12 CUHK Mathematics Graduates Receive Full Scholarships to Further Studies at Top Overseas Universities Twelve undergraduate and graduate students of the Chinese University have received full fellowships/studentships from top universities in North America and Europe to further their studies. The institutions include Stanford University, Princeton University, U.C. Berkeley, University of Chicago, the University of British Columbia and Tinbergen Institute in Netherlands. Prof. Yau Shing-tung, Fields Medalist and distinguished professor-at-large of the University attended the celebration held by the Department of Mathematics on 29th May. The CUHK Department of Mathematics has nurtured many outstanding mathematicians over the years, of whom Prof. Yau Shing-tung is a prime example. Every year, graduates receive full scholarships to study at famous overseas institutions but, as Prof. Yau said, having a dozen do so simultaneously is rare. 'It really is a feat. Tuition and living expenses for a year of study in the US come to about USD50,000. Even for well-off institutions such as Harvard, full scholarships are a financial burden. The competition is extremely keen for students within the US, not to mention overseas students.' Prof. Yau continued, 'Even more encouraging is the fact that about 20% of the graduates of the Mathematics Department choose to further their studies. The percentage is the same as in American universities with the strongest mathematics departments such as Harvard. Clearly, CUHK has the capability to produce world-class mathematics graduates and is well positioned to compete with the best universities. The Hong Kong Government does not devote many resources to mathematics education. We should be doubly proud that our department can, despite this, produce excellent students and lay claim to outstanding research.' Prof. Yau hopes that the 12 students will engage in research upon graduation and contribute to the development of mathematics in the 21st century.     Chairman of the Department of Mathematics, Prof. Lau Ka-sing is heartened by the students' performance. 'The scholarships are all offered by famous institutions. Stanford, for instance, accepts 10 to 20 graduate students per year, but it has offered two full scholarships to our students. This is a recognition of their academic ability. The awardees comprise both undergraduate and graduate students, and both local and mainland students. Besides mathematics, some will pursue studies in economics and computer science. The possibilities of a mathematics major are many. I hope that they will make the best of this wonderful opportunity and contribute to Hong Kong after they complete their studies.'   Full Fellowship/Studentship Offered by Li Man-chun Undergraduate Stanford University and U.C. Berkeley Cheng Man-chuen M.Phil./ nonlocal student Stanford University Wang Yi M.Phil./ nonlocal student Princeton University and University of Chicago Pong Ting-kei M.Phil. University of Washington Lam King-yeung Undergraduate University of Minnesota Chan Kin-hang M.Phil. University of Illinois at Chicago Liu Chun-lung M.Phil. Michigan State University Wang Yuliang M.Phil./ nonlocal student Michigan State University Jiang Huihui Undergraduate / nonlocal student Florida Atlantic University Lam Tin-yin undergraduate University of British Columbia (computer science) Cheng Yin-hei M.Phil. University of Alberta Li Xiaoyue Undergraduate / nonlocal student Tinbergen Institute, Netherlands (economics) Back to This Issue