Leading Number Theorist Professor Zhang Yitang Appointed as Henry Fok Foundation Chair Professor of Mathematics at the Sun Yat-sen University

Last updated：2026-01-17

On the afternoon of January 8, 2026, the appointment ceremony for Dr. Zhang Yitang as Henry Fok Foundation Chair Professor of Mathematics at the Sun Yat-sen University was held at Sun Yat-sen University Institute of Advanced Studies Hong Kong (SYSUIASHK)in Hong Kong Science Park. The ceremony was presided over by Professor Xu Anlong, Dean of SYSUIASHK. Academician of CAS, Gao Song, President of Sun Yat-sen University, Vice President Zheng Yue, Mr. Ian Fok Chun-wan, Director of theHenry Fok Foundation, and Mr. Ho Kai-ming, JP, Under Secretaryfor Labour and Welfare of the HKSAR, along with other distinguished guests, attended the ceremony.

At the ceremony, President Gao Song presented Professor Zhang Yitang with the official appointment certificate as Henry Fok Foundation Chair Professor of Mathematics at the Sun Yat-sen University. Mr. Fok Chun-wan awarded him a commemorative medal. Mr. Ho Kai-ming, on behalf of the HKSAR Government, presented Professor Zhang with a commemorative certificate recognizing him as a“Hong Kong Quality Migrant”.President Gao Song also conferred upon Mr. Fok Chun-wanthe letter of appointment as a Member of the Development Advisory Committee of SYSUIASHK. Vice President Zheng Yue presented a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the University, expressing gratitude for the Henry Fok Foundatio’slong-standing support of Sun Yat-sen University.

President Gao Song and Mr. Fok Chun-wan Presenting the Appointment Certificate and Commemorative Medal to Professor Zhang Yitang

President Gao Song Presenting the Letter of Appointment as Member of the Development Advisory Committee of SYSUIASHK to Mr. Fok Chun-wan

Vice President Zheng Yue Presenting a Certificate of Appreciation to Mr. Fok Chun-wan

Under Secretary Ho Kai-ming Presenting the“Hong Kong Quality Migrant”Commemorative Certificate to Professor Zhang Yitang

In his remarks, President Gao Song noted that the Foundation has consistently upheld its patriotic commitment to education, supported public welfare initiatives, and provided long-term support for the development of the nation’s education, science and technology, and talent cultivation.He stated that Professor Zhang Yitang’s appointment as Henry Fok Foundation Chair Professor of Mathematics reflects the Fok family’s deep commitment to higher education and its forward-looking vision in cultivating innovative talent. He expressed sincere appreciation for the Foundation’s enduring support for the University’s development and extended heartfelt thanks to the Labour and Welfare Bureau of the HKSAR Government and other relevant government departments for their valuable assistance.

The steady development of Sun Yat-sen University Institute of Advanced Studies Hong Kong relies on Hong Kong’s unique geographical advantages, policy strengths, and resource endowments, as well as the continued support of the HKSAR Government and various sectors of society. Together, these factors provide solid support for the Institute’s efforts to attract and nurture strategic scientists and to build a high-level academic hub.