From Local to Global and Back; MY LIFE JOURNEY

Posted on 22/11/2014

From Local to Global and Back; MY LIFE JOURNEY

EVENT DETAILS

The Life of Yue-Man YEUNG 

A legend of east and west will interpret his life to our people. You are welcomed to listen the exciting story of Yue-Man YEUNG.

Professor Yeung Yue Man had his secondary schooling at Queen’s College, after which he entered The University of Hong Kong, where he obtained the Bachelor of Arts in 1962 and the Diploma of Education in 1963. In 1966 he received the Master of Arts degree from the University of Western Ontario in Canada, and the Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Chicago in 1972. He taught, studied international development and carried out research work in Canada, the United States and Singapore for nearly 20 years and, to date, has 50 books and monographs and over 150 learned articles to his credit. He is on the editorial boards of many international learned journals and his research encompasses Asian cities, housing policies, urban planning, globalisation, the modernisation of China, and infrastructural constructions in the Pan-Pearl River Delta Region. The emphasis of his research is naturally on China and the Asia-Pacific region.

In the 21st century, leaders in every profession and industry must be endowed with an international perspective. To the average person, however, an international perspective is often spoken of but seldom attained. Professor Yeung Yue Man is one of the rare species who command such a perspective. Professor Yeung’s international perspective can be seen in his research achievements and especially in his published works, of which the most notable are Globalisation and Networked Society, New Challenges for Development and Modernisation, and Pacific-Asia Cities under Globalisation. Now while every great physicist is conversant with the theory of matter, every great geographer is well versed with the theory of the earth, ge in Greek, from which geo- in the word geography is derived. Professor Yeung, who is conversant with both theory and the practice, has set foot on over 80 countries for reconnaissance survey and research, and it goes without saying that the excellence of his study in the theory of the earth (ge) is beyond any doubt.

Since he has completed his education Professor Yeung has devoted himself to the service of mankind, putting his profound professional knowledge at the disposal of causes that would bring benefits and progress to the peoples of the world. He has actively participated in development and research work on an international scale, occupying important consultancy positions in the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the United Nations University, the International Development Research Centre and the United Nations Development Programme. In 1997 he was appointed a Member of the International Scientific Advisory Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

In 1984 Professor Yeung Yue Man joined The Chinese University and assumed the positions of Professor of Geography and Chairman of the Geography Department. Since then he has taken up many important positions in the University, as Registrar, Head of Shaw College, Director of the Hong Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies, and Director of the Shanghai-Hong Kong Development Institute. He has also actively participated in the work of the University Council and many of its Committees, giving valuable input relating to the development of the University as a whole.

After his retirement on 31 July 2004, Professor Yeung continued to direct the two research institutes, and, on 20 April 2005, was conferred the title of Emeritus Professor of Geography. The Hong Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies has developed rapidly under the leadership of Professor Yeung in 1990. It has entered into co-operation with many local and overseas organisations, carrying out many important interdisciplinary research projects on society, politics and economics of Hong Kong and the Asia-Pacific Region. The publications resulting from such research projects have been very significant both in quantitative and qualitative terms. In 2001, The Chinese University and Fudan University jointly established the Shanghai-Hong Kong Development Institute for policy research on major national issues such as China’s entry into the World Trade Organisation, the development of the western region, as well as cultural and educational topics of national significance. The Institute has also made recommendations on policies and solutions related to the future development of Hong Kong and Shanghai. At all stages of such research undertakings, the contribution of Professor Yeung has been of pivotal importance.

Professor Yeung Yue Man has also made his distinguished services available to public and community causes in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. He was the Chairman of the Land and Building Advisory Committee, a Member of the Hong Kong Housing Authority, the Hong Kong Town Planning Board and the Consultative Committee in the New Airport and Related Projects. He is also the Chairman of the Pan-Pearl River Delta Panel of the Central Policy Unit. In these important capacities Professor Yeung actively participated in efforts in urban planning and development, and has offered valuable opinions to the Government, particularly in the areas of housing, planning and land policy. Currently he is a Research Consultant of the Central Policy Unit and a Member of the Commission on Strategic Development, where he continues to give wise counsel to the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

As an accomplished scholar, Professor Yeung Yue Man has all along been applying his great learning to practical uses and taking part in the start-up planning work for public services at various levels; his civic-mindedness is, indeed, well worth our admiration and respect.

Over the years the services rendered by Professor Yeung have been well recognised by the community. In 1995 he was made a Justice of the Peace, in 1996 he was made an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, and in 2003 he was presented with the Silver Bauhinia Star of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. In addition, Professor Yeung was awarded the title of Academician of the International Eurasian Academy of Sciences in 1998.

Apart from extensive studies and giving lectures in many cities, he has traveled through over 80 countries, and the depth and breadth of his learning and experience has far exceeded what the ancients would imply by “undertaking the journey of ten thousand miles”.

Presented By: Pearl Institute (Formerly knowns as Anatolia Cultural & Dialogue Centre)

Venue: 909 CCWU Building, 302-308 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong SAR

Date: 22nd November 2014, Saturday

Time: 18.30 – 20.30

* There will be refreshment service after the talk

* This is a free event

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