World-renowned scientist and cosmologist Stephen Hawking arrived in Hong Kong Monday, saying in a written announcement that he was looking forward to giving lecture here.

Sitting on his electric wheel chair, Hawking entered the arrival hall of Hong Kong International Airport accompanied by his daughter and President of Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) Paul Chu.

The scientist, who has lost the ability to move and talk, was in his deep blue checked shirt, looked spirited and smilingly received a bouquet and ovation from students. He said "Thank you very much" through a computer synthesizer to respond to students' passionate welcome.

This is the first time for Hawking to visit Hong Kong and he told in his announcement sheet that he would have a most enjoyable stay and looked forward to giving his lecture at HKUST and to reply to stimulating questions.

Lucy Hawking, daughter of the scientist, told reporters that it was an exciting opportunity for her father to come and see Hong Kong and to talk to the people.

At the lecture titled "The Origin of the Universe" to be held on June 15, Hawking will discuss theories on the origin of the universe and explain how time can have a beginning and the progress made by cosmologists.

Besides giving a lecture, Hawking will also meet local members of academic organizations and participate in a tree-planting ceremony, which will be held in the university campus. He will also tour around Hong Kong and visit one of the famous sightseeing spots -- the Peak.

Hawking is currently Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics at the University of Cambridge.

He was considered to be one of the greatest scientific geniuses alive. Despite being physically challenged by Lou Gehrig's disease, he has continued to intrigue the scientific world by his insightful thinking on time, space, black holes and the origin and future of the universe.

He is the recipient of many awards, medals and prizes, including the Albert Einstein Award, the most prestigious in theoretical physics.

(Xinhua News Agency June 13, 2006)