Guests at the opening ceremony.
On 12 December, 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 PatrickWong 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 AugustineLui Ngok-che, Chairman of the Lingnan Education Organization; Dr Sissi Lei, Dean of the Collège Cévenol of the Collège de Paris; 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.
In his opening address, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing said, “I am excited to learn that Lingnan University - hitherto renowned for its outstanding liberal arts programme - is actively incorporating digital innovations into its education. This echoes the Government's dedication to integrating technology into the educational framework, to enhance teaching and learning experiences across all levels of education.” Mr Cheuk also expressed his confidence that Lingnan University, navigated by President Qin, will continue to sail through this wave of digital revolution, and he looks forward to seeing Lingnan University in bringing more breakthroughs through impactful innovations and research in the years to come.
Mr Andrew Yao welcomed the guests and talked about what Lingnan is doing, saying “As a vital hub for knowledge and education, Lingnan actively leverages our unique strengths and connects with Mainland China and beyond. Over the past year, Lingnan has embarked on a remarkable transformative journey, embracing the digital age,” and he also pointed out Lingnan’s ongoing progress in academic excellence, adding “we have set up the Lingnan University Institute for Advanced Study (LUIAS) and the School of Data Science, enhancing our academic excellence and research capabilities and marking an important milestone in integrating the digital future into higher education. Over the past year, Lingnan has attracted many exceptional talents, with 29 Lingnan scholars listed among Stanford University’s 2024 World’s Top 2% Scientists, setting a new record.”
Since the appointment of three Vice-Presidents, the Dean of the School of Data Science and the Dean of the School of Interdisciplinary Studies this year, Lingnan is poised to put together its strongest leadership team to advance academic excellence and assist President Qin in guiding the university. These officials will be responsible for conducting academic research, improving the teaching and learning experience, and encouraging community service. Lingnan recently conferred honorary degrees on renowned mathematician Prof Yau Shing-tung and distinguished structural biologist Prof Nieng Yan in recognition of their outstanding professional achievements and valuable contributions to society, reflecting the university's commitment to innovation.
At the ceremony, President Qin expressed his profound gratitude for the enthusiastic support of all sectors of society, whose generous contributions have greatly increased the university’s research capabilities and community engagement initiatives. Since assuming the presidency of Lingnan last year, President Qin has focused on four key areas: uniting the arts and sciences, blending traditional and digital approaches, combining Lingnan’s rich history with a forward-looking education framework, and setting up links with Mainland China and the global community.
President Qin said “Through its global collaborations, Lingnan is dedicated to carrying out scientific research, developing new quality productive forces, establishing new research and development institutions, and accelerating the commercialisation of technological achievements.” He emphasised that the university will work with partners to cultivate a new generation of original talents, injecting fresh impetus into future socio-economic development.
Original research initiatives were presented byProf Paulina Wong Pui-yun, Head of the Science Unit at Lingnan University, and Prof Zhao Xiaofeng, Associate Professor of theDepartment 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.
A special sale was held for charity during the dinner, where guests purchased over 600PureAura 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”.
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.
