Duxue Lecture Series: Mr. Chun-ying LEUNG | The Language of Science and the Art of Language
On November 9th, the 6th session of the "Duxue Lecture Series" commenced at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou). Mr. Chun-ying LEUNG, the Vice Chairman of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, former Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and Chairman of Minxin Hong Kong School (Guangzhou Nansha), graced the event as the keynote speaker. With the theme of "The Language of Science and the Art of Language," Mr. LEUNG delivered a captivating lecture that left a lasting impression.
Prof. Shaobing QU, the Secretary of the Party Committee of HKUST(GZ), Prof. Jingshen WU, Vice-President (Teaching & Learning), Dr. Bin LI, Special Assistant to the President and Director of the Office of the President, Prof. Hui XIONG, Associate Vice-President (Knowledge Transfer), Prof. Yang YANG, Associate Vice-President (Teaching & Learning), Mr. Pinglun LIU, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission, and Dr. Halina POON, Head of Minxin Hong Kong School (Guangzhou Nansha), attended the lecture. The lecture was hosted by Prof. Kaishun WU, Associate Vice-President (Research) and Director of the Center for Ethics Education and Contemporary China Studies. Mr. Shourong WU, Vice Secretary-General of the Provincial CPPCC, and Mr. Sihui DENG, Vice Chairman of the District CPPCC, were also in attendance.
The lecture garnered a live audience of nearly 600 HKUST(GZ) students and faculty members, along with around 50 students from Minxin School. Furthermore, over 3,000 students and faculty members from both institutions watched the lecture through an online live stream.
At the beginning of his lecture, Mr. Chun-ying LEUNG shared a personal anecdote about an annual dinner he attends in Hong Kong, organised for elderly singles. Through this example, he emphasised the crucial importance of understanding one's audience before delivering a speech. In our highly organised communities today, where individuals play specialised roles, collaboration between scientists, technologists, engineers, and professionals from various fields is instrumental in creating remarkable advancements for humanity.
He commended the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) for its outstanding interdisciplinary research approach, underscoring the necessity of effective communication between scientists and non-scientists, especially in the intricate web of interdisciplinary work in our complex world. Mr. LEUNG stressed the profound significance of language in human life, highlighting that without language as a means of communication, the flourishing human civilisation we experience today would not have been possible.
Mr. LEUNG highlighted that language communication is not unique to humans; ants, bees, whales, dolphins, and various other species also engage in it. However, humans dedicate significant time to speaking and listening due to the acquired knowledge and skills, distinguishing them from innate abilities. Despite serving the purpose of communication, language has inherent limitations. Individuals who manage to surpass these limitations demonstrate exceptional capabilities, underscoring the pivotal role language plays in human communication.
Mr. Chun-ying LEUNG further delved into the discussion by explaining the diverse scientific languages prevalent in different fields. He pointed out that each industry possesses its unique jargon, often posing a challenge for outsiders to grasp, thereby creating communication barriers between scientists and non-scientists.
Despite their exceptional professional abilities, many scientists and experts may struggle as speakers. He emphasised that language proficiency is a product of continuous training, learning, and practical experience. The lack of necessary language skills can lead to inaccurate expression, hindering the precise conveyance of essential information.
Drawing parallels between traditional elements like Maotai liquor and Chinese tea, Mr. LEUNG underscored the urgent need for our country to develop a contemporary business language system, tailored to the demands of the modern era. Such a system, he argued, would serve as the driving force propelling us toward the pinnacle of high-quality development.
Throughout his lecture, Mr. LEUNG shared engaging examples to illustrate the artistry of language, seamlessly transitioning to practical language usage techniques. His encouragement for young students to invest in language proficiency, particularly in mastering English, was underscored. He reiterated the advantages of such mastery while advising continuous practice to maintain these skills.
He motivated students to embrace a culture of perpetual learning, stressing the importance of reading, observing, speaking, and consulting dictionaries. In the realm of writing, he stressed the need for clarity in perception and discernment in articulation. Mr. LEUNG’s insightful and motivating words resonated deeply, earning resounding applause from both faculty and students alike. Following the lecture, the students actively asked questions.
Q: Mr. LEUNG, I have a question. Do you think it is suitable to use enigmatic and insincere language in daily life?
A: In the realm of art, the utilization of language largely depends on the occasion and your intentions. It also relies on the purpose for which you are using it.
Q: Can you give us some advice on how to enter a new field?
A: You need to absorb as much as possible while maintaining a critical mindset. When encountering anything new, it's essential to approach it with curiosity, ask questions, read books, and go through materials. I believe this is a great way to approach it.
Q: How did the scientific and engineering education you received in college contribute to your later success in life?
A: I believe that to a certain extent, university education is not just a means of cultivating individuals but also an enriching process of life. We need to acknowledge the limitations of language as a communication tool and strive to compensate for these limitations in our work and personal lives. By doing so, we can enhance our communication skills, comprehension abilities, and overall competitiveness.
During the final segment of the lecture, Prof. Shaobing QU, the Secretary of the Party Committee of HKUST(GZ) expressed that Mr. LEUNG's speech embodied the spirit of truth, goodness, and beauty. Exploring the language of science represents the pursuit of truth, delving into the art of language symbolises the pursuit of beauty, and integrating scientific language into daily life represents the pursuit of goodness.
Prof. Shaobing QU presented Mr. Chun-ying LEUNG with a specially prepared gift —a 3D-printed photo frame showcasing the stunning day and night views of HKUST(GZ) and Minxin School. He emphasized that the gift also embodied the principles of truth, beauty, and goodness. The gift was meticulously handcrafted by the students, representing truth. The combination of 3D printing, showcasing the daytime and nighttime scenery of the campuses, represented beauty. The students aimed to use their creativity to transform our world and pay tribute to Mr. LEUNG, symbolizing goodness. Additionally, Prof. Shaobing QU also presented a recently published book on the language and lifestyle in the Greater Bay Area, which was jointly developed by his team and collaborating universities with HKUST(GZ).
Amidst enthusiastic applause from the entire audience, the lecture concluded successfully. Following the conclusion of the lecture, the leadership of HKUST(GZ) and the students of Minxin Hong Kong School (Guangzhou Nansha) came together for a group photo to commemorate the occasion.
