Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) held its Honorary Degrees Ceremony 2025 today (8 December), presided over by HKMU Pro-Chancellor Dr Eddy Fong Ching. Honorary Degrees were conferred upon four distinguished individuals in recognition of their outstanding achievements and significant contributions to society: Prof. Sylvia Fung Yuk-kuen, Dr Ina Ho Chan Un-chan, Mr Benedict Sin Nga-yan and Prof. Xu Bing.
Before the ceremony commenced, all participants stood and observed one minute of silence in memory of the victims of the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po.
Addressing the ceremony, HKMU President Prof. Paul Lam Kwan-sing congratulated and paid tribute to the four honorary doctorate recipients, commending them for their significant and sustained contributions to economic, social and cultural development. He stated that their achievements reflect the University's values and its commitment to promoting societal progress through education.
Prof. Lam highlighted that HKMU is the only self-financing institution in Hong Kong with self-accrediting status. Over the years, it developed into a comprehensive university, allowing for a wide range of flexible programmes and establishing itself as the first university of applied sciences in Hong Kong. “The four honorary doctorate recipients are excellent role models for our students and other members of the HKMU community,” said Prof. Lam. “We look forward to their valued advice, guidance and support in the years ahead.”
Following are brief profiles of the four recipients (in alphabetical order of surname):
Prof. Sylvia Fung Yuk-kuen, BBS (Doctor of Social Sciences, honoris causa)
A pioneering figure in nursing, Prof. Sylvia Fung Yuk-kuen has made extensive contributions to the professional advancement of local nurses and midwives. She has more than 50 years of experience in the nursing profession and served as the Chief Nurse of the Hospital Authority.
During the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) epidemic, Prof. Fung was appointed Acting Hospital Chief Executive of Wong Tai Sin Hospital, which was transformed into Hong Kong's first SARS convalescent hospital. In recognition of her leadership during this challenging period, Prof. Fung was awarded the Florence Nightingale Medal by the International Committee of the Red Cross. In 2023, she was awarded the Bronze Bauhinia Star by the Hong Kong SAR Government in recognition of her lifelong dedication to healthcare and public service. She is currently an Honorary Prof. in the School of Nursing and Health Sciences at HKMU and is President of the Hong Kong Academy of Nursing and Midwifery. (Learn more)
Dr Ina Ho Chan Un-chan, BBS (Doctor of Social Sciences, honoris causa)
For decades, Dr Ina Ho Chan Un-chan has contributed to the development of education, welfare, medical services, and arts and culture in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland. She has actively participated in public service. She began her involvement with Tung Wah Group of Hospitals as a Director in 2006 and became Chairman in 2013. Since 2006, Dr Chan has served as Vice-Chairman of “Mother's Work” (Obra das Mães), a non-profit organisation in Macao, and she served as Honorary Vice-President of The Hong Kong Anti-Cancer Society from 2007 to 2019. Additionally, she was a member of the 10th and 11th Guangdong Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.
Dr Chan generously donated to HKMU to establish Ina Ho Cantonese Opera Research Centre. In recognition of her contribution to the University, she was honoured with the title of Honorary President of the HKMU Foundation. (Learn more)
Mr Benedict Sin Nga-yan (Doctor of Business Administration, honoris causa)
Mr Benedict Sin Nga-yan serves as Director and General Manager of Myer Jewelry Manufacturer Limited and President and Director of the Hong Kong Jewellery and Jade Manufacturers Association. When local manufacturers gradually moved their operations to the Chinese Mainland, Mr Sin made the principled decision to reopen his factory in Hong Kong to ensure the company's knowledge and craftsmanship would be passed on to future generations.
He currently serves as an Honorary Advisor for the Hong Kong Gold and Silver Ornament Workers and Merchants General Union and as a Fei Cui Standard Industry Advisor for the Gemmological Association of Hong Kong.
As President Honoris Causa of the Hong Kong Young Industrialists Council, Mr Sin is deeply invested in empowering the young people of Hong Kong. Additionally, as a governor of the Sin Wai Kin Foundation, founded by his late father, he continues his family's legacy of philanthropic support for education and the humanities. He is a staunch supporter of applied sciences education, as well as vocational and professional education and training (VPET). He has also generously contributed his expertise to HKMU as a member of the Advisory Peer Group for the Bachelor of Applied Science in Gemmology and Jewellery Studies programme, providing valuable insights. (Learn more)
Prof. Xu Bing (Doctor of Letters, honoris causa)
Known internationally for his creative works, Prof. Xu Bing has received numerous awards from leading universities and organisations. Prof. Xu graduated from the Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA) in 1981, where he subsequently joined the faculty and served as Vice President from 2007 to 2014.
Prof. Xu is renowned for blending traditional Chinese culture with contemporary elements, transcending cultural boundaries and pioneering new perspectives of thought. His works have been exhibited in leading museums and institutions worldwide. In 1993, Prof. Xu pioneered Square Word Calligraphy, an innovative art form that transforms English words into forms resembling Chinese characters. Prof. Xu is also an accomplished arts educator. He was appointed Hong Kong's Ambassador for Cultural Promotion by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau in 2024, playing a vital role in nurturing young artistic talent. (Learn more)
