On March 21, the inaugural ceremony of the International Alliance of Academicians (IAA) and the first International Academicians Hong Kong Forum (the Forum) was held in Hong Kong. The Forum was organized by IAA which is initiated by the international academicians and scientific leaders of Hong Kong, and co-organized by the Hong Kong Association of Overseas Scholars (HKAORS) which serves as IAA's Secretariat. Over 50 academicians from more than 20 countries and regions, along with 250 participants, shared their insights and the latest developments on the themes “AI for Health” and “Future City”. The event has Mr. John Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, Prof. Dong Sun, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, the Government of HKSAR, and Prof. Weiming Wang, Director-General of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR serve as officiating guests.

Inauguration Ceremony of the International Academy Alliance

As a key center for higher education and scientific research, Hong Kong boasts around 100 international academicians elected to eminent international academies in science, engineering, medicine, as well as the humanities and arts. Leaders from Hong Kong’s scientific community, alongside these distinguished academicians, have advocated for the establishment of the IAA to further elevate the city’s global academic stature and contributions.

IAA’s founding chairmanship consists of the Chair, Prof. Nancy Ip, President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and three Co-chairs, Prof. PierreLouis Lions, Fields Medalist; Prof. George F. Smoot, Nobel Laureate in Physics; and Prof. Xiang Zhang, President of the University of Hong Kong. Nearly 30 founding members comprise the Executive Committee supporting this forward-looking initiative.

Speech by Mr. John Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR

Mr. John Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR congratulated the establishment of IAA and noted that IAA is a Hong Kong-based international organisation with the essential mission of enhancing global co-operation among scientists and academics, working toward the sustainable development of innovation and technology, and aligning with Hong Kong's vision of becoming an international I&T (innovation and technology) centre, as well as a global hub for high-end talent. The Government is committed to cultivating a dynamic environment, one that champions innovation and technology, in every sector and industry, every institution and corner of our community. In addition the Government will soon launch a Frontier Technology Research Support Scheme, worth 3 billion Hong Kong dollars, or nearly 400 million US dollars. It will help fund ground-breaking basic research driven by world-class researchers and academics.

Speech by Prof. Nancy IP, Chair of IAA and President of HKUST

HKUST President Prof. Nancy IP who chairs the Alliance expressed her gratitude for the support from the HKSAR Government, IAA's Co-chairs and Executive Committee, and the presidents of various local universities. Their support has been instrumental in enabling IAA to successfully invite globally renowned scholars to join this occasion in Hong Kong.

After the session of plenary lecture and Round-table Discussion, the Forum featured two sub forums in the afternoon focusing on "AI for Health" and "Future City," each including panel discussions. 

Round-table Discussion: “Innovating Together: Global Collaboration for a Sustainable Future”

The International Academicians Alliance is set to harness the collective expertise of its esteemed global members in its following endeavors, actively organizing high-calibre forums, academic seminars, and talent exchange programs. With a vision to convene top scientists from around the world, IAA seeks to establish collaborative research platforms tackling critical challenges in areas such as artificial intelligence, biomedicine, energy, environmental sustainability, and smart cities. By facilitating the translation of cutting-edge technologies into impactful solutions, IAA aims to position Hong Kong as a globally influential, open innovation hub.

Photo: IAA

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