Office of Public Affairs
TECHNOLOGY
Tel: (852) 388 6316 Fax: (852) 358 0837
For Immediate Release 31 May 1994
Former White House Science Adviser
Joins the Hong Konp Universitv of Science and Technolopv
Professor Eugene Wong, a science adviser during the Bush administration and renowned researcher in the field of computer software, joins the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology to lead its research efforts.
As associate director at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy from 1990 to 1993, Professor Wong spearheaded the US Government’s support for high speed computation research that is the basis for the information superhighway now under development.
“The information superhighway would not exist today were it not for the US Government’s investment in high performance computing and communications,” Professor Wong says.
On May 16, he assumed his new post as the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Development at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, which opened in 199 1.
“The number one goal is to create a world-class research university to serve not only Hong Kong, but the region,” he says.
He adds, “I am attracted to the opportunity to put to test ideas I’ve had about how best to link the academic world of research and development to the world of commerce and industry, and more generally to service in societal needs.”
Professor Wong was co-inventor of INGRES software, the first commercially viable computer database. In 1980, Professor Wong co-founded the INGRES Corporation with the aim of commercialising his discovery. By 1990, when he sold the venture, INGRES employed 1,400 people and had annual earnings of US$170 million.
- . _ - Professor Wong was chairman of the electrical engineering and computer sciences department at
the University of California at Berkeley from 1985 to 1989. He joined the faculty in 1962.
PRESS INVITATION Date: Time: Venue: Event: 2 June 1994 (Thursday) 3:00 p.m.
Conference Room,’ Public Affairs Office, HKUST (l/F, Lifts 13 -15) To introduce Professor Eugene Wong, the newly appointed Pro-Vice- Chancellor (Research & Development)
Press are welcome!
Direct enquiries to the Office of Public Affairs at Tel: 358 6320 or pager 1163388 call 2652.
