13 March 2023

The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK) held its Third Honorary Doctorate Conferment cum 43rd Founding Anniversary Celebration Ceremony on campus today (13 March), bestowing honorary doctoral degrees on four outstanding individuals who have remarkable accomplishments in their professional fields, have made major contributions to society, and have active connections with the University. The Ceremony was officiated by Ms Diana Cesar, Chairman of the HSUHK Board of Governors, and Dr the Hon Moses Cheng Mo-chi, Chairman of the HSUHK Council.

The four honoured recipients are: public administration scholar Professor Christopher Hood (Doctor of Social Science honoris causa), architect and business leader Mr Alexander Law Sau-wang (Doctor of Humanities honoris causa), Chairman of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, Mr Peter Wong Tung-shun (Doctor of Laws honoris causa), and former Chief Executive of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, Mr Francis Yuen Tin-fan (Doctor of Social Science honoris causa).

In his opening address, Professor Simon Ho, President of HSUHK, praised the four Honorary Doctorate recipients’ keen support to higher education, “Their inspirational stories and remarkable achievements motivate our students to follow their own passions and pursue their goals to the best of their abilities. This year’s four recipients have served as exemplary role models for our young people. I sincerely hope that they will continue to maintain strong ties with HSUHK and support us in the years to come.  Building on our legacy and strength, and together with our stakeholders’ staunch support, I am confident that HSUHK will realise its vision to become a leading private liberal-arts-oriented university in the region.”

Mr Francis Yuen spoke on behalf of the four Honorary Doctorate recipients. He aptly noted that since COVID-19, emerging technologies have brought changes to the world, “Just as the world has begun resuming normality, there has been a quantum leap of activity in the Metaverse and in AI, with profound implications. These technologies will impact how we collect and disseminate information. However, no matter how many powerful technological tools are developed, the basic principles and purposes of education will remain unchanged: to teach students with care, nurture their critical thinking, nurture creative minds, and inculcate moral values and social responsibility.” Mr Yuen hopes that more and more charitable organisations, distinguished alumni, the future employers of students, and the wider community will continue to give their support to HSUHK’s development.

At the 43rd Founding Anniversary Celebration Ceremony held right after the conferment of honorary doctorates, Ms Diana Cesar, Chairman of the Board of Governors, extended her heartfelt gratitude to the Governors, the Council, the University management and faculty, staff, students and their families, as well as the Government, donors, alumni and friends of HSUHK who offer contribution, commitment and support to the University. She also made known that to support the University staff and students’ development in the Greater Bay Area, HSUHK kickstarted two new Mainland Centres in Qianhai and Nansha. As laid out in the University’s 2023 to 2028 Strategic Plan, these Centres will serve to drive sustainable growth through education in the Greater Bay Area (GBA).

Dr Moses Cheng, Chairman of the Council, shared his thoughts on the importance of internationalisation for students as they encounter new challenges that come with increasing globalisation. “HSUHK is proactively building strategic partnerships with some of the most renowned universities in the world, and is providing financial sponsorships to our students for study abroad programmes at prestigious institutions. I am grateful to our faculty members and staff for helping students fully realise their potential, and preparing them to stand up to new challenges.” In this post-pandemic era, and at a time where talent is highly sought after in Hong Kong and globally, Dr Cheng expressed his full confidence that HSUHK graduates will not only stand out among the workforce and their peers across different industries, but will also bring innovation, insight and thought to their roles for the betterment of society at large.

For the citations of the four Honorary Doctorate recipients and relevant information of the Ceremony, please click here.

Click here for the remarks by President Simon Ho.

Click here for the address by Mr Francis Yuen.