Lingnan University describes its transformation into the digital era at the 300-guest Gala Dinner

12/12/2024

On 12 December, Lingnan University hosted its biennial fundraising event, Kingrich Charitable Foundation presents: Lingnan University Gala Dinner 2024 for over 300 welcome guests. This year the theme was Lingnan’s Transformation into the Digital Era. 

The dinner was officiated by our Guest of Honour, the Honourable Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration; Mr Andrew Yao Cho-fai, Chairman of the Council, Lingnan University; Dr Winnie Ko Pui-shuen, Chairman of the Kingrich Charitable Foundation; Dr Patrick Wong Chi-kwong, Chairman of the Court, Lingnan University; Prof S. Joe Qin, President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science, Lingnan University; Mr Augustine Lui Ngok-che, Chairman of the Lingnan Education Organization; Dr Sissi Lei, representative of Wingspan Education Alliance; Mr Mason Wu, Chairman of the Institutional Advancement Committee, Lingnan University; and Prof Raymond Chan Hon-fu, Vice-President (Academics) cum Provost, Lingnan University.

This year, the Gala Dinner introduced Lingnan University’s new epoch – embracing the digital era and transforming itself into a comprehensive university in the arts and sciences with impactful research and innovations. The event raised money for its University Research Fund, which supports Lingnan in important research projects, global talent recruitment, and preparing students for academic innovation and excellence. 

In his opening address, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing said, “I am excited to learn that Lingnan University - hitherto renowned for its outstanding liberal arts programme - is actively incorporating digital innovations into its education. This echoes the Government's dedication to integrating technology into the educational framework, to enhance teaching and learning experiences across all levels of education.” Mr Cheuk also expressed his confidence that Lingnan University, navigated by President Qin, will continue to sail through this wave of digital revolution, and he looks forward to seeing Lingnan University in bringing more breakthroughs through impactful innovations and research in the years to come. 

Mr Andrew Yao welcomed the guests and talked about what Lingnan is doing, saying “As a vital hub for knowledge and education, Lingnan actively leverages our unique strengths and connects with Mainland China and beyond. Over the past year, Lingnan has embarked on a remarkable transformative journey, embracing the digital age,” and he also pointed out Lingnan’s ongoing progress in academic excellence, adding “we have set up the Lingnan University Institute for Advanced Study (LUIAS) and the School of Data Science, enhancing our academic excellence and research capabilities and marking an important milestone in integrating the digital future into higher education. Over the past year, Lingnan has attracted many exceptional talents, with 29 Lingnan scholars listed among Stanford University’s 2024 World’s Top 2% Scientists, setting a new record.”

Since the appointment of three Vice-Presidents, the Dean of the School of Data Science and the Dean of the School of Interdisciplinary Studies this year, Lingnan is poised to put together its strongest leadership team to advance academic excellence and assist President Qin in guiding the university. These officials will be responsible for conducting academic research, improving the teaching and learning experience, and encouraging community service. Lingnan recently conferred honorary degrees on renowned mathematician Prof Yau Shing-tung and distinguished structural biologist Prof Nieng Yan in recognition of their outstanding professional achievements and valuable contributions to society, reflecting the university's commitment to innovation.

At the ceremony, President Qin expressed his profound gratitude for the enthusiastic support of all sectors of society, whose generous contributions have greatly increased the university’s research capabilities and community engagement initiatives. Since assuming the presidency of Lingnan last year, President Qin has focused on four key areas: uniting the arts and sciences, blending traditional and digital approaches, combining Lingnan’s rich history with a forward-looking education framework, and setting up links with Mainland China and the global community.

President Qin said “Through its global collaborations, Lingnan is dedicated to carrying out scientific research, developing new quality productive forces, establishing new research and development institutions, and accelerating the commercialisation of technological achievements.”  He emphasised that the university will work with partners to cultivate a new generation of original talents, injecting fresh impetus into future socio-economic development.

Original research initiatives were presented by Prof Paulina Wong Pui-yun, Head of the Science Unit at Lingnan University, and Prof Zhao Xiaofeng, Associate Professor of the Department of Finance at Lingnan University, who spoke on “GeoAI for Smart Cities: Revolutionising Urban Mosquito-Borne Disease Control” and “Nowcasting Firms' Operating Activities from Satellite Data on Thermal Infrared Radiation” respectively. Lingnan’s research projects illustrate a true commitment to addressing real-world challenges through sustainable solutions. 

A special sale was held for charity during the dinner, where guests purchased over 600 PureAura mini air purifiers, Lingnan’s humanitarian technology invention. This award-winning device was designed and developed by the Lingnan Entrepreneurship Initiative, in order to improve air quality in densely populated areas. All these PureAura purifiers will be donated to the residents of a transitional housing project run by a local NGO to improve living conditions. This initiative underscores Lingnan's adherence to social responsibility and modernisation, embodying the university’s motto of “Education for Service”. 

Dazzling live performances included a piece of music conducted by members of Lingnan’s social impact project “Link Sound Sinfonia”, demonstrating the inclusive power of music, and a lively Latin dance performed by Lingnan alumna, “Under the Same Roof, Different Dreams”.  

Lingan University thanked the dinner’s major sponsors, the Kingrich Charitable Foundation, Lingnan Education Organization, the Wingspan Education Alliance, Dr Stephen Suen, and "嶺翰之友".

Title Sponsor

Kingrich Charitable Foundation

Diamond Sponsors

Lingnan Education Organization

Wingspan Education Alliance

Gold Sponsors

Dr Stephen Suen

嶺翰之友

Table Sponsors

Mr Armstrong Lee

Ben Wong Chung-Mat, Wong's International Holdings Company Limited

Faculty of Business, Lingnan University

Geometry Capital

Hing Tai Hong International Ltd

Lee, Marina Man Wai

Lingnan Club

Lingnan University Alumni Association (Hong Kong)

Lingnan University DBA Alumni Association

Lingnan University DBA Class of 2024

Love Foundation

Dr Wong Chi Kwong Patrick

Wong Hoo Chuen Charitable Foundation

Ms Xu Yuying

Individual Sponsors

Dr Andrew Miu

Ms Bikie Wong
Ms Carrie Leung, MH

Prof Cui Chengsen
Mr Harry Wong Yuet Yeung

Mr Nicholas Brooke

The Better Hong Kong Foundation 
Ms Wong Yeung Fong Fonia

Cash Donations

Anna Pao Sohmen Foundation 
AR Charitable Foundation Limited
Mr Augustine Lui

Mr Barry Law

Mr Chan Chi Man Ernest

Dr Kao Sophia

Ms Leung Jacqueline Alee

Office of the Faculty of Arts, Lingnan University

Prof Raymond Chan

Prof S. Joe Qin

Mrs Sophie Leung

The S.H. Ho Foundation Limited

Prof Xin Yao

Anonymous Donation 

Special Charity Sale of PureAura:
 

Jade Supporters

Mr Andrew Yao
Mr Barry Law

Mr Eliott Suen

Dr Stephen Suen

Ms Wong Yeung Fong Fonia

Mr. YC Cheng and Ms. Clara Chan

Pearl Supporters

Mrs Angel Mak Daley

College Cevenol

Mr Foster Yim & Ms Dorothy Tong

Hing Tai Hong International Ltd

Ivan WONG, JP

Ms Katherine Cheung

Ms NG Wai-ming, Irene

Prof William Hayward

Mr Yeung Chi Wai, Edwin

Coral Supporter

Mr Wong Hung Chiu Raymond

Amber Supporters

Dr Cho Hee Chuen

Mr Ng Leung Sing

Anonymous Donation

General Supporter

Prof Michael Wong

(In alphabetical order)

Please click here for more photos of the event.