Lingnan University’s national flag-raising ceremony for the 29th anniversary of the HKSAR

Lingnan University held a flag-raising ceremony to celebrate the 29th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) today, 1 July.

The ceremony started at 10:30 am on campus, and was attended by Mr Kwong Man-tik, Tuen Mun District Councillor; Mr Sunny Yeung Kong, President of Tuen Mun Merchants Association Limited; The Hon Andrew Yao Cho-fai, Chairman of the Council of Lingnan University; Ms Carrie Leung Ka-lai, Treasurer of the Council; Council Members Mr Bryant Lu Hing-yiu and Prof William Shum Wai-lam; Prof S. Joe Qin, President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science at Lingnan University; Prof Raymond Chan Hon-fu, Vice-President (Academics) cum Provost and Lam Man Tsan Chair Professor of Scientific Computing; Mr Ernest Chan Chi-man, Vice-President (Administration); Prof Li Donghui, Associate Vice-President (Experiential Learning Projects), and Lingnan senior management, staff, and students.

The Hon Yao said that "Over the 29 years since the handover, Hong Kong, with the strong support of the nation, has overcome one challenge after another. Today, Hong Kong enjoys a favourable development momentum, and the National 15th Five-Year Plan has brought us unprecedented opportunities for development. With its geographical advantage of being adjacent to the Northern Metropolis, Lingnan can actively promote industry-academia-research collaboration in the Greater Bay Area, and I am full of confidence in Hong Kong's future." He cited the example of Prof Li Jia's team at Lingnan, which has supported Hong Kong's first astronaut, Dr Lai Ka-ying, and he encouraged students to keep pace with the nation's development by aligning their research projects and learning outcomes with national development strategies, thereby contributing what the nation needs and leveraging Hong Kong's strengths.

President Qin agreed that “The first of July, a date of great historical significance, gives us the opportunity to reflect on Hong Kong's journey of development, to understand our roots, and to reconsider how we can carry forward our cultural heritage amidst the changing times. While pursuing academic competitiveness, institutions of higher education must also nurture individuals who think critically and discerningly. The study of history helps the younger generation strengthen their cultural roots, enabling them to understand the transformation of this city in a complex and ever-changing environment. This strong cultural foundation allows them to drive innovation, while staying rooted in Hong Kong, and at the same time to grasp the broader picture of the nation’s future development and contribute meaningfully to our nation.”

The Lingnan University Flag Guard Team raised the national flag of the People's Republic of China alongside the flags of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Lingnan University as the national anthem was played. The ceremony marked the 29th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, and extended best wishes for the prosperity and flourishing development of the motherland and Hong Kong. The ceremony also demonstrated the patriotism of Lingnan's faculty and students, as well as their sense of mission in serving society and contributing to the nation.