[Alumni Story] Archbishop Emeritus Paul Kwong
Unwavering dedication: The Most Reverend Dr Paul Kwong 's exemplification of the Lingnan spirit
The Most Reverend Dr Paul Kwong, Archbishop Emeritus of Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui (HKSKH) and a distinguished graduate of Lingnan College's English department, currently serves as a member of the Council and Court of Lingnan University. In our interview, The Most Revd Dr Paul Kwong graciously shared his profound bond with Lingnan, a connection that has deepened over the years. Dr Kwong is a fourth-generation Anglican, with many of his pastors, elders, and even his godparents being alumni of Lingnan University in Guangzhou. Additionally, the former Bishop Gilbert Baker also taught at Lingnan, further solidifying this deep-rooted connection.
This enduring relationship with his alma mater is evident in Dr Kwong's understanding and appreciation of the Lingnan spirit. Throughout his remarkable journey, Dr Kwong has remained ever humble and grateful. He retired on 1 January 2021, from his esteemed roles as Archbishop and Primate of HKSKH, Bishop of the Diocese of Hong Kong Island, and Bishop of the Missionary Area of Macau. Despite stepping down from these prominent positions, his commitment to public service remains unwavering. His dedication and professional integrity continue to serve as a shining example and inspiration for all Lingnanians.
Interesting activity-based teaching establishes a solid foundation in English
The Most Revd Dr Paul Kwong fondly reminisces about his time at Lingnan. Initially, he had average public exam scores and was not admitted to university. However, by a stroke of luck, he attended an open day at Lingnan College. During this visit, he was impressed by the introduction given by Dr Catherine King, the Chairman of the Division of English, and decided to enrol at the College.
At the time of his enrolment, the Edward Hall at Lingnan College's original campus, facing Stubbs Road, had just been built. Although the main building was small, it was fully equipped, even featuring a cafeteria. He recalls that there was only one class of students in the English department, but they came from different countries and got along well together. The programme focused on British literature, with Dr Catherine King specialising in medieval English literature. The curriculum was diverse, covering various aspects of British literature such as novels, poetry, and history, providing a comprehensive education.
Dr Kwong’s learning experience at Lingnan laid a solid foundation for his future development. Besides the professors, he especially appreciates President Raymond Huang. “ President Huang showed great care for the students. As a musician, he introduced a unique violin teaching method that made learning English pronunciation engaging and enjoyable. To this day, my pronunciation of endings like T, D, TH, and F remains clear. I am very grateful for his guidance.”
Exciting extracurricular activities and close teacher-student relationships
During his days at Lingnan, teachers and students shared close relationships and often regarded each other as friends. Dr Catherine King frequently invited students to her home for afternoon tea discussions on literature. Her husband, Prof Frank H.H. King, a well-known economic and monetary history scholar, and founding director of the University of Hong Kong's Centre of Asian Studies, always enjoyed having young guests at their home. They lived in an English-style building on The University of Hong Kong campus. Dr Catherine King personally baked treats like brownies to entertain students, fostering relaxed literary conversations.
The close teacher-student relationships, along with the engaging teaching styles, are what Dr Kwong fondly recalls. They ventured out of the classroom to enjoy classical music concerts or have history lessons during picnics on the Peak. He remembers another English teacher, Professor Lee Winters from the U.S., who often invited students to his home, where many enjoyed playing mahjong together. Other teachers organised tennis matches and trips to watch classic works, such as the dramatic pieces of William Shakespeare. Even though he did not have access to computers and phones during that time, the diverse range of activities enriched his school life at Lingnan.
After graduation, he pursued advanced studies and obtained a master's degree in theology from the Church Divinity School of the Pacific in the US in 1982. Later, in 2008, he achieved his Doctorate in Philosophy from the University of Birmingham in the UK. He attributes his success in completing these international postgraduate programmes to the strong English foundation he gained at Lingnan.
Serving as archbishop: promoting religious development worldwide
In February 2007, The Most Revd Dr Paul Kwong was elected as the second Archbishop of the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui. Over the years, he has devoted himself to tirelessly promoting the development of religious activities in Hong Kong, mainland China, and around the world. "I oversee and develop over fifty churches in Hong Kong and Macau, manage more than eighty pastors, and care for tens of thousands of church members. My main duties involve pastoral care, nurturing, and educating church members. We work with different denominations like the Catholic Church, Baptist Church, also maintain connections with other religions such as Buddhism, Taoism and Islam. The Anglican Church has over eighty million followers globally, with branches in over one hundred and sixty countries. Therefore, I regularly connect with Anglican churches worldwide and travel for meetings." He emphasises the importance of fostering connections between Anglican churches worldwide, the church in Hong Kong, other religions, and Christianity in mainland China.
He is thankful to God for his life, which he sees as a precious gift. He grew up in a caring family and had a harmonious relationship with his siblings. While he didn't face many challenges in his early years, he has experienced the loss of church members and loved ones due to illness, which has been difficult for him. Looking back on his time as a pastor in Yuen Long, he encountered a family where the father had left, leaving the mother to raise five children on her own. Among them, the eldest son had meningitis and affecting the brain development; the youngest son, whom he found spirited and obedient, tragically passed away from acute hepatitis at the age of 15 during a heavy rainstorm. This loss deeply affected him, marking it as the most heartbreaking experience of his life.
As a clergyman, he has been part of various life events, from visiting children at birth, teaching them as they grew, officiating at their weddings, to supporting them through illness and death. His life becomes particularly meaningful as he shared a lifetime journey with church members.
Accolades received and enjoying deep service engagement
Since assuming the role of Archbishop, Dr Kwong has placed great importance on fostering communication between Hong Kong Anglican and churches in other areas, making significant contributions to the religious development in Hong Kong. In 2007, he was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws from Lingnan University, and in 2019, he was conferred the Gold Bauhinia Star (GBS) award by the Hong Kong SAR Government. He believes that the credit for the GBS should be attributed to every member of the church and is delighted that the government acknowledges the contributions made by churches in Hong Kong. “Over the past century of Hong Kong's development, churches, including the Anglican Church and other denominations like the Catholic Church have made significant contributions in education, social services, healthcare and more. If you investigate the history, you would discover that many societal advancements were supported by churches and charitable organisations such as Tung Wah Group of Hospitals and Po Leung Kuk.”
The Most Revd Dr Paul Kwong remains full of vitality even after retirement, he is the Principal of HKSKH Ming Hua Theological College, also serving as a member of the Council and the Court of Lingnan University, while also holding a position on the Clinical Governance Committee of Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital Medical Group (HKSHMG). Humbly, he jests that through his involvement in university governance, he can give back to his alma mater. Serving on the hospital committee has provided him with his first experience to handling patient complaints, broadening his horizons into new territories. "These fields were never touched upon during my tenure. However, after retirement, immersing myself in educational and medical-related work feels refreshing. I enjoy learning new things and meeting new people." He believes that language learning should be continuous, so he maintains the habit of reading South China Morning Post daily even retirement, showcasing his passion for life and determination for knowledge.
Honouring the Red and Grey Spirit, inspiring Lingnan alumni to fulfil responsibilities
When discussing the spirit of Lingnan, The Most Revd Dr Paul Kwong believes that its core lies in Lingnan's motto - "Education for Service" and this concept is closely related to his faith. “Each person is here to help others, not just for themselves. Education teaches us to care for society and understand our own value. It's about using what we learn to assist those in need and contribute to society. This reflects the spirit of Lingnan, which resonates with my faith. Lingnan's Christian values have greatly influenced my personal growth.” He hopes that younger Lingnanians can uphold the red and grey spirit, always remember that we have been educated, understand the value of life and never forget to do their part in serving others, society, Hong Kong, mainland China and the world.
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