Lingnan University Gala Dinner raises over HK$3 million to advance human-centred AI research
Guests officiated at the kick-off ceremony. (From left: Ms Jessie Law, Mr Mason Wu, Mr Augustine Lui, Dr Patrick Wong, the Honourable Andrew Yao, Dr the Honourable Starry Lee, Dr Roy Chung, President S. Joe Qin, Mr B K Leung, Mr Huang Liwei and Mr Ernest Chan)
Dr the Honourable Starry Lee, President of the Legislative Council, delivers the opening address.
The Honourable Andrew Yao gives his welcoming remarks and expresses sincere gratitude to supporters.
President S. Joe Qin reports on the University’s recent successes.
Prof William Hayward talks about the Lingnan University Cognitive Science Research Centre.
Prof Jonathan Fong describes pioneering wildlife forensic techniques to protect endangered turtle species.
Guests pose for a group photo along with Council members, leading scholars, and senior management.
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 to support 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 support 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.
The Dinner also showcased two initiatives promoting the integration of arts and sciences. Prof William Hayward, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, introduced the newly established Lingnan University Cognitive Science Research Centre, bringing together leading scholars in psychology, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence. The Centre will undertake a range of interdisciplinary and human-centred research projects, including using electroencephalography (EEG) to analyse children’s reading abilities to more accurately identify potential dyslexia, and investigating the neural mechanisms underlying risk decision-making under social influence. These research outcomes will be translated into practical applications to address the complex challenges of the digital era.
In addition, Prof Jonathan Fong, Associate Professor of the Division of Science, demonstrated advanced wildlife forensic techniques aimed at protecting endangered turtle species in Hong Kong SAR. The research plays a vital role in safeguarding local biodiversity and further exemplifies the University’s research capabilities in addressing social and environmental challenges.
The evening concluded with a captivating guzheng ensemble and street dance performances by Lingnan’s talented students, blending the essence of Eastern and Western cultures and highlighting the University’s creativity and youthful energy.
