Internationally renowned father of fibre-optic communications Charles Kao-kwan believes it is more important for students to put theory into practice than to rely on studying books.
Speaking at the open day marking the 129th anniversary of St Joseph's College in Mid-Levels last Sunday, the college old boy shared his school days and experience in inventing fibre optics.
'The search for ultra clear glass for fibre optics took me many years, in fact, from 1963 to the mid 1970s. I was very fortunate to have such an experience - which was just like from knowing nothing to getting something done. I hope many of you can have such an experience with your capability,' said Professor Kao, who graduated from the school in 1952 and later studied electrical engineering at the University of London.
'Just studying and looking at the books is not good enough. You have to try your luck and make something happen,' he added.
After officiating at the ceremony with school principal Mr Leung Cheung-hing and supervisor Brother Thomas Favier, Professor Kao, a former vice-chancellor of Chinese University, toured the school. He played magic card games, chatted with the students, signed autographs and visited laboratories - the place where his interest in science first started.
The theme of the day was 'Legendary Past - Promising Future'.
Mr Leung, the first Chinese principal of the school, said the school promoted creativity and leadership by giving students freedom.
