The gala dinner hosted at Conrad Hong Kong was officiated by Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Mrs Carrie Lam, GBM, GBS. Guests celebrated academic achievements of frontrunners in computing science and mathematics and pinpointed Hong Kong’s unique advantage in attracting talent from all over the world. Renowned Laureate Photographer – Mr. Peter Badge and Chairman of Innovative Business Foundation – Mr. Michael Ong talked about their collaboration experience, and Mr. Michael Ong said “Innovative Business Foundation is proud to be the organizer of this gala dinner and scientific program, IBF aims to facilitate science and culture exchange and connecting Hong Kong to the world.” Mr. Peter Badge expressed “It was a memorable and treasured experience to take portraits of the distinguished laureates!”
Chief Executive of HKSAR Mrs Carrie Lam mentioned in her opening speech that Hong Kong has implemented many initiatives to attract and nurture talent, and look forward to mutually rewarding relationship between Hong Kong and the Heidelberg Laureate Forum. Managing Director of Heidelberg Laureate Forum Foundation – Ms. Ruth Wetzlar said “It is wonderful that tonight’s gala dinner has brought the laureates to Hong Kong, and I can’t wait meeting local students at the scientific program.” Five renowned laureates also shared their views on science development on stage.

Distinguished VIP guests include:
– Renowned Laureate Photographer, Mr. Peter Badge,
– Managing Director of Heidelberg Laureate Forum Foundation – Ms. Ruth Wetzlar,
– CEO of Association for Computing Machinery – Prof. Dr. Vicki L. Hanson,
– General Secretary of International Mathematical Union – Prof. Dr. Helge Holden,
– Recipient of ACM Prize in Computing 2016 – Prof. Dr. Alexei A. Efros,
– Recipient of ACM A.M. Turing Award 2015 – Prof. Dr. Martin Edward Hellman,
– Recipient of ACM A.M. Turing Award 1986, Prof. Dr. John Edward Hopcroft,
– Recipient of ACM A.M. Turing Award 2007, Prof. Dr. Joseph Sifakis,
– Recipient of Fields Medal 1994, Prof. Dr. Efim Isaakovich Zelmanov,
– Director Emeritus of the National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, Mr. Marc Pachter,
and more.