Sparks of discovery: Mathematical dialogue with Shaw Laureates inspires next generation of scientists
Students discover the resilience and collaborative spirit required to uncover the beauty of mathematical truths with Shaw Laureates.
Full concentration, furious notetaking, and sparks of curiosity in their eyes vividly captured the spirit of the selected secondary students as they experienced a rare moment of inspiration. They were participants in the moderated dialogue, “Innovating for Tomorrow: A Conversation with The Shaw Laureates 2025.”
In this intimate setting, the students received wisdom first-hand from world-renowned scientists: Professor John Richard Bond and Professor George Efstathiou, co-recipients of the Shaw Prize in Astronomy; Professor Wolfgang Baumeister, recipient of the Shaw Prize in Life Science & Medicine; and Professor Kenji Fukaya, recipient of the Shaw Prize in Mathematical Sciences. The scientists offered students a glimpse into the dedication and imagination that drive discovery.
Organised by SCMP Learn and presented by the Shaw Prize Foundation, the event was held in October 2025 at the iconic Shaw Studios.
Following the inspiring conversation with Professor Kenji Fukaya from Mathematical Sciences, Miley Fong Pak Kiu shared how his words carried the transformative power of dialogue between generations of thinkers.
Student’s reflection
Unlocking the Beauty of Mathematics
By Miley Fong Pak Kiu (Heep Yunn School)
Reflecting on the talk with Professor Kenji Fukaya, I found myself inspired by the profound thoughts on his exploration of mathematics and how he strives for excellence in creating new theorems. Among the insights that Professor Fukaya mentioned, the idea of walking through data to uncover concrete ideas, which emphasises the importance of practical application in an otherwise abstract field, resonates with me a lot.
Professor Fukaya highlighted how encountering difficulties is a natural part of the mathematical journey, and he sees these challenges as advocating for a shift in focus. His passion towards mathematical discovery inspires me.
One compelling notion was the collaborative work with two other professors that Professor Fukaya shared with us. Although mathematics seems to be solved only by oneself, collaborative insight might stimulate our thinking and make us achieve more than we can imagine. This is how teamwork leads to innovative solutions.
I am also impressed by the emphasis on understanding the reasoning behind theories over rote memorisation. As a high school student, understanding theories is already hard for me. However, Professor Fukaya took the initiative in encouraging me to foster a genuine engagement with mathematics.
Another key takeaway is that not every problem has a solution. Embracing this unpredictability can be liberating and opens the door to new insights. Professor Fukaya emphasised resilience, reminding students that persistence in the face of challenges is essential. The conversation encouraged me to pursue my own mathematical questions with a renewed sense of purpose. I enjoyed it a lot and am looking forward to engaging in similar talks!