Lingnan University held its 2026/27 academic year New Student Orientation (NSO) and Official Welcome for undergraduate students at its Tuen Mun campus today (24 August).
Prof S. Joe Qin, President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science at Lingnan University, officiated at the University’s Official Welcome and greeted incoming undergraduate students from the Hong Kong SAR, the Chinese Mainland, and overseas. This year’s cohort includes students from a wide range of countries and regions, including Russia, Bhutan, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Nepal, Pakistan, Ethiopia, and the Philippines.
In his remarks, President Qin said the University is committed to welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and cultures. He noted that the geographical diversity of the student intake has further expanded this year, with Lingnan admitting non-local freshmen from Ethiopia for the first time, underscoring the University’s diverse, inclusive and international campus.
Prof S. Joe Qin, President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science, officiated at the Official Welcome and stated that the University warmly welcomed the new students from diverse backgrounds and cultures into the Lingnan community.
President Qin said, “I believe that every student harbours unique dreams and potential and looks forward to finding their own stage at the University. Lingnan is committed to providing an interdisciplinary learning environment and diverse opportunities for development, supporting students in pursuing excellence in academics, innovation, and personal growth. Launched this academic year, the Samuel C.C. Ting Elite Class will provide selected students with comprehensive learning resources, including a four-year full tuition scholarship and a full accommodation subsidy, priority access to cutting-edge research projects, and artificial intelligence (AI) training offered by leading global enterprises, culminating in professional certification. The University will continue to refine its scholarships and talent-development programmes to help students chart a suitable formative path at Lingnan and make the most of their strengths.”
President Qin added that demand for Lingnan among JUPAS applicants has grown significantly. For three consecutive years since 2024, Lingnan University has recorded the highest growth in JUPAS Band A applications among Hong Kong’s eight UGC-funded universities, with a cumulative increase of 88%. In the 2026/27 admission cycle, Lingnan’s mean JUPAS admission score increased by 6.7%, the largest increase among all eight UGC-funded universities. The Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) in Business Analytics and Innovation programme was the most competitive programme in Hong Kong, with a 77-to-1 application-to-admission ratio. The average JUPAS admission score for the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Data Science programme reached 20.8, which is 2.7 points higher than last year. For Chinese Mainland Gaokao students, the highest admitted score at Lingnan was 129 points above the Batch 1 or Special Admission cut-off score across provinces and cities, an increase of 18 points over 2025.
The national flag-raising ceremony is conducted during the Official Welcome.
Lingnan has made significant leaps in international rankings in recent months, reinforcing its position as a leading research-oriented liberal arts university comprehensive in arts and sciences in the digital era. In the Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026, Lingnan was in the global top 100 for the first time, and 63rd overall, with first place in the Hong Kong SAR in six Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It retained its World No. 1 ranking in "SDG 4: Quality Education", and came first in the Hong Kong SAR in "SDG 1: No Poverty", "SDG 2: Zero Hunger", "SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth", "SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities", and "SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals".
Lingnan also came 84th in its debut appearance in the THE Asia University Rankings, and in the QS World University Rankings 2027 it climbed sharply by over 120 places to 581st, its largest upward leap in recent years.
To help freshmen adapt to university life early and foster a sense of belonging, Lingnan has been running online orientation sessions and activities since mid-July, helping students build social networks and integrate swiftly into campus life. On the day of the inauguration ceremony, it launched the Kaleidoscope Programme, tailored for newcomers with library and campus tours, sports facilities briefings, and workshops on hostel life explaining campus resources and facilities. Themed seminars have covered scholarship applications, academic exchanges, service-learning, and student-led community service, and distinguished alumni have shared inspiring stories, suggesting new students plan their objectives in advance and build up their confidence and preferences.
During the NSO, core administrative units briefed the freshmen, giving them practical information so they could familiarise themselves with university resources, use AI for independent learning, and master learning opportunities. After several specialist sessions, the finale featured performances by the Dancing and Music Societies, sparkling with youthful campus vigour and opening the curtain on a vibrant university life.
Lingnan University held its 2026/27 academic year New Student Orientation and Official Welcome on campus today, welcoming a record intake of about 1,500 new undergraduates into the Lingnan community.
The orientation activities also placed a strong emphasis on community cohesion, with the University arranging for freshmen to interact with departments and societies related to their major subjects and meet their wardens. Representatives from various departmental societies shared tips on subject selection, extracurricular activities, and learning opportunities, fostering interaction among students across different departments. Meanwhile, the University’s Peer Mentoring Programme was launched on the same day, pairing new undergraduates with senior student mentors to help them adjust to university life and actively engage in campus activities.
Lingnan will also host the Campus Life Carnival on the evening of 3 September to encourage freshmen to integrate. Student bodies, sports teams, and several departments will set up over 40 promotional booths providing practical information on extracurricular activities, and recommending ways to expand their social networks to help them settle into the Lingnan community more swiftly.
Lingnan University held its Honorary Fellowship Presentation Ceremony today, 8 October. The Hon Andrew Yao Cho-fai, Council Chairman of Lingnan University, conferred honorary fellowships on five distinguished individuals in recognition of their outstanding professional achievements and valuable contributions to the community and to education.
This year’s five honorary fellows are Ms Katherine Cheung Marn-kay, JP; Ms Guo Jingjing; Mr Ma Fung-kwok, GBS, JP; Mr Irons Sze, GBS, JP; and Mr Yeung Fan (Yeung Chun-fan), BBS.
Lingnan University confers honorary fellowships. From left: Prof S. Joe Qin, President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science of Lingnan University; The Hon Andrew Yao Cho-fai, Chairman of the Council; Honorary fellows Ms Katherine Cheung Marn-kay; Mr Yeung Fan (Yeung Chun-fan); Mr Ma Fung-kwok; Mr Irons Sze; Ms Guo Jingjing; The Hon Augustine Wong Ho-ming, Deputy Chairman of the Council; Ms Carrie Leung Ka-lai, Treasurer of the Council. Photo source: LU
In his address on behalf of the honorary fellows, Mr Irons Sze expressed the most heartfelt gratitude, and said “This year’s recipients of the fellowship are exemplary leaders across diverse sectors of society, each having served the community and inspired younger generations with professional excellence and selfless dedication over many years. Ms Katherine Cheung Marn-kay has wholeheartedly supported the development of the University for many years, contributing immensely to its steady progress. Ms Guo Jingjing, a star athlete, has devoted herself to public welfare and youth development, guiding the new generation with positive energy. Mr Ma Fung-kwok has been directly engaged in cultural heritage and public service for decades, actively promoting cultural and educational exchanges between the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong and thereby advancing Hong Kong’s cultural affairs and youth development. Mr Yeung Fan, a business titan, has long supported education and talent development. They have all given back to society in their own ways.”
Mr Irons Sze added “Lingnan University is an institution with nearly 140 years of educational heritage that is deeply rooted in both Guangdong and Hong Kong. Today, with the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and digital technology, and alongside changing social and international landscapes, the spirit of Lingnan—characterised by inclusiveness, perseverance, and innovation—provides students with the qualities they will need to navigate contemporary trends and thereby secure their futures. As our nation advocates high-quality development, and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), leveraging its unique geographical advantages, serves as a hub connecting the Chinese Mainland with the world. Furthermore, the Greater Bay Area represents a broad stage for young people’s development. I hope our students will make full use of the cross-cultural learning resources offered here, and align their personal talents with the real needs of society, uphold the University motto “Education for Service”, and align their aspirations closely with national development.”
Ms Katherine Cheung Marn-kay, Photo source: LU
1.Ms Katherine Cheung Marn-kay
Ms Katherine Cheung Marn-kay is a distinguished leader in Hong Kong's financial sector, a philanthropist, and a longstanding champion of public service, education and youth development. She was the Managing Director of BlackRock (North Asia) and is currently Vice Chairman of CrossGate Advisors, and she is widely respected in investment and corporate governance.
Since 2011, Ms Cheung has applied her expertise to community services, serving on the Securities and Futures Commission, the Independent Commission Against Corruption, Lingnan University, the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority, and various government fund investment committees. She has helped to ensure that Hong Kong's institutions are fair, clean, and credible, and was appointed a Justice of the Peace by the HKSAR Government in 2026, in recognition of her outstanding contributions.
For over 13 years, since 2012, Ms Cheung has been involved in university governance, serving as Treasurer, Council Member, and Court Member. As Treasurer, she used her investment banking and asset management experience, to steer the University's investment portfolio, laying a stable, diversified, and sustainable financial foundation. She also took part in the selection of the President and Vice-Presidents during a pivotal phase of the University's development, helping to assemble a leadership team that would drive transformation and innovation.
Ms Cheung is a passionate champion of youth development, particularly for women. From 2021 to 2023, she served as President of the Golden Bauhinia Women Entrepreneur Association, setting up a Youth Committee and refining the scholarship programme to provide comprehensive support for female students. This has grown into an indispensable platform for young women. Her dedication to holistic growth, community care, and social service resonates strongly with the liberal arts ethos of Lingnan University.
Ms Guo Jingjing, Photo source: LU
2.Ms Guo Jingjing
Ms Guo Jingjing, a native of Baoding, Hebei, started diving at the age of seven. By dint of unflagging perseverance, self-discipline, and hard work, she finally reached the pinnacle of world diving, winning 31 world championship titles, four Olympic gold medals and two silver, ten World Championship gold medals, and countless Diving World Cup trophies. She was the heart and soul of China's Dream Team of diving.
After leaving the competitive arena, Ms Guo became involved in sports administration. She qualified as an international referee for World Aquatics, and, as a member of the Diving Technical Committee, she has assisted at top-tier international events such as the Olympic Games, World Championships, and Diving World Cup. She has been a champion of the standardisation, diversification, and long-term development of diving worldwide.
Beyond her athletic and officiating endeavours, Ms Guo has travelled all over the nation to promote public welfare. An Ambassador for the Hong Kong Committee for the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), she has campaigned for the physical and mental well-being of young people, and she is Vice President of the Guangzhou Nansha Culture Association, attending youth exchange forums and educational seminars, and using sport as a bridge between the youth of Hong Kong, Macao, and the Chinese Mainland.
Her struggle in pursuit of excellence, her unpretentious and unassuming nature, and her spirit of serving society perfectly match Lingnan University’s philosophy of “Education for Service”. Ms Guo has shown through her philanthropy that the most precious professional achievement lies ultimately in giving back.
Mr Ma Fung-kwok, Photo source: LU
3.Mr Ma Fung-kwok
Mr Ma Fung-kwok has made invaluable contributions to Hong Kong’s cultural and creative industries, the advancement of public affairs, cultural exchange between Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, and national scientific research. Pre-eminent positions he has held include Chairman of the Hong Kong Arts Development Council, Chairman of the Hong Kong Film Development Council, Board Member of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, and Deputy Chairman of the Council of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, helping to build Hong Kong into Asia’s creative hub.
Mr Ma has also served as a Legislative Council Member of the HKSAR, and as HKSAR delegate to the National People’s Congress, where he is currently the Head of the HKSAR Delegation. In recognition of Mr Ma’s decades of distinguished service, he was awarded the Silver and Gold Bauhinia Stars by the HKSAR Government in 2004 and 2020 respectively.
As President of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles Hong Kong Member Association, Mr Ma has worked hard to unite Hong Kong’s literary and arts community, and to promote cross-boundary cultural exchanges. In 2024, as Chairman of the Organising Committee for the visit of Xuelong 2 to Hong Kong, he effectively planned and oversaw the historic welcome. He also founded the China HK Polar Regions Ocean Innovative Technology Centre and served as its Chairman, building public awareness of national polar scientific research.
Mr Ma encourages Lingnan students to dare to aspire, holding fast to their earliest resolutions to serve society and build a career. He urges them to seize opportunities, broaden their horizons, learn about international trends, and to understand every aspect of the country.
Mr Irons Sze, Photo source: LU
4.Mr Irons Sze
Mr Irons Sze is a member of the Standing Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), a member of the Standing Committee of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the CPPCC and Convenor of its Hong Kong Members, President of the Federation of Hong Kong Beijing Organisations, and Vice-President and Secretary-General of the Friends of Hong Kong Association. He is a distinguished and highly decorated business leader with a deep allegiance to our country and Hong Kong.
In the 1990s, Mr Sze was appointed a member of the All-China Youth Federation, and his public engagement became increasingly connected with the nation’s trajectory. From 2008 to 2013, he served as a member of the Council and an ex-officio member of the Court of Lingnan University. He has provided steadfast support for the University’s expansion, assisted in fundraising, and offered valuable advice for long-term development. Mr Sze is devoted to nurturing the younger generation. In recognition of his substantial contributions to Lingnan University, the University conferred upon him the title of Honorary Court Member in 2014.
Mr Sze went from strength to strength as a business leader. He previously served as President of the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong, and is currently its Permanent Honorary President. He was instrumental in the implementation of the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), and has strongly supported the establishment of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, promoting greater complementarity and collaboration between the two.
Since 2013, Mr Sze has served three consecutive terms as a member of the National Committee of the CPPCC and as President of the HKCPPCC (Provincial) Members Association, assuming important responsibilities in reinforcing exchanges and collaboration between Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, and putting his beliefs in personal and national development into concrete action. He was awarded the Gold Bauhinia Star by the HKSAR Government in 2025.
Mr Yeung Fan (Yeung Chun-fan), Photo source: LU
5.Mr Yeung Fan (Yeung Chun-fan)
Mr Yeung was born in Huizhou in 1952 and moved to Hong Kong in 1972. In 1974, he and his elder brother, Dr Charles Yeung, founded the Glorious Sun Fashion Garment Manufactory (H.K.) Limited, and the Glorious Sun Group was formally established the following year. Over the next half-century, through a series of strategic transformations, the Group evolved from a small jeans processing operation into a multinational enterprise. The introduction of the Jeanswest brand in the 1990s and shifting from manufacturing to branded retail and chain operations have evolved the Group into a mainstay of Hong Kong’s textile and garment industry.
Mr Yeung is also Vice Chairman of the China Association of Enterprises with Foreign Investment, Vice Chairman of the China National Textile and Apparel Council, and Chairman of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Textiles. He acts like a chain stitch in a pair of jeans, sewing the textile and garment industries of Hong Kong and the Mainland into a glorious garment. For decades, Mr Yeung has led the Group’s Glorious Sun Charity Foundation, and made donations exceeding HK$3.5 billion to education, poverty alleviation, disaster relief, and medical charities.
Named the “Most Caring Individual Donor” by the Ministry of Civil Affairs of the People’s Republic of China at the biennial China Charity Awards four times in a row, Mr Yeung received the Bronze Bauhinia Star from the HKSAR Government in 2023, and was made a University Fellow by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 2025.
Education is the cause closest to Mr Yeung’s heart. A member of the 13th National Committee of the CPPCC, he has visited more than a hundred institutions nationwide, and delivered over 200 talks, telling his story of patient ambition to inspire the younger generation. Mr Yeung sees education as the foundation of national progress, and young people as the hope of our society. He hopes that the next generation will care about their country and contribute to their community, an aspiration that resonates strongly with Lingnan University’s motto “Education for Service”.
