City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) will confer the title of Honorary Fellow on three distinguished persons in recognition of their significant contribution to the development of, and service to, the University and the community. They are: Mr Hing Chao, Ms Nancy Chau Sin-wo, and Ms Grace Lau Mo-sheung, MH, OLY. The Honorary Fellow Presentation Ceremony will be held in September.
Mr Hing Chao is the Executive Chairman of Wah Kwong Maritime Transport. In addition to his extensive knowledge and experience in maritime management, Mr Chao has a deep passion for Chinese martial arts and culture. He holds several prominent positions in a number of related organisations, including the Founder and Executive Director of the International Guoshu Association and Founder and Chairman of the Hong Kong Culture Festival.
Mr Chao actively collaborates with academic institutions and arts groups to promote Chinese martial arts and culture. He has established a strong partnership with CityUHK over the years and has worked closely with the University to organise various exhibitions and activities, including the “Hunters, Warriors, Spirits: Nomadic Art of North China” exhibition, held in the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery, and Hidden /Manifest, the final performance of “Lingnan Martial Arts Elite Training Programme”, held in the School of Creative Media.
Furthermore, Mr Chao is dedicated to supporting the development of the University. He made a generous donation to the Centre for Applied Computing and Interactive Media of the School of Creative Media to support its research initiatives. Additionally, he currently serves as the Chairperson of the Advisory Committee of the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery, leading the Committee to provide valuable advice for the Gallery’s development.
Born in Sichuan, Ms Nancy Chau Sin-wo came alone to Hong Kong to work in the 1980s. Starting out as a domestic helper, she strove to improve herself and was not afraid of hardship. Eventually, through her diligent hands and unwavering spirit, she became a textile businesswoman, engaging in foreign trade and becoming an important member of the business community.
Deeply recognising the importance of knowledge, and to make up for her regret for not receiving education in her youth, Ms Chau has strongly supported the development of education. She established a charity fund in 2014 to nurture young people and contribute to society.
Ms Chau also established an endowment fund at CityUHK to promote university advancement. Thanks to her generous donation, CityUHK established the Chau Sin Wo Scholarships for the School of Law and named one of the classrooms at CityUHK the “Chau Sin Wo Classroom” in appreciation of Ms Chau’s staunch support.
Alumna Ms Grace Lau Mo-sheung is a Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Bronze Medallist. She is currently the world’s number one ranked female kata competitor. She began training in karate at the age of 11 and started representing Hong Kong at the age of 15. In 2012, she won a bronze medal at the World University Karate Championships. In the same year, she also won gold medal in the National Championship.
In 2018, Ms Lau made her Asian Games debut and won a bronze medal. Later that year, in November, she made history by winning another bronze medal at the World Championships. She went on to win bronze medals at the 2019 World Beach Games and the 2022 World Games. She was also the Gold Medallist at the 2023 Asian Karate Championships.
Ms Lau received the Hong Kong Sports Stars Award four times and was named the University Sports Federation of Hong Kong’s Sportswoman of the Year for two consecutive years. In 2024, she was awarded the Excellent Achievement Award, presented by the Karatedo Federation of Hong Kong, China.