Lingnan University to Confer Four Honorary Fellowships

Lingnan University will confer four honorary fellowships, recognising the outstanding professional achievements and valuable contributions to the community and the education sector of the distinguished recipients, Mr Chan Chun-ying, BBS, JP; The Hon Ip Kwok-him, GBM, GBS, JP; Mr Lam Tin-fuk, GBS, JP; and Mr Ng Leung-sing, SBS, JP, whose biographies follow:

Mr Chan Chun-ying, BBS, JP

Mr Chan Chun-ying's ancestral roots are in Xinhui, Guangdong. After completing primary and secondary school, he went on studying and earned his Chartered Secretary qualification and a Master of Business Administration from Northeast Louisiana University (later renamed the University of Louisiana at Monroe) in the US. He is a long-serving Fellow of the Hong Kong Chartered Governance Institute.

After graduating, Mr Chan started work in the accounting department of the China Travel Service (CTS), conducting internal audits for its overseas branches. This was the beginning of his career with Hong Kong-based Chinese enterprises. Over the years, he received successive promotions, eventually rising to the position of Deputy General Manager of the CTS Overseas Department. In 1992, Mr Chan joined the Nanyang Commercial Bank, and was appointed as Deputy General Manager of the Bank in 2008. From 2011 to 2016, Mr Chan served as Board Secretary and Company Secretary to BOCHK Holdings Limited and the Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited, and is currently an advisor to the latter.

Mr Chan has consistently sought to improve his expertise through continuous learning and practice. He has completed executive management programmes at the universities of Oxford, Cambridge, Columbia, Washington, Illinois, and Tsinghua. The year 2016 marked a turning point in his professional life, when he was elected a Legislative Council Member representing the Commercial functional constituency, and entered public office.

The Legislative Council was a decisive step in his commitment to giving back to society, and a major personal challenge. Guided by his absolute determination to serve citizens, Hong Kong, and the nation, Mr Chan overcame many obstacles and earned the trust of his fellow Council members. At the end of 2022, he was re-elected a member of the Seventh Legislative Council and, subsequently, Chairman of the Finance Committee, injecting and sustaining momentum into Hong Kong's journey "from stability to prosperity".

Mr Chan's personal integrity and professional experience align seamlessly with the deliberative spirit of the Legislative Council, making him a role model among leaders in Hong Kong society.

The Hon Ip Kwok-him, GBM, GBS, JP

The Honourable Ip Kwok-him was born and grew up in Hong Kong, although his family was originally from Guangzhou, Guangdong Province. Mr Ip attended Hon Wah College in Hong Kong, and later graduated from South China Normal University. He then returned to Hon Wah College, where he taught for almost 20 years. Mr Ip entered politics in the 1980s, and engaged in community service with colleagues in the Central and Western District. In 1991, he was elected as a Central and Western District Councillor, embarking on an eventful decades-long career in District Council service.

In 1992, Mr Ip co-founded the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment of Hong Kong (later renamed the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, acronym DAB) to foster regional stability and development. He served as DAB vice-chairman from 1998 to 2009, establishing himself as a key figure in politics in the HKSAR.

Mr Ip was first elected to the Legislative Council in 1995, representing the Election Committee constituency in the final colonial legislature. During his legislative tenure, he was a member of the main public bodies, including the Urban Renewal Authority, and became known for his work organising and uniting the pro-establishment camp.

Mr Ip has served as an HKSAR Deputy to the National People's Congress for four consecutive terms (10th–13th), underscoring his central role not only in local governance but also as a bridge between the HKSAR and the central government. In 2016, he was appointed a non-official member of the Executive Council, where his extensive legislative experience and command of public affairs were valuable assets in policy discussions and in advising the government.

Besides his valuable service in the political arena, Mr Ip has demonstrated outstanding dedication to education, where he has played an important part in multiple levels of the sector including as Chairman of the Hon Wah Education Organisation, and School Superintendent of H.K.T.A. Shun Yeung Primary School. Mr Ip's contributions have been recognised with numerous prestigious awards, and in addition to being made a Justice of the Peace (JP), he received the Gold Bauhinia Star (GBS) in 2004 and the Grand Bauhinia Medal (GBM) in 2017, the highest honours conferred by the HKSAR.

Mr Lam Tin-fuk, GBS, JP

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Mr Lam Tin-fuk completed his early education here before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Computing Science from Imperial College, London. He began his life in public service as an Administrative Officer in the Hong Kong Government, and in 1986 he joined the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), embarking on a remarkable 28-year journey. Rising through the ranks to become Executive Director in 2004, he led an international team dedicated to creating opportunities for Hong Kong businesses.

In 2014, Mr Lam demonstrated his remarkable capacity for reinvention by making a direct transition to the role of Chief Executive Officer of the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK). With the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) facing saturation, Mr Lam championed the Three-Runway System to secure Hong Kong SAR's future as an international aviation hub. He also introduced the transformative Airport City concept, which was given a new identity in January 2025 as SKYTOPIA, a brand designed to attract investment and talent. Recognising the importance of expertise, he also resolved to establish the Hong Kong International Aviation Academy in order to nurture the professionals who keep the skies safe and the economy vibrant.

When the COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges, Mr Lam's leadership stood out. He motivated the airport community, ensuring resilience while actively preparing for recovery. His initiative in giving away 500,000 air tickets free created worldwide goodwill and kept Hong Kong on the global tourism map. In June 2024, he was appointed Chairman of the AAHK.

Mr Lam was awarded the Gold Bauhinia Star (GBS) by the HKSAR Government in recognition of his contribution to the development of the HKIA and aviation industry. Beyond these honours, Mr Lam is much admired for his integrity and for his core belief that great infrastructure must serve the community. His principles of being steadfast and responsible in every task are reflected in his dedication to the highest standards of safety, security, and environmental sustainability. This enthusiasm for responsible, value-creating modernisation resonates deeply with Lingnan University's liberal arts values and the University's commitment to serving society.

Mr Ng Leung-sing, SBS, JP

Mr Ng Leung-sing joined the Bank of China, Hong Kong Branch in 1967 and has spent 58 years in the financial sector, where he has dedicated his career to China through his financial and public service, and become a role model. His great expertise spans commercial banking, corporate strategy, and operational management, and has played a key role in the modernisation, consolidation, and presence of Chinese banks in Hong Kong. Mr Ng has been a director of the BOCHK Charitable Foundation since 1994 and, since 2009, Chairman of Bank of China (Hong Kong) Trustees Limited, demonstrating his talents and commitment as a leading figure in the banking industry.

Mr Ng's legislative service has been vital. Before and after Hong Kong's return to China, he served four terms as a Hong Kong deputy to the National People's Congress and four terms as a member of the Legislative Council. For over 20 years, he advised both the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong, particularly on economic and financial policy. He chaired the Legislative Council's Finance Committee, overseeing government budget allocations for major infrastructure projects and fostering economic growth, but his diverse services have also included the Community Chest, the Hong Kong Housing Authority, the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications, and the Banking Advisory Committee. A passionate sportsman, Mr Ng was a torchbearer in the Hong Kong region for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Mr Ng has devoted his long career to education and served as a member of the Council and Court of Lingnan University, contributing significantly to the University's evolution with strategic foresight and a deep commitment to nurturing future generations, providing invaluable guidance during key phases of the University's development, and helping to steer its financial stability and academic growth. During his tenure as a director of the BOCHK Charitable Foundation, he promoted social welfare by advising on initiatives to fund education, healthcare, and community welfare. The Hong Kong SAR Government has made Mr Ng a Justice of the Peace and given him the Silver Bauhinia Star (SBS) in recognition of his contributions.

The four honorary fellowships that will be conferred by Lingnan University

To promote campus internationalisation and broaden students’ global perspective, Lingnan University held “International Day 2026 – Gateways to the World” on campus today, 3 November, co-organised by the Office of Global Education and the Office of Student Affairs. It attracted more than 800 students and members of the faculty and the public. Students from 17 countries and regions served as cultural ambassadors, wearing traditional attire and showing the customs and everyday life of their home countries through folk performances as well as cultural exhibits. The event was also open to the public, strengthening the University’s ties with the community and enabling visitors to discover the special appeal of different cultures through cross-cultural exchange.

The opening ceremony was officiated by Prof Raymond Chan Hon-fu, Vice-President (Academics) cum Provost and Lam Man Tsan Chair Professor of Scientific Computing at Lingnan University; Prof Xin Yao, Vice-President (Research and Innovation) and Tong Tin Sun Chair Professor of Machine Learning; Prof Sam Kwong Tak-wu, Associate Vice-President (Strategic Research), Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, and J.K. Lee Chair Professor of Computational Intelligence; Prof Bradley R. Barnes, Special Advisor to President on Internationalisation and Director of Global Education; and Ms Irene Ng Wai-ming, Director of Student Affairs.

In his welcome address, Prof Barnes explained that internationalisation is not simply about providing students with opportunities to participate in overseas exchange programmes. More importantly, the University is committed to building an international campus where students and staff from diverse cultural backgrounds can learn from one another, collaborate, and develop friendships through their everyday learning and campus life, highlighting the appeal of studying in the Hong Kong SAR. He said, “The Hong Kong SAR has the unique advantage of bringing Chinese and Western cultures together. Through immersive activities like this, the University equips students with the cross-cultural collaboration and communication skills they need to develop a broader global perspective while studying on campus, and better prepares them for careers in an increasingly international workplace.”

At “International Day 2026 – Gateways to the World”, students from Bhutan, the Chinese Mainland, France, Germany, India, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Poland, Russia, and the UK played an active role in planning and running the exhibition booths. Through music, traditional dance performances, handicraft displays, interactive booths, and in-depth discussions, they broke down linguistic and geographical barriers by introducing visitors to the history, traditions, and everyday cultures of their home countries. The campus was transformed into a vibrant global village, giving faculty, students and members of the public an opportunity to experience the cultural diversity and distinctive traditions of different parts of the world.

Dawit Kidu Hailezgi, from Ethiopia, is Lingnan University's first student admitted from the country this academic year. A first-year non-local student studying Health and Social Services Management in the Samuel C.C. Ting Elite Class, he assumed the role of Global Ambassador shortly after enrolment and participated in the event. He said, “International Day has given me the opportunity to engage with students from various countries and experience different cultures firsthand. As a first-year student new to Lingnan, this experience has not only allowed me to make many new friends and broaden my global horizons, but has also enabled me to deeply feel Lingnan's diverse, inclusive, and vibrant campus atmosphere.”

It also provided a platform for face-to-face cross-cultural dialogue between the University community and the public, giving students of different nationalities a better understanding of one another and some cross-cultural experience, while broadening their global perspective. It further enabled them to build international connections in a diverse yet inclusive environment, reinforcing the University’s commitment to whole-person education.

In recent years, Lingnan has actively promoted campus internationalisation in support of the Hong Kong SAR’s vision of becoming an international hub for post-secondary education. Through student exchange programmes, an international network of partner institutions, and an inclusive campus environment, the University integrates global elements into academic and campus life, creating more opportunities for students to engage with the world, and showcasing the highly internationalised learning environment of the Hong Kong SAR.

Students from 17 countries and regions play an active role in planning and running exhibition booths at “International Day 2026 – Gateways to the World”, transforming the campus into a vibrant global village and attracting more than 800 students and members of the faculty and public.

Exchange students from Mexico in traditional attire energise the audience with a folk dance showing the distinctive culture of Latin America, and draw crowds of students and staff.

Students from Bhutan in traditional attire perform a folk dance, revealing their country’s rich cultural heritage to faculty and students.

Students serve as cultural ambassadors, introducing visitors to local customs, traditions, and everyday life in their home countries.

Prof Bradley R. Barnes, Special Advisor to President on Internationalisation and Director of Global Education at Lingnan University, says that the University is committed to building an international campus where faculty and students from diverse cultural backgrounds can learn from one another, collaborate, and develop friendships through their everyday academic and campus life, highlighting the appeal of studying in the Hong Kong SAR.

Dawit Kidu Hailezgi, a Lingnan University Global Ambassador and first-year non-local student from Ethiopia studying Health and Social Services Management in the Samuel C.C. Ting Elite Class (CCT Class), marking the university's first admission from the country this academic year, takes part in the event.