(From left) Prof. Alex Wai, Ir Paul Poon, Dr. Clement Chen, Dr. Kennedy Wong and Mr. Kevin Liem

Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) conferred honorary doctoral degrees upon three distinguished individuals in recognition of their outstanding professional accomplishments and remarkable contributions to society at the Commencement and Honorary Doctoral Degree Conferment Ceremony held on 17 November 2025.

The Ceremony was presided over by Dr. the Hon. Kennedy Wong, BBS, JP, Chairman of the Council and the Court of HKBU and Chairman of the Board of Governors of the HKBU Foundation. Dr. Clement Chen, GBS, JP, donor of the University, received the degree of Doctor of Business Administration, honoris causa, while Professor He Fuchu and Professor Sir Michael Houghton were each conferred the degree of Doctor of Science, honoris causa. For background information on the recipients, please click here.

Speaking on behalf of the honourees, Dr. Clement Chen expressed gratitude to HKBU for bestowing this honour upon them. He reflected on his tenure as Chairman of the Council and the Court at HKBU from 2019 to 2024, highlighting his pride in supporting the University’s strategic advancement and key milestones. With HKBU set to celebrate its 70th anniversary next year, he expressed his hope that the University will continue to champion innovation and transdisciplinary learning, nurturing leaders who will contribute meaningfully to Hong Kong, the Nation and the world.

In his address, Professor Alex Wai, JP, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU, praised the three honorary doctoral degree recipients for their exceptional talent, continuous innovation, and contributions to society, saying that they have excelled in their respective fields and set an example for all.

“Their extraordinary accomplishments have inspired us: the power of knowledge not only leads to personal success, but also to the betterment of the community and even humanity. These successful role models offer valuable insights to us while we navigate the rapidly changing times,” he said.

A number of HKBU Foundation members and friends of the University attended the Ceremony to extend their warmest congratulations. Among them were Dr. Cheng Yan Kee, BBS, JP, Ms. Rosanna Choi, Dr. Eddie Ho, Ms. Vicky Sung, Dr. Jacinto Tong, Mr. Harry Yeung and Dr. Alex Yu. Representatives of HKBU, including Ir Professor Paul Poon, MH, Deputy Chairman, and Mr. Kevin Liem, Treasurer of the Council and the Court, as well as the University’s senior management team, deans and heads, also joined the Ceremony.