NEWS AND HIGHLIGHTS

Professor Ngaiming Mok Steers HLMA Forward

It is with great respect and honor that we announce Professor Ngaiming Mok as the new Chair of the Steering Committee of Hang Lung Mathematics Awards (HLMA). He succeeds the late Professor George Smoot, distinguished 2006 Nobel Laureate in Physics, who led the committee with unwavering dedication until his passing in September 2025.

Professor Mok's association with HLMA dates back to its inception in 2004. His longstanding involvement has been pivotal in guiding HLMA’s development and fostering excellence in mathematical research among secondary school students in Hong Kong.

A world-renowned mathematician, Professor Mok specializes in several complex variables, complex differential geometry, algebraic geometry, and functional transcendence theory. He holds the Edmund and Peggy Tse Professorship in Mathematics and serves as Chair of Mathematics in the Department of Mathematics of The University of Hong Kong. His groundbreaking research includes the development of the theory of Varieties of Minimal Rational Tangents (VMRT) in algebraic geometry to solve several long-standing problems and the proof of the Ax-Schanuel conjecture on Shimura varieties.

Professor Mok has received numerous prestigious awards such as the Sloan Fellowship, the Stefan Bergman Prize, the Chern Prize, the State Natural Science Award of China, and the Future Science Prize in Mathematics and Computer Science. He was elected a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Hong Kong Academy of Sciences, and has served on editorial boards and international committees, including the Fields Medal committee. His academic excellence and leadership have significantly advanced modern pure mathematics.

Beyond his celebrated achievements in mathematics, Professor Mok is a skilled polyglot fluent in Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Russian, and Japanese. He also has a profound passion for Chinese poetry. His diverse talents demonstrate the interdisciplinary spirit that HLMA aspires to cultivate in nurturing young talents.

We look forward to Professor Mok's leadership as HLMA continues its mission to inspire creativity and excellence in mathematical sciences.