The Nobel Lecture Series in Hong Kong Continues Long-Standing Tradition

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and Sun Hung Kai Properties (SHKP) have been hosting the Nobel Lecture series in an effort to encourage and promote education, reading, and lifelong learning in Hong Kong and the rest of Asia. Attending CUHK’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies’ 50th anniversary was special guest, Professor Stiglitz, who presented a lecture on Sustainable Growth in the Wake of the Crisis: Lessons for Asia and the World.

An internationally recognized economist who currently works as a professor at the Columbia University in New York, Professor Stiglitz’s lecture at the CUHK’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies offered thoughts on the widely known topic of the global financial crisis, touching upon economic theory and policy and its effect on the Asian continent. Stiglitz’s expertise covers a vast area of economics, including macro-economics, trade theory, finance, industrial and rural organizational theory, wealth distribution, and welfare economics. Professor Stiglitz won his first Nobel Prize in 2001 after discussing how incorrect and misleading information, no matter how minor, can have a large and profound effect on the economy.

Sun Hung Kai Properties (SHKP), in conjunction with CUHK’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies have been holding the Nobel Lectures for the past few years. Over this period, the lectures have covered many interesting topics; all discussing Asia’s present and future. In October 2005, Yang Chen Ning and Martin L. Perl, both renowned physics professors, discussed the informative topic of molecular structure. Since then the Nobel Lectures have been covering various topics relating to Asia, including the most efficient way to not only form, but to raise a family in Hong Kong, the role of intellectuals in Asia, and even the current issues surrounding the economic crisis in Asia. The continuing education of Asian countries is vital to the progress and success of this continent as it builds towards its potential.

Hong Kong, a major economy, has been largely affected by recent economic turbulence. CUHK’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies have made a conscious effort to improve Hong Kong’s economic situation in a global, academic, and business perspective by taking its turn in holding the Nobel Lectures (they were originally held in Oslo and Stockholm in Northern Europe). To do this, CUHK is aiming to encourage and promote the awareness, interest, and sharing of information in the following subjects: physics, chemistry, medicine, physiology, literature, peace, and economic sciences, all categories of the Nobel Prize Award.

Setting these Nobel Lecture Series apart from others of a similar nature is their long standing tradition. From the beginning of the twentieth century, there have been an increasing number of attendees. Audiences are generally made up of academics, students, political leaders, businessmen, and members of the public who have an interest in the topics discussed.

The Nobel Peace Prize has continually attracted the best and brightest people from its various categories. In retaining this ongoing award, these academics are given the chance to share their expertise with the rest of the world. The Nobel Lecture Series is set to continue their tradition, not only in Hong Kong, but the rest of Asia, to improve its economic position and global perception.