Yuk-nin and Professor Cliff Sun Kai-lit, Members of the Board of Governors, and Dr Raymond Leung Siu-hong, Member of the Alumni Advancement Committee. 

In addition, Academicians and Senior Fellows of the Hong Kong Institute for Advanced Study attended the ceremony to celebrate Professor Kuo’s award.

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Karen Cheng, Communications and Public Relations Office, CityU (Tel: 3442 6805 or 9201 8895)