With a generous HK$20 million donation from Dr Mok Hing-Yiu, the first permanent endowment to support the appointments of visiting scholars has now been established.

Over the past few years, The University of Hong Kong has invited world-class academics, such as Nobel Laureates, Fellows of the Royal Society or Members of the US Academy of Science, to spend time at HKU.

The Mok Hing-Yiu Distinguished Visiting Professorship aim to attract top academics to spend time here to enhance the university's visibility in the international community and to establish links with institutions leading in specific disciplines.

The scheme also aims to provide opportunities for our teachers to interact with world-class scholars and to provide the impetus to promote the development of targeted academic areas.

To show its full support and to enhance the initiative, the HK$20 million will be matched by the university to form an Endowment Fund of HK$40 million.

The annual investment return will be used to support at least one Distinguished Visiting Professor of the highest calibre each year, who must be at the forefront of their particular field of expertise.

The Vice-Chancellor shall determine annually the appointment of the Mok Hing-Yiu Distinguished Visiting Professor, on the recommendation of the Dean of Faculty/Chairman of Committee of Management concerned, and on the advice of the University Selection and Promotion Committee.