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The inaugural "2023 Asian Young Scientist Fellowship Annual Conference" (Asian Young Scientist Fellowship), co-hosted by The University of Hong Kong (HKU), was held at HKU on 16 October (Monday) as one of the highlights of the "2023 Future Science Prize Week". The aim of the Asian Young Scientist Fellowship is to encourage and support promising and outstanding young researchers in Asia to conduct pioneering research and to nurture future top-notch scientists.

Professor Richard Wong, Acting Vice-Chancellor of HKU, and Professor Hong Ding, Chair of 2023 Asian Young Scientist Fellowship Annual Conference Programme Committee, together with the 12 inaugural Asian Young Scientist Fellows attended the opening ceremony at HKU Rayson Huang Theatre. Outstanding young scientists from China, Japan, Korea and Singapore gathered to present their research findings, engage in interdisciplinary dialogue and explore forefront scientific issues together with a view to showcasing Asia’s research achievements and constructing an innovation and collaboration platform.

Professor Richard Wong, Acting Vice-Chancellor of HKU, said, “The University of Hong Kong is a beacon of intellectual curiosity, fuelling a passion for knowledge and innovation.  We are honoured to host this Conference at HKU for Asian Young Scientist Fellowship, demonstrating our commitment to nurturing and supporting emerging talent. This conference provides a platform for intellectual exchange, where brilliant minds can share insights, discoveries, and visions for the future.  Through collaboration and discussion, we can address complex global challenges and advance scientific knowledge.”

Professor Hong Ding, Chair of 2023 Asian Young Scientist Fellowship Annual Conference Programme Committee, said, “This year marks a significant milestone as we celebrate the twelve Inaugural 2023 Asian Young Scientist Fellows.  As the program's first year, I was deeply moved by the active participation we received from the scientific community across the continent during the nomination period. Among a pool of excellent candidates, those who stood out weren't just noteworthy for their current achievements.  These individuals, early in their scientific careers, have showcased a transformative vision for future research endeavors.  These twelve fellows have shown the promise of leaving indelible marks in their respective fields in the coming years.”

"2023 Asian Young Scientist Fellowship” covers three fields namely “Life Science”, “Physical Science” and “Mathematics and Computer Science”. Nominations were made by around 500 deans and heads of university faculties and research institutes in Asia. After a rigorous selection process by the fellowship committee, 12 fellows out of the 150 nominees were awarded, who are all distinguished scientist.

Dr Yi Yang, one of the Physical Science Fellows in 2023 Asian Young Scientist Fellowship and Assistant Professor from the Department of Physics of HKU, said “I am honoured and delighted to be selected as one of the fellows after going through a rigorous selection process and it is an important recognition to myself. I look forward to exchanging ideas with the talented community of young scientist in Asia and learning from each other and knowing more scientists who are working in the same field.

Eric Chen, Chairman of BaseBit Technologies, Co-CEO of ARM China and Donor of the Asian Young Scientist Fellowship, said, “Our world today faces challenges that are intricate and intertwined. These challenges demand not just depth but breadth—a holistic, interdisciplinary perspective. Young scientists, with their fresh perspectives and boundless energy, are uniquely positioned to bridge disciplines and integrate knowledge, tackling these issues with creative and transformative research. To each AYS Fellow, we provide unrestricted funds, allowing them the freedom to venture into uncharted territories and explore their most daring ideas.”

About 300 young scientists, entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders, and educators from Hong Kong, mainland China and around the world gathered at the inaugural "2023 Asian Young Scientist Fellowship Annual Conference" to collaboratively explore how science can address the pressing challenges faced by humanity today. Two workshops were held in the afternoon at HKU K.K. Leung Building. The first workshop was entitled " Me and My Scientific Journey", bringing together esteemed scientists from diverse fields to share their personal experiences, challenges, and triumphs throughout their scientific pursuits and offering valuable advice to those seeking to navigate their own career paths in the scientific realm. The second workshop, titled "Igniting Global Scientific Minds", featured fireside chats on the following subjects, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) in driving scientific research, sustainability and green technologies, the future of healthcare and expand our understanding and exploration of the physical world.

The Asian Young Scientist Fellowship is a privately funded research fellowship in the Asian region. A funding of USD100,000 will be disbursed to the fellow over two consecutive years to support his or her research. As part of Fellowship, fellows will have opportunities to participate in mentorship programmes, academic exchange events and annual conferences where they will be able to exchange ideas with leading international scientists.

For media enquiry, please contact:
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Ms Melaine Wan
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About Asian Young Scientist Fellowship
The Asian Young Scientist Fellowship was initiated to encourage and support promising and outstanding young scientists in Asia to conduct pioneering research, provide long-term support to their career growth, and create a community that promotes explorative thinking, cross-disciplinary collaboration, international exchanges, and mentorship. A funding of USD100,000 will be disbursed to the fellow’s home institution over two consecutive years to support his or her research.

Following the success of the Future Science Prize, the founding members of the Future Science Prize launched the Asian Young Scientist Fellowship as a new endeavour to support Asian scientists in their most creative years and provide them with a communication platform to establish connections between different countries and fields of research to jointly contribute to the future of mankind.

For details, please visit https://www.aysfellowship.org/

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
Founded in 1911, The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is the first and oldest institution of higher education in Hong Kong. For over a century, the University has dedicated itself to creating knowledge, providing education, and serving society. Today, HKU has an established worldwide reputation for being a research-led comprehensive University with ten Faculties and a strong commitment to intellectual freedom, liberty and diversity. HKU has a proud record of academic recognition in researches through honours and awards received from both local and international bodies. The University strives to attract and nurture outstanding scholars through excellence and innovation in its research and knowledge exchange activities. Its research areas cover a wide range of issues with the aim of benefitting industries, businesses and the community. Regarded as Asia’s Global University, HKU brings together experts from diverse disciplines, partnering with prestigious universities and research institutes around the world. It has thirty-eight academics named on the list of “Highly Cited Researchers 2022” from Clarivate, ranking 26th globally among all institutions.

HKU is in pursuit of teaching and learning excellence in a broad range of disciplines and professions. With the holistic design of the undergraduate and postgraduate curricula, along with award-winning teaching and learning resources and support, students at the University can fully develop intellectual and personal strengths while gaining lifelong learning opportunities to contribute to the community. Regarded as Asia’s Global University, HKU is a diverse community with over 36,000 students, including more than 16,000 students from nearly 100 countries and places around the world, and nearly 70% of its professoriate staff have joined the University from outside Hong Kong. The University also strives to enhance students’ international exposure by offering overseas learning opportunities and connecting with more than 403 exchange partners in 47 countries. HKU has established a number of scholarships and awards to support students' aspirations. It will continue to cultivate outstanding leaders and bring together young talents from all walks of life. For more information about the University, please visit www.hku.hk