Academic Presidents to Discuss Knowledge Gap and Wealth Polarization

Abstract

[evdate 2001-10-05] Press Release cum Press Invitation 3 October 2001

ACADEMIC PRESIDENTS TO DISCUSS KNOWLEDGE GAP AND WEALTH POLARIZATION

The presidents of 15 leading universities in East Asia and Western Europe will discuss the pressing problems of knowledge gap and wealth polarization at a symposium held at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) on 5 October 2001.

The Symposium of Academic Presidents - "Knowledge Gap and Wealth Polarization in the New Economy" is one of the major events to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of HKUST. Dr Alice Lam, Chairman of the University Grants Committee, will be delivering opening remarks as Guest-of-Honor at the Symposium.

Each of the three sessions of the Symposium will focus on a particular region, namely East Asia, Western Europe and China.

"Whichever the setting, we find knowledge workers gaining in wealth and power, while ordinary people perceive threats to their livelihood, disenfranchisement in the control of their daily life, and marginalization in their value to exist," says Prof Chia-Wei Woo, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Symposium and President Emeritus of HKUST.

Prof Paul Ching-Wu Chu, President of HKUST, says: "Science and technology research universities have a pivotal role to play in reducing the wide knowledge gap between the east and west, and between the haves and the have-nots. I hope that this Symposium, attended by presidents of top universities in their respective regions, will raise general awareness of the problems and help find effective solutions."

Members of the media are welcome to attend the Symposium. Details are as follows:

"Knowledge Gap and Wealth Polarization in the New Economy" Symposium

Date: Friday, 5 October 2001 Time: 9am-4 pm (A detailed program is attached.) Venue: Lee Wing Tat Lecture Theater, HKUST, Clear Water Bay

For media enquiries only: Adrian Cheung Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Tel: (852) 2358-6305 email: acheung@ust.hk Online press release at: http www.ust.hk/~webopa/news/2001_News/news1003b.html