Department of Statistics and Data Science Newsletter

Prof. Wong Hoi Ying received funding from the 2024/25 NSFC/RGC Joint Research Scheme

Prof. Wong Hoi Ying has received funding from the 2024/25 NSFC/RGC Joint Research Scheme for his research project titled “Data-driven Cross Market Systemic Risk Analytics with Behavioral Considerations”.

The National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)/RGC Joint Research Scheme (JRS) supports research proposals jointly submitted by mainland and Hong Kong researchers that aim to promote collaboration between researchers and research teams in those two places by complementing the existing strengths of both. Each successful JRS Hong Kong applicant receives a maximum grant of HK$1.25 million, with each research project spanning four years.

Prof. Wong Hoi Ying has been awarded the Kan Tong Po International Fellowship 2024 by The Royal Society

Prof. Wong Hoi Ying and his research collaborator, Professor Liang Gechun from the University of Warwick, have been awarded the Kan Tong Po International Fellowship 2024 for their research project titled “Reinforcement Learning via Duality”. This scheme aims to foster collaborations between leading scientists in Hong Kong and those in the UK or USA.

Prof. Phillip Yam has been elected as an Elected Member of the International Statistical Institute 2025 and has been an Editor of Insurance: Mathematics and Economics

Prof. Phillip Yam has been elected as an Elected Member of the International Statistical Institute 2025. This esteemed recognition highlights Prof. Yam’s significant contribution to the statistical profession.

The International Statistical Institute (ISI) was established in 1885 and is one of the oldest scientific associations operating in the modern world, with individual and institutional members in over 150 countries. ISI Elected Membership is a distinguished honor for individuals who have made substantial, significant contributions to the field of statistics, either in research, practice, or education. For more details, please visit: https://isi-web.org/article/congratulations-newly-elected-members-second-round-2025.

In addition, Prof. Yam has been an Editor of Insurance: Mathematics and Economics (IME). IME is a top journal in actuarial science that aims to strengthen the communication between individuals and groups who develop and apply research results in actuarial science. In particular, it strives for facilitating closer cooperation between those who conduct research in insurance mathematics and quantitative insurance economics, and practicing actuaries. It is classified as A* in the Australian Business Deans Council (ABDC) Journal Quality List.

(website: https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/insurance-mathematics-and-economics/about/editorial-board)

Prof. Yam’s research interests encompass actuarial science, applied mathematics, mathematical finance, probability theory and stochastic analysis and statistical theory and applications.

Prof. Phillip Yam published a book, named “Financial Data Analytics with Machine Learning, Optimization and Statistics”

Prof. Phillip Yam has published a book, named “Financial Data Analytics with Machine Learning, Optimization and Statistics”. With an array of techniques for data analytics in the financial sector and insurance industry, this book covers competencies tested by some professional exams and will be a useful publication for both students and practicing analysts in the banking industry.

In addition to publishing a new book, Prof. Yam has been invited to visit the School of Risk and Actuarial Studies at University of New South Wales as Distinguished Visiting Scholar.

Prof. Lin Yuanyuan received funding from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Equine Welfare Research Foundation

Prof. Lin Yuanyuan has received funding from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Equine Welfare Research Foundation for her research project titled “ Omics profiling and statistical machine learning to discover biomarkers for equine doping control”. The foundation recognises that Prof. Lin’s research project aligns firmly with its core objectives and exemplifies high-quality scientific research.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club Equine Welfare Research Foundation is passionately committed to improving the quality of life of the Thoroughbred racehorse through research and the application of its findings. The funding supports projects that can make significant contributions to key areas of equine welfare, including injury and disease reduction, promotion of racehorse safety during training and racing, and the improvement of life quality for horses post-retirement. For more information, please visit: https://www.hkjcequinewelfare.org.hk/en/.

Prof. Yau Chun Yip received Faculty Exemplary Teaching Award 2024

Prof. Yau Chun Yip has been awarded the Faculty Exemplary Teaching Award 2024 in recognition of his distinguished teaching performance.

Dr. Ouyang Ming received the General Education Outstanding Teaching Award 2024-25 from Chung Chi College

Dr. Ouyang Ming has received the General Education Outstanding Teaching Award 2024-25 from Chung Chi College in recognition of his teaching excellence.

(link: https://www.ccc.cuhk.edu.hk/en/news_detail.php?cid=39&id=2545)