HONG KONG, Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Lingnan University has announced the admission of 14 outstanding students to its inaugural Samuel C.C. Ting Elite Class (CCT Class). Selected from high-achieving undergraduates awarded University Entrance Scholarships, the students come from eight countries and regions, namely the Hong Kong SAR, the Chinese Mainland, Ethiopia, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, the Philippines, Russia, and the UK. They will receive four-year full-tuition scholarships, a guaranteed hostel place with fees covered for four years, dedicated one-to-one mentorship, artificial intelligence (AI) training provided by leading multinationals, precedence in frontier research projects, opportunities to meet Nobel laureates and leading scholars, and priority for admission to postgraduate programmes.
Undergraduates in the CCT Class are studying disciplines including Animation and Digital Arts, Accounting and Corporate Governance, Business Analytics and Innovation, Cultural Studies, Data Science, Economics, Finance, Global Development and Sustainability, Government and International Affairs, Health and Social Services Management, and Marketing and Social Media.
Prof S. Joe Qin, President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science at Lingnan University, officiated at the "Kick-off Ceremony of the Samuel C.C. Ting Elite Class cum High Table Dinner" on the evening of 15 October to welcome the first cohort, and said he was honoured to receive Prof Wang Yifang, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and a former student of Prof Samuel C.C. Ting, to witness the launch of the inaugural CCT Class.
President Qin said, "Named after Nobel Laureate in Physics Prof Samuel C.C. Ting, the programme, abbreviated as the CCT Class, also embodies our aspiration for students to become research-oriented individuals with creative and critical thinking. Students from different academic backgrounds will receive AI training and explore the application of AI to research and to real-world problem-solving from the perspective of their respective disciplines. I encourage the members of this inaugural cohort to carry forward Prof Ting's commitment to scientific exploration, stay curious, have the courage to innovate, and translate their knowledge into practical solutions that address societal challenges."
Nobel Laureate in Physics Prof Samuel C.C. Ting, who is currently overseas, thanked President Qin for the invitation in a video address, and delivered his first lecture to the students. Sharing his years of experience in ground-based and space research experiments, Prof Ting recalled his involvement in a major US particle accelerator project that was eventually terminated due to management problems, prompting him to reconsider his future research direction. He then decided to take on a field in which he had "zero experience", one that many people at the time considered impossible, and ventured into space research.
Prof Ting noted that neither he nor any of his collaborators had ever done anything in space, and that they had no relevant experience at the time. Starting from zero, the team worked on how to send a large scientific detector into space, eventually succeeding in sending the detector to the International Space Station to collect and analyse cosmic rays over an extended period. The experiment, known as the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS), subsequently became a long-term space research programme.
Prof Ting shared that while the detector was operating in space, the team had no Christmas, no New Year, and no holidays, as the experiment had to continue without interruption. Researchers monitored the experiment 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year.
Prof Ting also explained why basic research that may appear to have no direct connection with everyday life is equally important. Citing the development of science as an example, he said that research into classical mechanics, thermodynamics, and optics in the 1900s is now used in microwave technology, aerospace, and optical instruments. Research into atoms in the 1930s later contributed to the development of computers, AI, superconductors, semiconductors, and lasers. Research into atomic nuclei in the 1940s is now applied to nuclear reactors. "Only later, when uses develop and the public becomes familiar with the new phenomena, does the value of basic research become understood."
Regarding how scientific research leads to new discoveries, Prof Ting said, "When an experiment agrees with theory, what you learn is limited. Only when experiments contradict theory do you learn something new. Theory, however elegant, cannot replace experimental results. Scientific research must be verified through experimentation to discover new knowledge."
Prof Wang Yifang, who attended the inauguration ceremony in person, said, "The development of particle physics is closely associated with the name of Prof Samuel C.C. Ting. Over the past 20 years, through the AMS experiment on the International Space Station, Prof Ting has revolutionised the field of cosmic-ray research and made important contributions to the development of particle physics in China. I believe Prof Ting's story and his point of view about scientific research are very inspiring for young people."
Dawit Kidu Hailezgi, a CCT Class undergraduate from Ethiopia studying Health and Social Services Management, said, "I come from Ethiopia and always wished to gain better knowledge and skills in order to improve life in my home country. The Hong Kong SAR is a global hub for research and collaboration, and Lingnan University offers a Health and Social Services Management programme that combines healthcare and AI. Together with the scholarship, internship, and international exchange opportunities, Lingnan is the perfect fit for me. In the CCT Class, I am especially looking forward to researching the use of AI tools in medical imaging to help diagnose diseases at an early stage. Through exclusive AI training provided by multinationals and opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research, I hope to develop practical and feasible solutions to narrow the healthcare disparities faced by low-income countries."
Jia Xinyan, a Chinese Mainland undergraduate studying Data Science, hopes to use AI to address practical challenges in healthcare and smart cities. She said, "What attracts me most about studying in the Hong Kong SAR is its two unique advantages. The city is an international hub for finance, technology and higher education, giving students access to world-class research, companies, and talent. At the same time, the Hong Kong SAR is closely connected with the Chinese Mainland and shares a similar culture with efficient transport, so I never feel completely cut off from home. I chose Lingnan because of its small-class teaching and the close relationships between students and the faculty. The CCT Class also provides state-of-the-art AI courses and training from leading multinationals. I intend to build a strong foundation in data science here, and explore how AI can address real-world challenges in healthcare and smart cities."
Subats Nepal, an undergraduate from Nepal studying Economics, hopes to research the barriers faced by developing countries. He said, "I come from Nepal, one of the world's less developed countries. What I look forward to most at Lingnan is conducting research to identify the bottlenecks that have been holding back the potential of countries like mine. I also hope to investigate and establish practical, realistic solutions to overcome these barriers. By drawing on successful development experiences from around the world and adapting strategies to the specific needs of different local communities, I would like to contribute to sustained prosperity."
Prof Raymond Chan Hon-fu, Vice-President (Academics) cum Provost and Lam Man Tsan Chair Professor of Scientific Computing, and Chair of the CCT Task Force, said in his closing speech, "The CCT Class is an elite, cross-disciplinary enrichment pathway alongside our students' degree programmes. Prof Ting and Prof Wang reminded us that true learning extends beyond the classroom. It is a lifelong commitment to discovery. Prof Ting has been a role model, devoting his life to asking bold questions that reshape our understanding of the universe. I encourage you to carry these lessons forward. Seize every opportunity, and make the most of the extraordinary mentorship."
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Fourteen Lingnan students from around the world join inaugural Samuel C.C. Ting Elite Class Nobel Laureate shares insights on 'starting from zero' in new research
HONG KONG, Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Yum China Holdings, Inc. (the "Company" or "Yum China") (NYSE: YUMC and HKEX: 9987) today announced the recent opening of Lavazza's fifth store in Hong Kong. Since opening its first store in Central last November, Lavazza has expanded to five stores in Hong Kong in less than a year and plans to double its presence to around 10 stores in the coming months.
Allegra Armitano, Chief Marketing Officer of the Lavazza-Yum China joint venture, said: "Hong Kong is a mature and dynamic coffee market where consumers place a high value on quality, flavor, and brand experience — all of which are central to Lavazza's identity as an iconic Italian coffee brand founded in Turin in 1895. Since opening our first store in Hong Kong, we've been encouraged by the market response. We are excited to introduce our signature Buffalo Milk Latte to Hong Kong and look forward to broadening our offerings for local coffee lovers."
Lavazza's five Hong Kong stores are located primarily in premium office towers and shopping destinations in Central and Causeway Bay. Designed with elegant Italian-inspired interiors, the stores are intended to offer Hong Kong consumers a high-quality coffee experience that fits naturally into the rhythm of urban life.
Among them, the fifth Hong Kong store at Cheung Kong Center II features a Lavazza Carmencita moka pot installation. Designed for Lavazza in 1979 by renowned Italian designer Marco Zanuso, the Carmencita is distinguished by its iconic conical shape and heat-resistant handle. Over the years, it has remained one of Lavazza's most recognizable design symbols.
Introducing Buffalo Milk Latte in Hong Kong
Lavazza has introduced its signature Buffalo Milk Latte across all Hong Kong locations, becoming the first chain coffee brand in Hong Kong to offer buffalo milk drinks. As one of the brand's best-selling beverages in Mainland China — with 2025 sales exceeding 1.2 million cups — the drink brings a distinctive new offering to Hong Kong's coffee market with its naturally sweet, full-bodied flavor and added nutritional appeal.
The Buffalo Milk Latte is made with natural buffalo milk. Compared with regular milk, buffalo milk offers a richer dairy aroma and a naturally sweet, ice cream-like smoothness — without the need for added sugar. Blended with espresso crafted from Lavazza's premium coffee beans, it delivers a rich, velvety mouthfeel that highlights the beans' distinctive flavor notes.
The Buffalo Milk Latte will be available both hot and iced, offering customers a choice between a chilled, refreshing drink and a warm, comforting cup.
Set to Debut Liquid Tiramisu
In addition to the Buffalo Milk Latte, Lavazza's Hong Kong stores offer a wide range of freshly prepared beverages, from classics such as Espresso and Cappuccino to innovative creations like the Sicilian Pistachio Oat Milk Latte, Apple Juice Americano and Orange Juice Americano, all available with a selection of Lavazza premium coffee beans. Desserts, sandwiches and baked goods are also offered.
In the coming months, Lavazza will launch two beverages. One is the Bicerin series, making a comeback this year after first appearing last Christmas season. A traditional hot drink from Turin, Italy, it is made with layers of espresso, cocoa, and cream for a rich and indulgent flavor. The other is Lavazza's much-loved Liquid Tiramisu, which will debut in its Hong Kong stores and bring the signature flavors of the classic Italian dessert into a drink with a creamy texture and rich, layered flavor. As the business continues to grow, Lavazza plans to further expand its Hong Kong menu to cater to a broader range of tastes.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements relating to future strategies, growth, business plans, restaurant expansion plans and operating profit targets, the expected benefits and impact of the acquisition of ownership of the Pizza Hut brand in Mainland China from Yum! Brands, Inc. (the "Transaction") and related financing (including plans for long-term financing), including expected license-fee savings, expected margin benefits, expected EPS accretion, and potential long-term value creation. We intend all forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and by the use of forward-looking words such as "expect," "expectation," "believe," "anticipate," "may," "could," "intend," "belief," "plan," "estimate," "target," "predict," "project," "likely," "will," "continue," "should," "forecast," "outlook," "commit" or similar terminology. These statements are based on current estimates and assumptions made by us in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that we believe are appropriate and reasonable under the circumstances, but there can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's future strategies, growth, business plans, restaurant expansion plans, operating profit targets, the expected benefits and impact of the Transaction and related financing (including plans for long-term financing), including expected license-fee savings, expected margin benefits, expected EPS accretion, and potential long-term value creation. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance and are inherently subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and could cause our actual results or events to differ materially from those indicated by those statements. We cannot assure you that any of our expectations, estimates or assumptions will be achieved. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are only made as of the date of this press release, and we disclaim any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as required by law. Numerous factors could cause our actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, among others, risks related to the ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the Transaction, including the risk that the transition of brand ownership disrupts operations; risks related to the availability, terms and cost of long-term debt financing to refinance the bridge loan, including interest rate and currency exchange fluctuations; transaction costs, tax and accounting treatment, changes in consumer demand or competitive conditions, failure to achieve anticipated license-fee savings, margin benefits, or EPS accretion; risks related to the ability to open new restaurants at the anticipated pace and achieve targeted payback periods; and risks that the Transaction may not result in the anticipated long-term value creation. In addition, other risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial could affect the accuracy of any such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements should be evaluated with the understanding of their inherent uncertainty. You should consult our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (including the information set forth under the captions "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q) for additional detail about factors that could affect our financial and other results.
About Yum China Holdings, Inc.
Yum China is the largest restaurant company in China with a mission to make every life taste beautiful. The Company operates over 19,000 restaurants under six brands across over 2,700 cities in China. KFC and Pizza Hut are the leading brands in the quick-service and casual dining restaurant spaces in China, respectively. The Pizza Hut brand in Mainland China is owned by Yum China. In addition, Yum China has partnered with Lavazza to develop the Lavazza coffee concept in China. Little Sheep and Huang Ji Huang specialize in Chinese cuisine. Taco Bell offers innovative Mexican-inspired food. Yum China has a world-class, digitalized supply chain, which includes an extensive network of logistics centers nationwide and an in-house supply chain management system. Its strong digital capabilities and loyalty program enable the Company to reach customers faster and serve them better. Yum China is a Fortune 500 company with the vision to be the world's most innovative pioneer in the restaurant industry. For more information, please visit https://ir.yumchina.com/.
Contacts
Investor Relations Contact:
Tel: +86 21 2407 7556
IR@YumChina.com
Media Contact:
Tel: +86 21 2407 3824
Media@YumChina.com
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Lavazza Expands to Five Stores in Hong Kong and Launches Signature Buffalo Milk Latte
