The University of Macau (UM) today (11 December) held the Ceremony for the Conferment of Honorary and Higher Degrees 2021 to confer honorary doctorates on Prof Lawrence Juen-yee Lau, Prof Kaixian Chen, Prof Shuji Nakamura, Prof Li Lanjuan, Prof Lee Hau Leung, Prof Zhu Lilan, and Ms Chio Fai Aglaia Kong in recognition of their outstanding achievements and significant contributions to social development and education.

During the ceremony, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Ao Ieong U, acting as the representative of Macao SAR chief executive and UM chancellor, conferred honorary doctorates on the distinguished individuals. Prof Lawrence Juen-yee Lau received a Doctor of Education honoris causa degree. Prof Kaixian Chen received a Doctor of Science honoris causa degree. Prof Shuji Nakamura received a Doctor of Science honoris causa degree. Prof Li Lanjuan received a Doctor of Science honoris causa degree. Prof Lee Hau Leung received a Doctor of Business Administration honoris causa degree. Prof Zhu Lilan received a Doctor of Science honoris causa degree. Ms Chio Fai Aglaia Kong received a Doctor of Science honoris causa degree.

In her speech, Secretary Ao Ieong congratulated and paid tribute to the distinguished recipients of the honorary degrees: ‘The seven awardees excel in their fields respectively and have contributed significantly to the development of our society and the world.’ She also extended her best wishes to all the graduates and their parents, and expressed admiration to the university’s dedicated and excellent faculty and staff.’

Sun Yifeng, chair professor of UM’s Faculty of Arts and Humanities, delivered a citation for Prof Lawrence Juen-yee Lau. Part of the citation read: ‘Prof Lawrence Juen-yee Lau is a world-renowned economist known for his distinguished scholarship and his foresight in education. In addition to his achievements in the field of economic development, economic growth, and the economies of East Asia, he is a visionary leader in education. Prof Lau is simply put a man for all seasons.’

Prof Sun delivered a citation for Prof Shuji Nakamura. Part of the citation read: ‘Prof Shuji Nakamura is a pioneer in sustainable energy technology. He is one of the three laureates awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2014 for the invention of blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Not only has his invention revolutionised the lighting industry, but it has also contributed tremendously to the welfare of humanity. The birth of blue LED has made it possible to produce the white light-emitting LED, which are now widely use in consumer and industrial applications.’

Prof Sun delivered a citation for Prof Li Lanjuan. Part of the citation read: ‘As the pioneer in the application of artificial liver support system in China, Prof Li Lanjuan invented the unique and effective Li’s artificial liver system for the treatment of severe hepatitis and hepatic failures, significantly reducing mortality rates. In the battle against COVID-19, she and her team proposed the treatment protocol of ‘4+2 (resisting four challenges and achieving a balance in two aspects)’ and used three major technologies, namely artificial liver, microecology, and stem cells, which significantly increased the survival rate of severe cases.’

Prof Sun delivered a citation for Prof Lee Hau Leung. Part of the citation read: ‘Prof Lee Hau Leung’s efforts paved the way for innovative research in operations management, shaped thinking on supply chain theory and practice, and revolutionised business practices around the world. He is famed for popularising the concept of “Bullwhip Effect” in operations management and has explored remedies to cope with this phenomenon. Today, the bullwhip cracks even louder in the face of the pandemic and economic tensions among countries, causing major supply chain disruptions. Prof Lee’s foresight is more relevant than ever to help industries deal with these challenges and in turn create greater societal values.’

Prof Sun delivered a citation for Prof Zhu Lilan. Part of the citation read: ‘Through research, Prof Zhu Lilan developed a new dyeing technique for sample preparation, which garnered a high reputation among her peers at home and abroad. With her extraordinary scientific achievements, she became the recipient of many important honorary titles, including Fellow of the International Eurasian Academy of Sciences. With her outstanding performance, she won herself a high position worldwide in science and technology.’

Chen Xin, interim director of UM’s Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, delivered a citation for Prof Kaixian Chen. Part of the citation read: ‘Prof Kaixian Chen has dedicated himself to pharmaceutical research and development for over 40 years. His outstanding scientific achievements and significant contributions to the country, Macao, UM, and the state key laboratories have earned him a high international standing and reputation. His active role in promoting the development of Chinese medicine in Macao and the Greater Bay Area is a testament to his dedication to the national strategy of medicine development.’

Xu Chengzhong, dean of UM’s Faculty of Science and Technology, delivered a citation for Ms Chio Fai Aglaia Kong. Part of the citation read: ‘Ms Chio Fai Aglaia Kong has participated in the research and development of more than 15 major inventions and patents related to storage virtualisation, navigation, file system, and power management, all of which are highly practical and have been widely used to bring convenience to people’s lives. As an accomplished inventor, she has often been able to simplify and popularise advanced technologies and theories.’

Prof Chen delivered a speech to express thanks to UM for the honorary degrees on behalf of all the awardees. He said: ‘I am very pleased to see that Macao and the Greater Bay Area have set a good example for the medical industry. From its establishment of the first State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine to the rapid development of Chinese medicine in the Greater Bay Area, UM has contributed significantly to consolidating outstanding professionals in this field in the Greater Bay Area. With its visionary and sagacious management team, the university has not only provided students with a fertile ground for research, but also nurtured many responsible talents for society. I feel honoured to be able to interact and collaborate with UM, and wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the university on its achievements over the past few years.’