26 September 2024
Mr Chairman, Honorary University Fellows, distinguished guests, colleagues,
Welcome to the Honorary University Fellowship Conferment Ceremony. Today, we gather here to honour six remarkable individuals, who have excelled in their respective fields and enriched the community with their unique and generous contribution.
On behalf of the University, I would like to extend my congratulations to our distinguished Honorary University Fellows: Dr Terence Chan Ho-wah, Ms Winsome Chow, Mr David Fong Man-hung, Mr Lau Pak-shing, Dr Susie Lum Shun-sui, and Mrs Virginia Yim Tsui Yuk-shan.
As you have read from the citations, our Honorary University Fellows come from diverse backgrounds. We have visionary entrepreneurs and business leaders, dedicated arts administrators and healthcare professionals, and compassionate philanthropists. They command our respect, not only for their exceptional accomplishments, but also for their integrity, humility, and desire to give back to society.
Success does not happen overnight. Each of our Honorary University Fellows can tell you the challenges, unexpected obstacles and emotional highs and lows they have gone through to arrive at where they are today. Much like the athletes of the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, our Honorary University Fellows were committed to preparing themselves, persevering and making steady progress over the years, until they reached their goals. What sets them apart as esteemed leaders is their benevolence and deep sense of mission to uplift others, especially the younger generation.
The Honorary University Fellows of HKBU exemplify the University’s mission through their distinguished contributions to society. Their marvellous achievements across diverse fields demonstrate a synergy of expertise and innovation, embodying HKBU’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and nurturing well-rounded individuals capable of addressing complex global challenges through a multi-faceted and transdisciplinary approach.
The world is experiencing a dynamic transformation, driven by technological advancements. Our role as educators is to help the next generation embrace this challenge and prepare well for this new reality. Our Honorary University Fellows have shown us, through their values and exemplary work, that it is possible to achieve greatness under any circumstances, as long as you have the right mindset and skills. Their outstanding achievements and generosity have created a ripple effect in society, resulting in sustainable and positive change in Hong Kong and beyond. We all stand to learn from their dedication and expertise.
This year, 2024, marks the 30th anniversary of HKBU gaining university status. Over the past three decades, HKBU has grown from strength to strength, fostering academic and research excellence, innovation and a strong sense of community. As we honour the contributions of our Honorary University Fellows today, let us also reflect on our journey and show our gratitude towards the dedication and support offered by the HKBU community. We all look forward to a future filled with exciting advancements and continued success for the University.
Once again, congratulations to our Honorary University Fellows and welcome to the HKBU community! Thank you for being a friend and partner of HKBU, and a beacon of inspiration for society. Together, we will make a meaningful difference and be a positive force for Hong Kong, our nation and the world. Let's show our appreciation for our new Honorary University Fellows with a big round of applause!
Thank you.