Undergraduate student Humphrey Paton wins 2019 Technos International Prize

NEWS |

Congratulations to Humphrey Paton (BA Oriental Studies, Chinese, 2014) who won the esteemed Technos International Prize which is presented annually to a student who has demonstrated ‘outstanding academic performance and commitment to the cause of international understanding’.

Established in 1996, the award was originally reserved for students studying Japanese, however in 2004, this was expanded to include any final year Pembroke student.

This prize is part of Pembroke’s on-going relationship with Technos College in Japan and the Tanaka Memorial Foundation. A reciprocal award (The Pembroke Prize) is given to a Technos College student each year.

Humphrey’s ongoing active involvement with international organisations, especially those relating to China – such as the Oxford Chinese Students and Scholars Association highlights his understanding of fostering relations across languages and cultures, while maintaining a strong commitment to his studies.

Doctor Christopher Foster, Stanley Ho Junior Research Fellow congratulated Humphrey on his prize, commenting:

‘In our world today we see a lot of calls to build walls, to maybe retreat back to our familiar and comfortable communities, I think we desperately need more people like Humphrey, people who are willing to take risks, who can endure challenges, think big and make connections.’

Upon receiving his award, Humphrey commented: ‘In terms of the future and fostering relations, it’s a matter of building bridges, not walls.’

The prize this year has particular resonance for the whole Pembroke community following the death of Dr Kenji Tanaka earlier this year in February.