"Why are we here?", "Where did we come from?" World-renowned scientist Stephen Hawking dealt with the big questions with Hong Kong public at a lecture in Hong Kong Thursday.

At the lecture entitled "The Origin of the Universe", organized by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hawking discussed theories on the origin of the universe and explained how time can have a beginning and the progress made by cosmologists.

About 1,800 people listened to Hawking elucidating the mystery of universe. The audience included physically disabled people who were thrilled to see the scientist who also suffered from physical difficulties.

Through his computer and voice synthesizer, Hawking delivered the 45-minute speech and answered questions raised by the public which had been selected earlier.

A group of physically challenged asked how Hawking faced up to such a major physical challenge and maintained a positive world view.

Hawking replied, "Even if one is physically challenged, there is a lot one can achieve, as I have shown. You can't afford to be disabled in spirit, as well as physically."

Apart from talking about physics and cosmology, Hawking also untied the query about his "American accent" during the question and answer session.

He said he kept the voice which has been used since 20 years ago because he has not heard a voice he like better and he has identified with it.

"One version had a French accent. I said if I used it, my wife would divorce me," he added, making the audience burst out laughing.

President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Paul Chu said in his opening speech of the lecture that Hawking represented the miracle of the human and the triumph of the human spirit.

"He inspired us and will continue to inspire future generations to reach for the stars," said Chu.

(Xinhua News Agency June 16, 2006)