Recently, China Newsweek released its 2025 Cover Figures, covering multiple fields such as law, technology, economy, culture, education, sports, and entertainment. Yau Shing-Tung, Fields Medal winner, chair professor at Tsinghua University, and chairman of the Shanghai Institute of Mathematics and Interdisciplinary Studies, was awarded the title of "Influential Educator". Since 2009, China Newsweek has been highlighting landmark figures who have promoted social progress in various fields with a substantial "Cover Figure" at the end of each year, paying tribute to those who have driven the times forward.
Shing-Tung Yau (right) interacts with host Ouyang Xiadan to deliver the award speech
"He is a top mathematician across disciplines, leading us to appreciate the magnificent scenery of the high-dimensional world; he is also an educator, who has not only nurtured numerous outstanding scholars but also initiated several top-notch talent cultivation programs, spending 40 years building a ladder for Chinese students to reach the pinnacle of mathematics. In him, the elegance of humanities and the rigor of mathematics blend together. He firmly believes that 'solving problems' cannot produce a master, and before pursuing great knowledge, one must first become a flesh-and-blood human being."
*This article is republished from China News Weekly