Lingnan University hosts Guangzhou seminar on the future of liberal arts education to mark HKSAR’s 29th anniversary

In the evening, Canton Tower illuminated a congratulatory display celebrating Lingnan’s achievement of retaining the world’s No. 1 position in SDG 4: Quality Education in the Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026, screening the achievements of Hong Kong’s higher education sector to communities across the Greater Bay Area.

Lingnan University organises a seminar titled “The Present and Future of Liberal Arts Education through the Lens of Lingnan History” at Yuanzhi Business School in Guangzhou. From left: Ms Zhu Ke, Head and Chief Correspondent (Hong Kong SAR) of the Communication Centre of Guangdong Radio and Television Station; Prof S. Joe Qin, President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science; Prof Xu Zidong, Senior Lingnan Scholar of the Lingnan University Institute for Advanced Study; Prof Lau Chi-pang, Special Advisor to the President on Publicity cum Director of Communications and Public Affairs of Lingnan University.

The event was attended by Mr Patrick Chong Kong-sang, Deputy Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Guangdong of the HKSAR Government, who took part in the exchange session. The seminar featured Prof S. Joe Qin, President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science of Lingnan University; Prof Lau Chi-pang, Special Advisor to the President on Publicity cum Director of Communications and Public Affairs of Lingnan University, and Chairman of the Legislative Council Panel on Education; Prof Xu Zidong, Senior Lingnan Scholar of the Lingnan University Institute for Advanced Study; and Ms Zhu Ke, Head and Chief Correspondent (Hong Kong SAR) of the Communication Centre of Guangdong Radio and Television Station. Drawing on perspectives from history, culture, and educational development, the speakers discussed how liberal arts education could meet the talent development needs of the digital era.

Mr Patrick Chong Kong-sang, Deputy Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Guangdong of the HKSAR Government said: “With the Government's full commitment to developing Hong Kong into an education hub, coupled with the support of a series of policy measures, Hong Kong's higher education system has again excelled. According to the latest 2027 World University Rankings published by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), an international higher education institution, the eight universities funded by the University Grants Committee (UGC) have achieved outstanding results, with five of them maintaining their positions among the world's top 100, fully demonstrating the international outlook and excellence of Hong Kong’s higher education sector. The HKSAR Government is actively advancing the ‘Study in Hong Kong’ brand, with the aim of developing Hong Kong into an international higher education hub and attracting more outstanding students to pursue their studies in Hong Kong. The Government will also continue to strengthen cooperation with cities in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area, facilitating the two-way flow of talents within the region. We welcome Lingnan University’s continued active participation and effort in the educational collaboration and talent exchange within the Greater Bay Area.”

In his opening remarks, Prof S. Joe Qin mentioned that Lingnan’s origins can be traced back to Guangzhou, making it particularly meaningful to discuss the future of education on this special anniversary, saying “The National 15th Five-Year Plan calls for the coordinated advancement of our strengths in education, science and technology, and talent development. This reflects society’s growing need for research talent equipped with cultural literacy, innovative capabilities, and a strong sense of social responsibility. Universities should encourage younger generations to study history and strengthen their cultural foundations. This helps them build critical thinking and discernment in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing digital age, allowing them to anchor themselves in Hong Kong while developing a true understanding of our nation’s development.”

Prof Lau Chi-pang, who is also Professor of the Department of History, said that Lingnan University’s development bears witness to the long-standing and close cultural and educational ties between Guangzhou and Hong Kong, adding “Lingnan’s historical origins can be traced back to the Christian College in China, founded in Guangzhou in 1888. During its 138-year history, the University was forced to relocate three times during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression before eventually being re-established in Hong Kong, and undergoing successive stages of development. Even in the most challenging circumstances, generations of faculty members and students remained steadfast in their pursuit of knowledge and commitment to education, and this spirit remains worthy of our appreciation and inheritance today.”

Canton Tower illuminates a congratulatory display celebrating Lingnan retaining the No. 1 position globally in SDG 4: Quality Education in the THE Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026, and screening the achievements of Hong Kong’s higher education sector to communities across the Greater Bay Area.

Canton Tower illuminates a congratulatory display celebrating Lingnan retaining the No. 1 position globally in SDG 4: Quality Education in the THE Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026, and screening the achievements of Hong Kong’s higher education sector to communities across the Greater Bay Area.

Prof Xu Zidong, said “The historical origins and intellectual continuity between Lingnan University in Hong Kong today and the original Lingnan University founded in Guangzhou over a century ago are not sustained by the legacy of any single eminent scholar. Nor are they defined solely by Prof Chen Yinke’s distinctive historiographical approach of mutual illumination between poetry and history, which integrates literary imagination with historical enquiry. Rather, what continues to sustain the Lingnan academic tradition is the enduring spirit of ‘independence of mind and freedom of thought’, which, in the contemporary age of artificial intelligence, is finding renewed resonance and intellectual vitality.”

Every half hour, from 7:00 to 9:30pm, Guangzhou Tower illuminated the message: “Lingnan University retains World No. 1 in Quality Education in the THE Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026.” The display highlighted the strength of Hong Kong’s higher education sector, demonstrating the city’s unique advantages of “enjoying strong support of the Motherland and being closely connected to the world” and “One Country, Two Systems”, while contributing to China’s endeavour to becoming a leading nation in education, science and technology, and talent development.

From left: Prof Qiu Xueqing, President of Guangdong University of Technology; Prof S. Joe Qin, President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science at Lingnan University; Prof Wang Hengyin, Secretary of the CPC Committee of South China Normal University; Prof Zhang Hong, Vice President of Jinan University.

From left: Prof Qiu Xueqing, President of Guangdong University of Technology; Prof S. Joe Qin, President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science at Lingnan University; Prof Wang Hengyin, Secretary of the CPC Committee of South China Normal University; Prof Zhang Hong, Vice President of Jinan University.

Ms Zhu Ke, said "Originating in Guangzhou and now deeply implanted in the Greater Bay Area, Lingnan University finds immense significance in preparing for the future of liberal arts education on this HKSAR Establishment Day. The special illumination of Canton Tower to celebrate Lingnan ranking first internationally for Quality Education is not only an important milestone for the University, but also a testament to the cultural and educational strength of the GBA. As a media professional, I firmly believe that our responsibility lies in connecting the GBA through vibrant and compelling narratives, and I look forward to exploring more communication channels, so that the younger generation can see the continuity of the Lingnan heritage and the infinite possibilities of the GBA higher education in the digital era."

Lingnan achieved another historic breakthrough in the THE Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026, rising to 63rd place globally and entering the top 100 for the first time. The University also retained its world No. 1 position in SDG 4: Quality Education for the second consecutive year. In addition, Lingnan ranked first in Hong Kong in six Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while seven SDGs were placed among the top 100 worldwide.

In recent years, Lingnan has actively promoted the integration of “Liberal Arts Education + Technology”. It was among the first universities in the world to provide free access to generative artificial intelligence tools for all students and staff, and to make AI literacy a compulsory course to support equal learning. Lingnan also encourages interdisciplinary research and humanitarian innovation and technology to address pressing societal challenges and reach the United Nations SDGs. In this manner, Lingnan is cultivating a new generation of research talent equipped with innovative capabilities and a universal outlook for the digital age.

Canton Tower illuminates a congratulatory display celebrating Lingnan retaining the No. 1 position globally in SDG 4: Quality Education in the THE Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026, and screening the achievements of Hong Kong’s higher education sector to communities across the Greater Bay Area.

Lingnan University has always actively supported the holistic development of local athletes. This year, the University has admitted seven elite athletes, a record intake, through the Student-Athlete Learning Support and Admission Scheme (SALSA Scheme). They include four cyclists, Ma Yik-sin, Ma Yik-fei, Kwok Chun-yan, and Siu Ka-chun; triathlete Lam Lok-shi; tenpin bowler Amen Yuen Cheuk-hin; and high jumper Hui Chi-man. All seven will enrol in undergraduate programmes for the 2026/27 academic year: five of them will pursue the Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Sports Coaching and Event Management programme, while Lam will study Psychology, and Hui will study Philosophy.

Five of the seven elite student-athletes enrolled for the 2026/27 academic year. Front row from left: Siu Ka-chun, Hui Chi-man, Ma Yik-sin; back row from left: Ma Yik-fei, Kwok Chun-yan. Photo source: Lingnan University

Prof Raymond Chan Hon-fu, Vice-President (Academics) cum Provost and Lam Man Tsan Chair Professor of Scientific Computing, welcomed the seven elite athletes to the Lingnan family, emphasising that the University will provide comprehensive learning support to help them cultivate diverse interests outside sport, so that they can balance their development in both academic and athletic areas.

He said, “Lingnan University is determined to attract outstanding talents from diverse backgrounds in order to foster a mutually enriching learning environment, and elite athletes are vital partners in driving knowledge innovation. The firsthand experience they gain from advanced training and international competitions provides a valuable empirical foundation for our teaching and research. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, Lingnan aims to integrate athletes’ practical experiences in training, competition, and psychological adjustment with academic research, addressing industry needs and sparking innovation in sports coaching, sports psychology, and mega-event management, ultimately contributing to the Hong Kong SAR’s development as a centre for major sports events.”

Star tennis athlete Cody Wong (left), who enrolled at Lingnan University in the 2023/24 academic year, partners with a Thai teammate to win the doubles title at the W35 Dallas, TX tournament of the ITF Women's World Tennis Tour in mid-July. Photo source: Lingnan University

Prof Chan also noted that Lingnan University’s elite athletes have achieved consistently outstanding results in major international competitions. Two cyclists who enrolled at Lingnan last year, Phoebe Tung and Yeung Cho-yiu, represented Team Hong Kong, China at the Korea Track Cup 2026 in Yangyang, winning silver and bronze medals respectively in the Women’s Elite Keirin. Meanwhile, star tennis athlete Cody Wong, who enrolled at Lingnan in the 2023/24 academic year, partnered with a Thai teammate to win the doubles title at the W35 Dallas, TX tournament of the ITF Women's World Tennis Tour in mid-July. Additionally, top table tennis athlete Yuen Wing-ki, who enrolled at Lingnan in the same cohort, won a bronze medal for the Hong Kong SAR in the Women’s Table Tennis Doubles (Class TT5) at the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games.

Profiles of the seven elite student-athletes

Cyclist Ma Yik-sin: Inspired by two-time Olympic bronze medallist Lee Wai-sze, Ma Yik-sin, elder brother of the Hong Kong Junior Team twin duo, won the Gold Medal in the Men’s Junior Madison at the 2025 National Track Cycling Championships & National Youth Track Cycling Championships alongside his twin Ma Yik-fei. He will enrol in Year 3 of the Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Sports Coaching and Event Management programme.

Cyclist Ma Yik-sin, Photo source: Lingnan University

Cyclist Ma Yik-fei: Younger twin brother Ma Yik-fei was also inspired by Lee Wai-sze, and brought home a silver medal in the Men’s Junior Scratch, a silver medal in the Youth Elimination Race, and a bronze medal in the Men’s Junior Team Pursuit from the 2025 Asian Track Championships in Malaysia. He will enrol in Year 3 of the Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Sports Coaching and Event Management programme.

Cyclist Ma Yik-fei, Photo source: Lingnan University

Cyclist Kwok Chun-yan: A road cyclist whose team won the Team Classification Title at the 2025 Yellow River Estuary (Dongying) Road Cycling Race and the Men’s U23 Championship at the 2025 Hong Kong Road Cycling Championships, Kwok will enrol in Year 3 of the Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Sports Coaching and Event Management programme.

Cyclist Kwok Chun-yan, Photo source: Lingnan University

Cyclist Siu Ka-chun: Siu won a Bronze Medal in the Men's Junior Keirin (International Division) at the 2023 Hong Kong International Track Cup, and came 8th in the Men’s Junior Group A Time Trial at the 2023 China National U Series Junior Road Championship. He will enrol in Year 3 of the Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Sports Coaching and Event Management programme.

Cyclist Siu Ka-chun, Photo source: Lingnan University

Triathlete Lam Lok-shi: Joined the Hong Kong Team for training aged 14, and was named an Outstanding Junior Athlete for the fourth quarter of 2022. He won the Gold Medal in the Men’s U15 category at the 2023 Asia Triathlon Youth Championships, and was the 2nd Runner-up in the Male Elite Junior category at the 2026 Asia Triathlon Junior Cup Putrajaya. He will enrol in Year 1 of the Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Psychology programme.

Triathlete Lam Lok-shi, Photo source: Lingnan University

Tenpin bowler Amen Yuen Cheuk-hin: Yuen represented the Hong Kong SAR at the 21st and 22nd Asian Junior Tenpin Bowling Championships in 2022 and 2023, where he and his teammates won the Champion and 2nd Runner-up titles in the Boys' Team of four. He was also the 1st Runner-up in the U22 Division at the U22 Hong Kong Storm Cup 2025. He will enrol in Year 3 of the Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Sports Coaching and Event Management programme.

Tenpin bowler Amen Yuen Cheuk-hin, Photo source: Lingnan University

High jumper Hui Chi-man: Active in track and field, Hui competed in the 2025 All China Youth (U18) Athletics Championships, coming 14th in the Men’s U18 High Jump. He will enrol in Year 1 of the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Philosophy programme.

High jumper Hui Chi-man, Photo source: Lingnan University

Each elite athlete admitted through Lingnan’s SALSA Scheme will receive an allowance of up to HK$400,000 to cover tuition fees, learning and living expenses, accommodation costs, and expenses for the Chinese Mainland or overseas exchanges. They will also benefit from physiotherapy, medical care, and additional insurance coverage to ensure their well-being.

Furthermore, to accommodate the student-athletes’ training and competition schedules, designated staff from the Office of Student Affairs will provide one-stop dedicated support from admission to graduation. This includes priority course registration and flexible learning and examination arrangements, as well as career planning advice to help them explore diverse professional pathways beyond sports.