Lingnan University Council Chairman the Hon Andrew Yao Cho-fai and Special Adviser to President on Publicity Prof the Hon Lau Chi-pang awarded Silver Bauhinia Star

The HKSAR Government has announced the 2026 Honours List and Justices of the Peace appointments. Among those honoured, the Hon Andrew Yao Cho-fai, BBS, JP, Chairman of the Council of Lingnan University, and Prof the Hon Lau Chi-pang, Special Advisor to President on Publicity cum Director of Communications and Public Affairs, have both been awarded the Silver Bauhinia Star (SBS) in recognition of their longstanding dedication to advancing education and their valuable contributions to public and community service.

The Honourable Andrew Yau Cho-fai, BBS, JP

Hon Yao, being an industrialist and one of the representatives of the Commercial Functional Constituencies of the Legislative Council, is devoted to public and social services and spares no effort in contributing to the well-being of the community over the years. He has offered sound and valuable insights to enhance the development of higher education sector in Hong Kong. Being the Chairman of the Lingnan University Council, he has significant contributions to enhancing the corporate governance and strategic development of Lingnan. Hon Yao is also dedicated to youth development work in Hong Kong by organising exchange tours to the Chinese Mainland for young people so as to strengthen their sense of national identity and broaden their horizons. Hon Yau is awarded SBS in recognition of his exemplary contributions to Hong Kong.

Hon Yao said: "On the important occasion marking the 29th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the Motherland, I am honoured to receive the Silver Bauhinia Star awarded by the HKSAR Government. This honour is not only a personal recognition, but also an affirmation of my years of public service, particularly my work in higher education and youth development. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to every member of the Lingnan community, as well as to all sectors of society for their continued trust, encouragement and companionship. As Chairman of the Council of Lingnan University, I will work in full unity with the Council, the University’s management, faculty and students to seize the development opportunities under the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan and Hong Kong’s first Five-Year Plan, and to further promote Lingnan University’s distinctive liberal arts education ethos. I look forward to working alongside all stakeholders to broaden students’ horizons, strengthen their sense of social responsibility, and nurture more capable and committed talent for society."

Prof the Honourable Lau Chi-pang, BBS, JP

Hon Lau is an outstanding historian and also the Chairman of the Panel on Education of the Legislative Council. He has dedicated himself to public service and education with exemplary achievements. With a long record of prolific publications in wide-ranging fields of historical research as well as long-standing public service including participation in numerous advisory bodies, he has applied his professional expertise in history and conservation to give back to society. Hon LAU is dedicated to promoting history and patriotic education among the youth and the public so as to strengthen their sense of national identity as well as promoting the inheritance of Chinese history and culture with remarkable contributions. Hon Lau is awarded SBS in recognition of his significant contributions to public service and education in Hong Kong.

The Hon Lau Chi-pang said, “I am deeply honoured to receive the Silver Bauhinia Star from the HKSAR Government. I have always upheld the belief of ‘learning from history, cherishing the present, and embracing the future’. I believe that history education helps young people gain insights into the lessons of history, discern cause and effect, and continue striving for progress amid change. I am sincerely grateful for the trust and support I have received over the years. This honour is a great encouragement to me and inspires me to continue contributing to education. Looking ahead, I will remain committed to cultural heritage and talent development as the focus of my work, while promoting the advancement of higher education and supporting the practical development of innovative research in academia. I also hope to nurture a new generation equipped with knowledge, critical thinking skills and sound values, and to continue making my contribution to Hong Kong’s future.”
 

For more information, please visit: 2026 Honours List and Justices of the Peace appointments