Lingnan University confers honorary doctoral degrees on six distinguished individuals.
Dr Fok Chun-wan, SBS, JP, a well-known patriotic businessman, and Dr Li Ning, an entrepreneur, each received a Doctor of Business Administration, honoris causa; The Hon Liao Cheung-kong Martin, GBM, GBS, JP, Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, received a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa; Prof Tao Tang, an academic leader, received a Doctor of Science, honoris causa; Prof Wang Anyi, one of the very best writers in the contemporary literary scene; and Mr Donnie Yen, an international action star, each received a Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa.
Dr Li Ning expressed his appreciation on behalf of all the honorary graduates, saying “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Lingnan University for bestowing these academic distinctions upon us, and would also like to express my sincere thanks to the University Council and the Honorary Awards Committee for their trust. Dr Fok, the Hon Martin Liao, Prof Tang, Prof Wang, and Mr Yen have all dedicated themselves to their respective fields for many years. Their entire lives and continuous contributions have brought a positive and far-reaching impact to economic development, public governance, technological innovation, social welfare, and cultural exchange. I am very proud to share this honour with these five remarkable individuals.”
Dr Li also shared his personal journey, saying “I began learning gymnastics at the age of eight, and later had the privilege of competing for my country. The professional athletic training I received then and my experience in competitive sport have subtly shaped my outlook both on the world and on life. I believe the allure of sport extends far beyond winning or losing on the field: it lies more in its power to unite, and to inspire an upwardly striving spirit.”
Dr Li added “Since founding the Li-Ning brand, I have consistently endeavoured, through our products and engagements, to convey our sportsmanlike spirit to a broad community of enthusiasts. We use the power of sport to touch more lives, and particularly to motivate and guide younger generations to pursue excellence and build self-confidence. Also, we believe that people find both joy and meaning in sport, and that sport can unlock their potential and allow them to dare to imagine and courageously create – and this represents the value of sport needed in today’s society.”
Dr Li said that going from being an athlete to a business leader has only strengthened his conviction that the spirit of sport and business acumen can jointly drive social progress. Over the past three decades, the Li-Ning brand has risen from nothing – certainly from small beginnings – witnessing and accompanying the development of sport in China. Every step of the way has depended on the dedication of the team, the trust of the business partners, and the guidance and support of mentors, as well as backing and confidence from all sectors of society. It is everyone’s collective effort that has allowed the “Anything is Possible” philosophy to be passed on and to evolve. Dr Li looks forward to Li-Ning becoming a world-class professional sports brand in the future, contributing even more to China’s athletic pursuits and global sports culture.
Dr Li added that Lingnan University has long upheld its motto of “Education for Service”, and has nurtured a great number of outstanding, well-rounded talents with a strong sense of social responsibility over the years. The University's advocacy for and provision of a liberal arts education have deeply impressed him. “Being awarded this honorary doctorate is for me both an invigoration and a new responsibility. It reminds me to hold myself to a higher standard, encourages me to view issues from a broader perspective, and inspires me to better serve society. Moving on, I shall treasure this recognition as I reaffirm my commitment to the sports industry, ensure the sporting spirit is passed on to the hearts of more young people, and do my utmost to strengthen the partnership between sport and education, humbly contributing to promoting enlightenment and public welfare.”
