(From left) Professor Aumann, Academician Chen Songxi, Professor Nienhauser, Ms. Pan Jiangxue, Dr. Sun Shaowen
(Image Credit: Event Organizer)
On June 8, 2025, BNU-HKBU United International College (UIC) held its 17th Graduation Ceremony and Honorary Fellowship Conferment, awarding five distinguished individuals with Honorary Fellowships. The honorees include:
Professor Chen Songxi, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chair Professor of the Department of Statistics and Data Science at Tsinghua University, and President of the Probability and Statistics Society of the Chinese Mathematical Society;
Professor Robert John Aumann, Nobel Laureate in Economics and Member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences;
Professor William H. Nienhauser, Jr., renowned American Sinologist and Emeritus Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison;
Ms. Pan Jiangxue, National Outstanding Individual in Poverty Alleviation and Founder of the Shanghai True Dream Public Welfare Foundation;
Dr. Sun Shaowen, Founder of SML Group Hong Kong and Founding President of the Friends of Jao Tsung-I Academy.
The ceremony was presided over by Dr. Wang Shoujun, Chairman of the UIC Council and Executive Vice President of Beijing Normal University. Attendees included Dr. Wong Ying-ho, Chairman of the Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) Council and Senate, and Professor Alexander Wai, President of HKBU.
Image: Academician Chen Songxi (Credit: Event Organizer)
Following the ceremony, the Honorary Fellows attended a media session, engaging with outlets including China News Service, Economic Daily, Southern Daily, Southern Finance, Southern Metropolis Daily, Guangdong Television, Zhuhai Media Group, and Macao Wa Kio.
Academician Chen on Statistics Talent Development (Credit: Event Organizer)
Academician Chen emphasized the surging demand for data analysis across industries and the current shortage of talent. He proposed that universities draw lessons from the MBA model to encourage professionals to enhance data analysis skills through academic training, subsequently applying this knowledge in their fields.
"Integrating AI with statistics will reduce computational burdens, enhance the interpretability and reproducibility of AI algorithms, and promote greener AI applications."
At the congratulatory banquet, UIC President Chen Zhi and Vice President Zhou Yinqiang presented the Honorary Fellowship certificates alongside Dr. Huang Weiguo, Senior Advisor to the HKBU President.
President Chen Zhi conferring the certificate to Academician Chen (Credit: Event Organizer)
Background of UIC’s Honorary Fellowship，Established in 2012 following HKBU’s tradition, the UIC Honorary Fellowship recognizes individuals who have achieved excellence in their fields while contributing to society. The award aims to inspire students by honoring role models who exemplify the pursuit of meaningful lives. To date, over 40 outstanding figures have received this accolade.
