Professor Daniel W.L. Lai, Dean and Chair Professor of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), has been appointed as the Fung Hon Chu Endowed Professor in Humanics, with effect from September 2024. This endowed professorship was established thanks to a generous donation from the Fung Hon Chu Foundation. The benefaction reinforces HKBU’s commitment to Whole Person Education and to cultivating all-round talents for the benefit of society at large. 

Starting his career as a social worker, Professor Lai later acquired a wealth of teaching experience at higher education institutions in Hong Kong and Canada. In 2015, he returned to Hong Kong to serve as Head of the Department of Applied Social Science at Hong Kong Polytechnic University. In 2020, he joined HKBU as Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, and in 2024, he took over the leadership of the newly established Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, at which he has promoted interdisciplinary collaboration and academic excellence.

Professor Lai’s research primarily focuses on vulnerable groups in the community such as older adults, migrants and ethnic minorities. His commitment to enhancing healthy ageing involves studying the determinants that influence the well-being of ageing populations. Furthermore, he is dedicated to optimising mental health services for these groups and developing community-based programmes that enhance their quality of life.

Recognised internationally as a renowned scholar, Professor Lai has published more than 170 peer-reviewed papers that have been widely cited, and has held editorial roles in a variety of world-class academic journals. Among his accolades are the Alberta Heritage Health Scholar Award, the Killam Annual Professor Award, and recognition from Stanford University as being among the World’s Top 2% Scientists in the field of public health and health services. His significant contributions extend well beyond academia, profoundly impacting areas such as elderly care and gerontology.

Please click here for more information about Professor Lai’s profile.