Igniting Innovation, Leading Change: CityUHK SEE Class of 2026 Steps into a Green Era

On June 11, 2026, the School of Energy and Environment (SEE) at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) celebrated its annual Commencement ceremony at the Jockey Club One Health Tower (JCT) Auditorium. The milestone event marked the graduation of a new cohort of environmental specialists and engineers, highlighting institutional readiness to address global ecological and climate challenges.

Presided over by the Dean of SEE, Prof. Benjamin Horton, the ceremony honored the dedication and academic achievements of the graduating class as they prepare to drive global sustainable transformation. Upon officially declaring the ceremony open, Prof. Horton delivered an inspiring address that underscored the critical role these future professionals will play in championing climate resilience worldwide.

The presentation of graduates on stage recognized achievements across all levels of study, with Associate Dean (Research and Graduate Studies) Prof. Patrick Lee presenting the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) graduates, MSc Programme Leader Prof. Wu Wei presenting the Master of Science (MSc) graduates, and Associate Dean (Undergraduate Studies) Prof. Shauhrat Chopra presenting the undergraduate cohorts in Energy Science and Engineering (ESE) and Environmental Science and Engineering (EVE).

A key highlight of the commencement was the presentation of annual academic accolades to recognize exceptional student research and faculty contributions. Prof. Benjamin Horton first presented the prestigious Thetos Young Scholar Award 2025/26 to Prof. Jian Wang, Assistant Professor at SEE. Established through a strategic partnership between CityUHK and the Thetos Foundation Hong Kong Limited, the award scheme provides critical financial support via the Thetos Foundation Endowment Fund to outstanding early-stage scholars. Conferred to only two recipients each year, this highly competitive accolade recognizes early-career academics who demonstrate exceptional research excellence, a steadfast commitment to a professional academic career, and a dedicated drive to empower positive changes for a better society.

Honoring Breakthrough Research: Outstanding Final Year Project Awards

Following this, introduced by Prof. Shauhrat Chopra, the spotlight turned to the brilliant minds of the undergraduate cohort with the presentation of the Outstanding Final Year Project Award 2025/26:

• Winner: Mr CHEUNG Chit Hei
  • Project Title: "The Effect of Electrochemical Hydrogenation on Dark Fermentative Biogas Production"
  • Supervisor: Prof. Jason Lam
• 1st Runner-up: Miss CHUNG Cheuk Yan
  • Project Title: "Optimisation of Sustainable Sophorolipids Production Conditions by Response Surface Methodology"
  • Supervisor: Prof. Carol Lin
• 2nd Runner-up: Mr CHAN Wai Nok, Nic
  • Project Title: "Computational Study of Capacity and Reversibility in Vanadium-Based Disordered Rocksalt Structures as Cathode Materials for Lithium-ion Batteries"
  • Supervisor: Prof. Patrick Sit

Stepping into a Sustainable Future

Towards the end of the ceremony, graduate representative Miss Xinran Wu Carol delivered a heartfelt address on behalf of the Class of 2026, reflecting on their collective journey and expressing deep gratitude to the faculty and families who supported them.

Following the official declaration of the ceremony's conclusion, the Class of 2026 departs CityUHK fully prepared to champion climate resilience. Equipped with cutting-edge training and an innovative spirit nurtured at SEE, these graduates are poised to shape a sustainable future worldwide.