UM COVID-19 researcher given ‘extraordinary first virtual citizenship ceremony’
A University of Manitoba researcher who is scheduled to soon begin a study on supply chain management issues in the era of COVID-19 is the first person awarded Canadian citizenship through a virtual citizenship ceremony.
Dr. Adolf Ng, in supply chain management at the Asper School of Business, received $258,900 from Research Manitoba to focus on an issue faced by many Canadians who are discouraged by empty grocery store shelves.
Dr. Adolf Ng during his virtual citizenship ceremony (IRCC photo)
A post on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Twitter account notes: “The IRCC Citizenship team responded to an urgent need to facilitate #COVID19 research by coordinating the extraordinary first virtual citizenship ceremony for Dr. Ng yesterday. His new Canadian citizenship and passport allows him to perform essential work related to combatting #COVID19 and saving Canadian lives.”
Ng is looking to develop effective logistical strategies and planning in tackling the social impacts caused by a pandemic like COVID-19. He is doing studies in both China (including Wuhan) and Canada, comparing how logistical systems differ, with one objective being to identify ways to transfer effective logistical strategies and solutions to cities and countries under diversified geographical and cultural contexts, especially those with relatively weak health systems.
Ng explains: “IRCC decided to grant me Canadian citizenship using its discretionary power – based on that I am providing service with outstanding value to Canada. I will lead and work on a CIHR & Research Manitoba-funded research project about developing resilient supply chains in tackling the negative impacts posed by COVID-19 pandemic.”
He is very honoured by the virtual ceremony: “What an extraordinary way to complete my citizenship journey! The officers in IRCC were really, really accommodating, and I greatly appreciate their efforts. I really want to attend a physical ceremony some day.”
Ng’s project is scheduled to start in late April 2020.
Ng was one of three UM researchers to receive federal funding last month for COVID-19 projects.
Research at the University of Manitoba is partially supported by funding from the Government of Canada Research Support Fund.
Congratulations. Well deserved. He was my professor for several SCM courses. Brilliant mind