Lingnan University celebrates its transformation into the digital era at the Gala Dinner 2024
On 12 December 2024, Lingnan University hosted its biennial fundraising event, Kingrich Charitable Foundation presents: Lingnan University Gala Dinner 2024 for around 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 of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government; 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.
Guests at the opening ceremony. (From left: Mr Mason Wu, Chairman of the Institutional Advancement Committee, Lingnan University; Mr Augustine Lui Ngok-che, Chairman of the Lingnan Education Organization; Dr Patrick Wong Chi-kwong, Chairman of the Court, Lingnan University; Mr Andrew Yao Cho-fai, Chairman of the Council, Lingnan University; Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration; Dr Winnie Ko Pui-shuen, Chairman of the Kingrich Charitable Foundation; Prof S. Joe Qin, President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science, Lingnan University; Dr Sissi Lei, representative of Wingspan Education Alliance; Prof Raymond Chan Hon-fu, Vice-President (Academics) cum Provost, Lingnan University)
Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, delivers the opening address.
Mr Andrew Yao explains Lingnan's plans.
President S. Joe Qin thanks everyone for their enthusiastic support.
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.
Link Sound Sinfonia’s performance.
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”.
A lively Latin dance, “Under the Same Roof, Different Dreams”.