The President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) Professor Peter Mathieson conferred an honorary degree on the world-renowned pianist Dr Lang Lang at the Faculty of Arts session of the 198th Congregation today (December 2, 2017).

Honorary Degrees are awarded to individuals in recognition of their distinguished service and commitment to the University, the community and academia. They are also conferred to those who have made valuable intellectual, social and cultural contributions to society and the world.

Dr Lang delivered an acceptance speech to the HKU Arts graduates of the Class of 2017. He told those attending how much he loved his job regardless of the sacrifices that he and his family have had to make and that he loved playing in support of various charities. He noted that after so many years of performing and travelling, he finally realised that the journey was not about himself after all, but about touching the lives of others and making a difference in the world.

Finally, Dr Lang encouraged the graduates to love their job. He said: “Don’t worry too much about the future. Listen to your heart. Understand what you are passionate about. Stick with it, work hard at it, and let yourself become an instrument to your dream.”

For the citation and photos of Dr Lang, please visit the 198th Congregation website at: 
https://www4.hku.hk/hongrads/index.php/citation_detail/337.

For Dr Lang’s acceptance speech, please visit:
https://www4.hku.hk/hongrads/index.php/graduate_speech_detail/337/96.

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