Technology invades the modern world

Chapter 29: Dr. Lin Ran's Seminar Enrollment Announcement

The recruitment notice was also published in newspapers such as the Overseas Chinese Daily, the Commercial Daily, the South China Morning Post and the Ta Kung Pao.

The South China Morning Post was an English-language newspaper at the time, so the following is an excerpt from the full text of the enrollment notice published in the Ta Kung Pao:

"Enrollment Notice for Dr. Lin Ran's Seminar, a Visiting Professor at Hong Kong University
The University of Hong Kong is honored to have Dr. Lin Ran, an internationally renowned mathematician, as a Visiting Professor at the University. This special seminar is open to all Hong Kong students. Dr. Lin is a leading figure in mathematics, having independently proved the 300-year-old Fermat Conjecture and is a leading candidate for the Fields Medal. His profound knowledge and worldwide renown are undeniable. This seminar aims to provide cutting-edge mathematical knowledge and inspire young talent. This is a rare opportunity, so don't miss it.

The workshop is open to 50 participants, but admission is limited and will be based on merit. Anyone with a strong interest in mathematics, regardless of professional background, is welcome to participate. However, participants will be required to pass a special entrance exam designed by the university to assess their academic foundation and potential. The exam covers basic mathematics. For details, please contact the Academic Affairs Office of Hong Kong University.

報名截止日期為1960年6月15日，考試定於6月25日舉行。報名表格及研討班簡章可於香江大學教務處或指定書肆免費領取。錄取名單將於考試後五日內於本報及校內公告欄刊登。

Hong Kong University hopes to bring together the best minds in Hong Kong through this seminar to explore the mysteries of mathematics with Dr. Lin Ran, foster academic exchange, and benefit society. Interested individuals are encouraged to register now!

Sincerely, the Academic Affairs Office of Hong Kong University

November 1960, 6"

In addition to Hong Kong University publishing the news of Lin Ran's upcoming visit in major mainstream newspapers, Hong Kong media also rushed to report on it.

After all, Hong Kong's economy has not yet taken off. Compared with the future Oriental Pearl Tower, it is more like an ordinary, unknown city.

The visit of a world-renowned mathematician like Lin Ran to Hong Kong is still very attractive to the local media.

Traditional media like Ta Kung Pao are relatively respectable, with serious headlines and content:
Dr. Lin Ran came to Hong Kong to give a lecture at the Xiangjiang University seminar and inspired students
This newspaper reports (Reporter Li Zhiming)

Internationally renowned mathematician Dr. Lin Ran will arrive in Hong Kong on July 7st to accept a visiting professorship at the University of Hong Kong. He will also conduct a mathematics seminar open to all Hong Kong students from July to August. This is a major event for Hong Kong academia and a testament to the prominence of Chinese scientists on the international stage. Dr. Lin's visit will not only bring world-class mathematical wisdom but also provide young Hong Kong students with a rare and exciting opportunity to pursue their studies.

Dr. Lin Ran, also known as Randolph Lin, was only 22 years old when he successfully proved Fermat's conjecture with his remarkable understanding of mathematics, shocking the academic world. His theory, hailed as the Randolph Program by the mathematical community, overturned Western notions and highlighted the brilliance of Chinese ingenuity.

During his visit to Hong Kong, Dr. Lin was invited by the University of Hong Kong to use his profound knowledge to open a seminar lasting several months. The content will cover the most cutting-edge mathematical theories, aiming to inspire students and promote scientific progress.

The Hong Kong University seminar is reportedly open to 50 students. Anyone with a passion for mathematics is welcome to apply, but admission will be based on a rigorous examination. This demonstrates Dr. Lin's rigorous academic approach and provides a platform for young Hong Kong students to showcase their talents. Registration details have been announced in this newspaper and at the Hong Kong University Academic Affairs Office. Dr. Lin expressed his hope that through this seminar, he and other Hong Kong students will explore the mysteries of mathematics and contribute to the wealth of human knowledge. Details of the seminar, the list of accepted students, and details of Dr. Lin's upcoming visit to Hong Kong will be announced in due course. Please stay tuned for further reports.

Tabloids like Tiantian Daily are far more shameless:

"Lin Ran makes a scene in Hong Kong! Fermat's conjecture prover opens gambling seminar at Hong Kong University

International celebrity Lin Ran is coming to Hong Kong! This math whiz, with his head full of formulas and a halo, is planning a seminar at Hong Kong University, reportedly aiming to snag 50 students to join his "science harem." The news has Hong Kong in an uproar. Some say he's showing off, something he wouldn't dare do in mainland China. Others speculate he's trying to pick up girls in Hong Kong Island—it's a lively scene!

Lin Ran, at a young age, proved Fermat's conjecture and reportedly created a program named after him, completely destroying foreign mathematical theories. Now, he's come to Hong Kong, claiming he wants to teach and educate people, hold a seminar, and even have an exam to select candidates, making it like a beauty pageant. I heard the application deadline is June 6th, and the exam is June 15th. Those who want to go need to practice their wits, or they won't even get started.

I heard he said in America, "Hong Kong students are smart, I'm here to help them open their minds." It sounds serious, but this reporter couldn't help but wonder: Is this great man attracted to the beauty of a Hong Kong girl and hoping to use his teaching as a pretext for a romantic encounter? After all, he's been in America, so he might have already mastered the art of picking up girls!
The seminar is said to only accept 50 students, and outstanding participants may be invited to Columbia University. This has caused widespread anxiety among students across Hong Kong. Some have been burning late nights studying, while others have been burning incense at temples, begging Professor Lin for mercy. This newspaper has learned that the course might cover number theory or elliptic equations, which sounds quite confusing. One student declared, "If I don't get in, I'll jump into the Victoria Harbour. What a misfortune it is to meet this great man!"

Some also claim he has a personal relationship with the president of Hong Kong University, that the designated spots had already been allocated, and that the exam was merely a formality. This newspaper will continue to dig deeper to uncover the truth, and we'll have a blast!

Lin Ran's visit this time caused a stir on the streets of Hong Kong. Even the uncles and aunties in the teahouses started talking about how "he will definitely win the Fields Medal." Although these uncles and aunties didn't even know what the Fields Medal was.

Let me tell you, Fields is the Nobel Prize winner in mathematics, and Lin Ran is on par with Yang Zhenning and Li Zhengdao. Finally, this newspaper reminds everyone: if you want to enter the seminar, you must first master math, otherwise you won't even be able to fill out the application form. Once the acceptance list is released, this newspaper will be the first to apply. Stay tuned to see which lucky person will be able to join the great Lin!

At this time, Chen Jingrun was still making final preparations in Guangzhou, across the sea.

In a makeshift cultural workshop, Chen Jingrun faced a cultural consultant named Miss Lin.

The other person was wearing a cheongsam and holding a copy of "Hong Kong Customs and Folklore".

"Hong Kong people drink morning tea and love to eat dim sum. You have to learn to use chopsticks to pick up siu mai, and also understand some British manners. Don't forget to say 'Thank you'." Miss Lin said with a smile.

Chen Jingrun tried to imitate a handshake, but his movements were as stiff as a puppet throughout the training process.

(End of this chapter)