Professor Daniel W.L. Lai is currently the Dean and Chair Professor of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU). His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Social Science in Social Work from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, followed by a Master of Social Sciences in Urban Studies from the University of Hong Kong, a Master in Social Work from the University of Calgary, and a PhD in Social Welfare from the Case Western Reserve University.
Professor Lai has a passion for enhancing people’s quality of life. His extensive career encompasses both social work and academia. Initially a social worker, he provided essential services in family support and long-term care, laying the groundwork for his academic pursuits. He began teaching at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) before moving to Canada, where he held positions at the Grant MacEwan University, the University of British Columbia - Okanagan and the University of Calgary, where he served as Professor and Associate Dean. In 2015, he returned to Hong Kong to lead the Department of Applied Social Sciences at PolyU. In 2020, he became Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at HKBU, and in July 2024, he took on the leadership of the newly established Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and academic excellence.
Professor Lai’s research primarily focuses on critical areas within social sciences, particularly concerning vulnerable populations such as older adults, migrants, and ethnic minorities. His commitment to enhancing healthy ageing involves studying the social, cultural, and environmental determinants that influence the well-being of ageing populations, including immigrant and minority groups. He actively investigates the challenges and resources for family caregivers, aiming to influence policies that provide better support for them and recognise their essential roles.
Furthermore, Professor Lai is dedicated to improving mental health access and quality for vulnerable groups, ensuring that such services are culturally and linguistically tailored for these groups. His work also extends to fostering cross-cultural understanding and enhancing equity for immigrants and ethnic minorities by addressing systemic barriers and promoting inclusive practices. Through his research, Professor Lai strives to develop community-based strategies and interventional programmes that not only address the immediate needs of these populations but also build their resilience and improve their quality of life.
An internationally recognised scholar, Professor Lai’s work encompasses social work, gerontology, health determinants, and immigration, as evidenced by his more than 170 peer-reviewed publications and numerous lectures. His research impact is significant, as reflected in his high citation index, along with the significant funding he has gained from prestigious organisations such as the Research Grants Council (Hong Kong) and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. He has secured more than HK$58 million in research funding and contributed to projects totalling about HK$87 million.
Professor Lai’s editorial roles in a variety of world-class academic journals and his leadership in professional organisations, including serving as Vice-President of the Hong Kong Association of Gerontology and as a member of the Elderly Commission, underscore his influence in this field. The accolades he has received include the Alberta Heritage Health Scholar Award and recognition as the Killam Annual Professor. He has also been recognised by Stanford University as a World's Top 2% Scientist in the field of public health and health services. His contributions extend beyond academia into policy and community development, significantly impacting areas in Hong Kong such as elderly care and gerontology.
Updated as at 30 Oct 2024
“Amid a growing trend of globalisation, future leaders should be aware of how our world and history are made, and be committed to shaping our future from a global perspective. We wish that through this Endowed Professorship in Humanics can help broaden young people’s minds and vision, thereby nurturing the next generation of outstanding all-round leaders for our community.”