Source: SYSU News Center
Written by: SYSU News Center
Edited by: Wang Dongmei

On the afternoon of January 6, the Appointment Ceremony of Academician Lee Chack Fan as Honorary Professor of Sun Yat-sen University was held in Swasey Hall on South Campus. Professor Lee Chack Fan, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering and Fellow of the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering Science, President Xu Ningsheng, Deputy Secretary Li Ping, Vice President Wei Minghai, and Assistant President Ma Jun attended the ceremony. Dean of School of Engineering Jiang Qing, Secretary of School of Engineering Liang Dong, representatives of the President’s Office, Human Resources Department, University Dean’s Office, Office of Scientific Research and Development, Graduate School, Education Development & Alumni Affairs Office, School of Engineering, as well as faculty and students from Department of Earth Science, School of Marine Sciences, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, School of Geography and Planning, School of Engineering, a total of about 300 people attended the ceremony. The appointment ceremony was presided over by Vice President Wei Minghai.

President Xu Ningsheng expressed admiration for Academician Lee Chack Fan’s dedication to the construction of the motherland. President Xu Ningsheng pointed out that Academician Lee Chack Fan is the first honorary professor appointed by SYSU in recent years, and his joining will promote the academic exchange and development of engineering discipline at SYSU. President Xu Ningsheng presented the certificate to Academician Lee Chack Fan.

Vice President Wei Minghai expressed warm welcome to Academician Lee Chack Fan on behalf of SYSU, and introduced the remarkable achievements of Academician Lee Chack Fan in scientific research and social activities, especially his major contributions to the engineering practice and theoretical research.

Academician Lee Chack Fan talked about the close relations between his father’s generation and SYSU, and expressed that he was honored to receive the appointment. China is at a crucial period of industrial transformation. Situated in Guangdong and the Pearl River Delta, the frontline of reform and development, SYSU shoulders the historical task of cultivating R&D talents and developing new products. He looked forward to joining the faculty of SYSU and working together to contribute to Guangdong’s development.

After the appointment ceremony, Academician Lee Chack Fan delivered a lecture on “Water Resources Management in China”. He discussed four major issues: shortage of water supply, serious erosion along river valleys, frequent floods, and deteriorating water quality due to pollution. He also put forward four solutions: build a conserving society (and life style), massive re-vegetation, provide outlets for flood water in addition to dams, and stringent control of water pollution. Deputy Secretary Li Ping thanked Academician Lee Chack Fan for his wonderful lecture, highly praised his contribution to the "Green Long March", and encouraged faculty and students to start from ourselves, protect ecological environment and create a better living environment for our present and our future.

Academician Lee Chack Fan was born in 1945. He received his PhD from the University of Western Ontario in 1972. He was elected a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering and a Fellow of the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering Science in 2001, and an Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering in 2003. He has served as technical advisor to the World Bank, the UNDP, the ADB, the IAEA and the Canadian International Development Agency over the years. He has also participated in the feasibility and design reviews of numerous water resources management, hydropower, nuclear power, bridge and other major infrastructure projects in China.