Lingnan University Gala Dinner raises over HK$3 million to advance human-centred AI research

18/03/2026

Lingnan University proudly hosted its signature fundraising event, the Bright Future Charitable Foundation presents: Lingnan University Gala Dinner, held on 18 March, and raised over HK$3 million. All proceeds will be used to enhance the University’s research facilities, supporting infrastructure, and cutting-edge research projects.

The theme was “Elevate to Innovate: Scaling New Heights for Sustainable Impact”, and the dinner brought together nearly 400 distinguished Lingnan alumni, staff, students, and friends from different sectors of society, to contribute to the University’s sustainable development in teaching and research.

The Guest of Honour was Dr the Honourable Starry Lee Wai-king, GBS, JP, President of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), and other distinguished guests included the Honourable Andrew Yao Cho-fai, BBS, JP, Chairman of the Council of Lingnan University; Dr Patrick Wong Chi-kwong, Chairman of the Court; Prof S. Joe Qin, President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science; Mr Mason Wu, Chairman of the Institutional Advancement Committee; Title sponsor, Dr Roy Chung Chi-ping, GBS, JP, Founder and Chairman of the Bright Future Charitable Foundation; and other sponsors, Mr B K Leung, Chief Executive Officer of BC Reinsurance Limited; Mr Huang Liwei, Director of the Hong Kong New Emerging Technology Education Charity Foundation; Mr Augustine Lui Ngok-che, Chairman of the Lingnan Education Organization; Mr Ernest Chan Chi-man, Vice-President (Administration); and Ms Jessie Law Lai-chi, Director of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Affairs.

In her opening address, Dr the Honourable Starry Lee said, “Lingnan University is distinguished for its commitment to liberal arts education, which prioritises holistic development and social service. In recent years, we have witnessed Lingnan's active expansion in research, seamlessly blending humanistic perspectives with technological innovation to offer students interdisciplinary and cross-sector learning experiences.” Dr Lee further emphasised that the theme of the Dinner is remarkably forward-looking. She noted that in the future, the key to success will be the ability to transform knowledge into meaningful contributions and to give back to society creatively. She remarked, "Lingnan University embraces a student-centred and socially-conscious approach, actively fostering interdisciplinary education and promoting research in sustainable development. The University connects academic knowledge with community needs, utilising technology and sustainability to improve lives."

In his welcoming remarks, the Honourable Andrew Yao, Chairman of the Lingnan University Council, expressed his sincere gratitude to all the University’s supporters whose contributions have propelled Lingnan forward. He said “Funds raised from the Gala Dinner will be directly invested in various development initiatives, including focusing on students’ talents in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics). Using its unique geographical advantage adjacent to the Northern Metropolis, the University is actively collaborating with industry, academia, and research institutions across the Greater Bay Area to accelerate the purpose and application of innovative research outcomes, further consolidating Lingnan’s position as a leading liberal arts research university integrating arts and sciences in the digital era. At the same time, we nurture interdisciplinary talents, and equip them with both strong humanistic values and advanced technological expertise, contributing to the development of the nation and the Hong Kong SAR.”

In his speech, President Qin shared Lingnan’s series of groundbreaking “firsts” and expressed his special gratitude to Nobel Laureate in Physics Prof Samuel C.C. Ting for his support of the University. He said, “The ‘Samuel C.C. Ting Elite Class’, to be launched in the 2026/27 academic year, will provide top students with full scholarships, accommodation, and AI training. This elite education programme is personally endorsed by Prof Ting. Even more encouraging is that Lingnan ranked No. 1 in the world for ‘Quality Education’ in the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, achieved the highest growth rate in project funding from the Research Grants Council, and recorded the largest increases in JUPAS Band A applications for three consecutive years among Hong Kong SAR’s eight publicly funded universities, demonstrating the University’s strong teaching and research capabilities as well as its growing appeal to prospective students in the digital era.”

The dinner also showcased two flagship initiatives promoting the integration of the arts and sciences. Prof William Hayward, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Chair Professor of Psychology, described the newly established Lingnan University Cognitive Science Research Centre, which assembles leading scholars in psychology, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence. It will carry out interdisciplinary and human-centred research projects, including using electroencephalography (EEG) to analyse children’s reading abilities and identify potential dyslexia more accurately, and investigating the neural mechanisms underlying risk decision-making under social influence. The outcomes will be translated into practical applications to address the complex challenges of the digital era.

Prof Jonathan Fong, Associate Dean (Administration and Education) of the Wu Jieh Yee School of Interdisciplinary Studies and Associate Professor of the Division of Science, talked about advanced wildlife forensic techniques aimed at protecting endangered turtle species in the Hong Kong SAR. This research plays a vital role in safeguarding local biodiversity and exemplifies the University’s research capabilities in addressing social and environmental challenges.

The evening ended with music from a superb guzheng ensemble and sparkling street dance performances by some of Lingnan’s most talented students, who blended the essence of Eastern and Western cultures, highlighting the University’s creativity and youthful energy.

Title Sponsor

Bright Future Charitable Foundation

Diamond Sponsors

BC Reinsurance Limited

Hong Kong New Emerging Technology Education Charity Foundation

Lingnan Education Organization

Gold Sponsor

Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui

Jade Sponsors

Lingnan University Alumni Association (Hong Kong)

Mr Michael Mok, MH

Dr Stephen Suen

Wofoo Foundation Limited

Table Patrons

1957 & Co. (Hospitality) Limited

Department of Psychology, Lingnan University

Faculty of Business, Lingnan University

Fubon Bank (Hong Kong)

Mr Law Lam Wai Barry

Ms Jacqueline Alee Leung, JP, and Mr Lu Hing Yiu Bryant, JP

Lingnan Club

Lingnan University DBA 2025 Cohort

Love Foundation

Mr Quincy Lui, B.B.S, MSt.J

Memorigin Watch Company Limited

Mr Peter Mok

Ms Ng Wai Ming Irene

Taught Postgraduate Programmes Office, Faculty of Business

The S.H. Ho Foundation Limited

Dr Wong Chi Kwong Patrick

Mr Harry Wong Yuet Yeung

Mr Shunhui Yu

Anonymous

Individual Patrons

Accro Capital Limited

Mr Shantou Ding

Dr Bob Guo

HK Zhizhen Tang Biological Medicine Co., Limited

Prof Albert Ip

Prof Lau Chi Pang

Mr Li Tao

Mr Li Wei

Dr Jiguang Liu

Dr Liu Xin

Prof S. Joe Qin

Dr Song Jie

Ms Bertha Wang

Ms Wang Guozhen

Ms Yilia Xu

Dr Zhang Xin

Cash Donation

Mr Chan Chi Man Ernest

Dr Sophia Kao, GBS, JP

Mr Ben Wong Chung-Mat

Prof Xin Yao

Mr Yuen Kwong Ming Roger

(in alphabetical order)