Home > UGC Publications > Speeches and Articles > 2001 > Keynote Address by Dr Alice Lam JP, Chairman, UGC at the Inaugural Ceremony of the Institute of Nano Science and Technology at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (15.5.2001)

The Inaugural Ceremony of the Institute of Nano Science and Technology at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

at 9:15 am on 15 May 2001 (Tuesday)

Keynote Address by Dr Alice Lam
Chairman, University Grants Committee

[Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen]

First of all, I would like to thank Professor Sheng for inviting me to this inaugural ceremony of the Institute of Nano Science and Technology.

While I understand, literally, that "nano" means one-billionth of something, my knowledge of nano-science and technology as a subject is indeed limited. Nevertheless, there is no doubt in my mind that nano-science is at the frontier of materials research and its development and application are being actively pursued world wide. Successful exploitation of this science will open new horizons and bring new opportunities for us to improve our lives and the environment, beyond present-day predictions and imaginations even.

In a way, being engaged in research in nano-science is like taking part in a world-wide race. In Hong Kong, our universities have already embarked on this area of research a few years ago and for sure the HKUST is one of the forerunners. One evidence of this is that last year, HKUST research team produced the world smallest single-walled carbon nanotubes.

The establishment of the Institute of Nano Science and Technology at HKUST today marks Hong Kong commitment to the furtherance of research in the area. I am sure that the Institute can provide a framework for creating more inter-disciplinary opportunities for world-class fundamental research and its existence will consolidate existing strength and help to facilitate the transformation of research results to downstream applications.

The Chief Executive has set the vision of developing Hong Kong into a high-tech and knowledge-based economy. To achieve this goal, we must maintain our competitive edge to be the first, or among the first, to discover or to innovate. As always, the University Grants Committee (UGC) and the Research Grants Council (RGC) under its aegis are very supportive of new initiatives and I am particularly pleased that the RGC research funding has laid the foundation for the Institute and helped to bring about its birth. As a matter of fact, the RGC has supported, in the past three years, more than 30 nano-science research projects at HKUST for over $14 million.

Finally, I would like to congratulate the University once again for the establishment of the Institute. Much thought and effort have been put into this project and I thank all those concerned for this splendid and significant addition to the research skyline of Hong Kong.

Thank you.