Nobel physics laureate Dr Charles Kao Kuen got a hero's welcome at Chinese University yesterday.
The 'Father of Fibre Optics', a key technology underlying the internet, was held up as an inspiration for Hong Kong's youthful innovators.
'His achievements and commitment have inspired young scientists to dedicate themselves to pushing the boundaries of scientific research,' Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen said at the launch of an exhibition honouring Kao. 'I encourage young people to consider Professor Kao as a role model in continuing the technological advances and maintain our city's position as an innovation and technology hub.'
Outstanding undergraduates in physics and engineering at the university he led as vice-chancellor from 1987 to 1996 will have the chance to benefit from overseas exchange and research internships backed by a new Charles K. Kao Scholarship Endowment Fund announced yesterday.
Making his first public appearance in the city since he was awarded the Nobel Prize in December, Kao flashed his trademark toothy smile throughout the ceremony.
Speaking on behalf of her Alzheimer's-afflicted husband, Gwen Wong May-wan said: 'Without optical fibres we would not have the internet, e-mail, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, all these that were created by brilliant minds.
'The evolution has not ceased. Some amongst our young students here in Hong Kong may well create yet more new designs beyond our dreams. We need to watch out and give them room to develop.'
