25 September 2025

Presidential Address at the 20th Honorary University Fellowship Conferment Ceremony

 

Council and Court Chairman Dr the Hon Kennedy Wong, Honorary University Fellows, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Welcome to the Honorary University Fellowship Conferment Ceremony of 2025. Today, we gather to honour and celebrate the remarkable achievements of an inspiring group of individuals who have made exceptional contributions to their respective fields and the community.

On behalf of the University, I wish to congratulate our Honorary University Fellows: Professor the Hon Chan Wing-kwong, Mr Chui Wing-on, Ms Ho Yuen-kei and Ms So Ching.

Representing the fields of Chinese medicine, law, sports and architecture, our new Honorary University Fellows command our respect not only for their outstanding achievements, but also for their generous spirit and compassion to serve the community and those in need. They have excelled not only in their chosen paths but have also touched lives—mentoring young people, advancing professional standards, advocating for inclusivity, and shaping a better future for Hong Kong.

While each of our Honorary University Fellows has a unique story to tell, they all share one thing in common: an unwillingness to be defined or limited by circumstances. They refused to give up in face of challenges. With determination and courage, they rose above obstacles and went on to achieve great things in life. Their success is not solely defined by their personal accomplishments, but also by their compassion to uplift and help others succeed along their journey. Regardless of our life stages, we can all draw inspiration from their resilience and unwavering dedication to their beliefs and goals.

We are navigating a rapidly-changing landscape, driven by technological advancements beyond our imagination almost every day. As educators, we have the obligation to empower the next generation to fulfill their potential and seize opportunities amid these changes, by equipping them with the right mindset, knowledge and skills. Our Honorary University Fellows have already shown us success is possible against all odds. This steadfast pursuit of excellence and perseverance is something HKBU also holds close to heart and strives to instill in our students, staff and the community at large.

In 2026, HKBU will mark its 70th anniversary, a proud milestone made possible by the contributions and support of countless individuals who share the University’s values and vision in fostering academic and research excellence, and cultivating a caring and inclusive culture. There will be a year-long celebration which will be a time to reflect on our journey, honouring those who have shaped our history and looking boldly to the future. I am sure the visions of our new Honorary University Fellows will guide us through our course in future like what our predecessors had done in the past seven decades. Together, we will attain more remarkable achievements and make more significant contributions to society down the road, and celebrate the growing vigour of the HKBU community with a strong dedication to achieving our mission.

Congratulations once again to our Honorary University Fellows! Through our collective efforts, I have every confidence we will chart new frontiers for Hong Kong, the Nation, and the world, providing hope and inspiration for our next generations.

 

Thank you.