Highlights of the year
HKBU hosts inaugural FoodMed Conference
Themed “Integrating Food and Chinese Medicine: Exploring Science, Technology, and Holistic Approaches for Health”, the inaugural FoodMed Conference organised by HKBU on 28 and 29 May 2024 brought together 300 researchers, practitioners, industry innovators, investors, experts, and regulatory officials from the fields of food and Chinese medicine. Speakers from the local community, the Mainland and overseas covered pertinent topics related to the concept of “food as medicine”, including regulatory frameworks; safety and quality; scientific and integrative approaches; innovation, scientific validation, and evidence-based practices; translational Chinese medicine and food homology; challenges and opportunities in the industry and investment; as well as future developments.
Hong Kong Baptist University Symphony Orchestra Annual Gala Concert: A musical evening of “East West Encounters”
Themed “East West Encounters”, the Hong Kong Baptist University Symphony delivered two stunning musical performances that incorporated artificial intelligence (AI)-generated virtual dancers performing alongside the live orchestra for the first time. The two-day Annual Gala Concert delighted the audience with a unique and immersive experience, where elements of Chinese folk music blended with symphonic arrangements. The evening also saw renowned violinist Ms Yao Jue performing the classic violin concerto Butterfly Lovers, showcasing cross-cultural musical collaboration at its finest.
A showcase of cutting-edge innovations at InnoCarnival
HKBU demonstrated its prowess in harnessing advanced technologies and AI in the fields of humanities, creative arts, and environmental science, and shared its outstanding accomplishments in innovative transdisciplinary research as well as teaching and learning at the InnoCarnival 2023, held from 28 October to 5 November 2023 at the Hong Kong Science Park. Organised by the Innovation and Technology Commission of the HKSAR Government, the Carnival helped promote an innovation and technology culture in the community.
HKBU launches inaugural Asia-wide Art Futures Awards
The Academy of Visual Arts (AVA) under the School of Creative Arts (SCA) launched the inaugural “Art Futures Awards”, an international art award which is the first of its kind in Asia, to promote achievements of outstanding emerging artists and celebrate the exceptional works of recent graduates in visual and contemporary arts. The award presentation ceremony was held on 20 December 2023 to recognise the works of eight emerging young artists across Asia.
The judging panel included Dr Zoe Butt, Vietnam-based curator and writer from Australia; Mr Yoshitomo Nara, internationally acclaimed Japanese artist; Ms Tina Pang, Curator at M+ Museum; Dr Michael Whittle, Japan-based artist and scholar; Professor Kurt Chan, Museum Expert Adviser of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, artist and educator; and Mr Hou Hanru, former Artistic Director of MAXXI, National Museum of the 21st Century Arts in Rome.
Art tech projects in the spotlight at FILMART
HKBU showcased a variety of AI and art technologies (art tech) projects at the Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART) from 11 to 14 March 2024. During the exhibition, HKBU also hosted the highlight event “15 Years of Cinematic Legacy: HKBU Academy of Film” in celebration of the 15th anniversary of the establishment of its Academy of Film (AF). Industry representatives were invited to explore the profound impact of art tech on the future development of cinematic art, and how related technologies could be translated to create a new outlook on the landscape of film and TV production.
HKBU unveils thousand-year-old Buddhist sutra collections from Yunju Temple
Committed to promoting Chinese culture and its rich heritage, HKBU, the Good Fortune and Wisdom International Charity Fund and the Chinese Western Culture Arts Association co-organised “The Miracle of Chinese Culture: Historical and Cultural Exhibition of Yunju Temple in Fangshan, Beijing” from 2 to 14 April 2024. On display at HKBU, the precious treasures from Yunju Temple, the world’s largest museum of Buddhist sutras, were showcased in Hong Kong for the first time.
HKBU confers Honorary Doctoral Degrees
At the Commencement and Honorary Doctoral Degree Conferment Ceremony held on 20 November 2023, HKBU conferred honorary doctoral degrees to three distinguished individuals. Dr Ann Hui On-wah, a renowned filmmaker, received the degree of Doctor of Letters, honoris causa; Professor Rao Yi, a leading scientist, received the degree of Doctor of Science, honoris causa; and Dr Alice N Y Woo, a dedicated and inspirational philanthropist, received the degree of Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa.
HKBU confers Honorary University Fellowships
At the 18th Honorary University Fellowship Conferment Ceremony held on 21 September 2023, HKBU conferred Honorary University Fellowships on seven distinguished persons, namely Dr Sunny Chai Ngai-chiu, the Hon Kenneth Fok Kai-kong, Ms Leonie Ki Man-fung, Mr Arthur Lee Kin, Mr Mongkolchai Mavichien, Professor Alexander B Murphy and Mr Sunny Wong Hak-kun, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to society and staunch support of the University.
