The year 2013 marked the 20th anniversary of the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (CBME). Celebrations took place over the whole year, kicking off with the staff New Year dinner, followed by the Joint Dean/Head of Department Symposium of Chinese Chemical Engineering Schools/Departments, featuring guest lectures from prominent chemical engineers including Sir C K Chow, Chairman of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing, and Prof Phillip R Westmoreland, President of American Institute of Chemical Engineers. A grand celebration party was held on October 5, attended by around 200 students, staff, alumni and guests from other units of HKUST, industry and academia.

 

A congratulatory message from President Prof Tony F Chan was read at the party by Acting Dean of Engineering Prof Roger Cheng, while Vice-President for Institutional Advancement Dr Eden Y Woon delivered a speech of felicitations. During the banquet, Head of Department Prof Guohua Chen revealed the secrets behind its success over the past 20 years: strong networks, leadership from the University and support from other units, commitment from faculty and staff, continuous grants from government and industry, excellent teaching, research and development output, outstanding performances of students and alumni, skillful facilitation and dedicated service from all former Heads of Department.

 

Faculty and staff serving the Department for more than 20 years were honored with long service awards, and three retired faculty members received excellent contribution awards. Presentations of appreciation for industrial support were made to Chiaphua Industries, Lee Hysan Foundation and Air Products (HK) for their generous donations and creating opportunities for student internships and research collaborations.