| Session 1: |
| Topic |
Developing Basic Science: Challenges for Universities |
| Inroduction |
Basic science is driven by curiosity ¡V the quest for knowledge and understanding of the physical world and its phenomena. Scientific progress and technological advancements of the last century were possible because of discoveries in basic science.
- In Hong Kong, what can universities do to foster intellectual curiosity in science?
- How can basic science be further developed at Hong Kong's leading universities?
- Should schools look to the government for support in research, or should they reach out to corporations for funding?
- Can Hong Kong capitalize on its proximity to China to become a leader in basic science for the region?
A panel of five university presidents in Hong Kong will examine the challenges their institutions face in promoting basic science education and preparing their students for the 21st century. |
| Video |
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| Panelists |
 Professor Hsin-Kang Chang,
President, City University of Hong Kong |
Professor Paul C. W. Chu,
President, The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology |
Professor Lawrence J. Lau,
Vice-Chancellor, The Chinese University of Hong Kong |
Professor Ching-fai Ng,
President and Vice-Chancellor, Hong Kong Baptist University |
Professor Chung-Kwong Poon,
President, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University |
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| Moderator |
Mr. Ronnie C. Chan,
Co-Founder,
THE MORNINGSIDE GROUP and Chairman, Hang Lung Group |
| |
| Session 2: |
| Topic |
Applying Mathematics to Economic Problems |
| Inroduction |
What mathematical tools do economists use to analyze economic problems? Drawing on his training as an economist, Professor Lau will discuss how mathematical methods are applied to economic analysis. Examples include optimization, existence and characterization of equilibrium, the non-existence of stable equilibrium under certain conditions, and possible existence of multiple equilibria. |
| Video |
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| Panelist |
Professor Lawrence J. Lau,
Vice-Chancellor, The Chinese University of Hong Kong |
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| Session 3: |
| Topic |
Mathematics in Poetry? Poetry in Mathematics? |
| Inroduction |
Through elementary mathematics and well-known poetry, one discovers that there are similarities and interconnections between mathematics literature. Professor Liu will explore the relationship between numbers and words, and provide examples. |
| Video |
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| Panelist |
Professor C. L. Liu,
William M. W. Mong Honorary Chair Professor, Tsing Hua University, Taiwan |
| |
| Session 4: |
| Topic |
What are my Odds? Historical and Modern Efforts to Win at Games of Chance |
| Inroduction |
A desire to win at games of chance stimulated mathematical innovation form the sixteenth to the eighteenth century. This interest in calculating the odds led to major contributions such as Pascal's Triangle by Blaise Pascal, Number Theory by Pierre de Fermat, and the concepts of Bernoulli Trials and Bernoulli Numbers by Jakob Bernoulli. Mr. Benter will examine the historical role of gambling in mathematics and how it led to the development of a scientific theory of probability. He also will discuss the continued contribution of mathematicians in the twenty-first century, and the increasing role of computer-based mathematical techniques in casino games and horse racing. |
| Video |
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| Panelist |
Mr. William Benter,
Chairman, Acusis LLC |
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