Belief in bonding
Professor Yam Yeung, Master of Lee Woo Sing College, believes in the power of meaningful relationships
30 June 2025
In the 1970s, as the sun set over Lingnan Stadium at Chung Chi College, the grass field came to life. Students, brimming with energy and good spirits, gathered to play their favourite game of soccer. One of them was Yam Yeung, a physics major at the time, who chased the ball, passed it to teammates in advantageous positions, and did his utmost to support his team’s scoring.
Years later, he embodies those same values as he takes on the role of Master of Lee Woo Sing College, where he strives to foster a community characterised by connection, care and collective growth.
“Back then, a hallmate would call out from the top-floor balcony of Ying Lin Tang, ‘Dinner’s ready!’ and we’d all head back to eat together. In those days, we took turns playing soccer, cooking and cleaning,” recalls Professor Yam—now an engineering researcher—with a fond chuckle.
“Many of us came from modest backgrounds, so we deeply appreciated the opportunity to study here. The down-to-earth, hard-working spirit fostered at CUHK was—and still is—a defining trait of its students. We treasure the opportunities that come our way and believe in rolling up our sleeves and getting the job done.”
So enduring were the bond and experiences forged during his years of studying, participating in sports, and hostel life at CUHK that, after earning his Doctor of Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and working in California for several years, Professor Yam returned to his alma mater to join the Faculty of Engineering. Those formative years at CUHK instilled in him a deep appreciation for meaningful relationships, a harmonious balance between intellectual curiosity and moral character, and a lasting commitment to serving the greater good.
He now serves as a distinguished Research Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering and as Director of the CUHK-Shenzhen Research Institute. His most recent appointment—as the second Master of Lee Woo Sing College last July—marks a new chapter in his longstanding journey with the University.
Carrying the Torch of Camaraderie
Professor Yam’s connection with Lee Woo Sing College began in 2011, when Founding Master Professor Joseph Lau Wan-yee invited him to serve as Associate Master. At the time, the College was still in its infancy—just four years old. Its premises were under construction, and many students had yet to feel a true sense of belonging. Under Professor Lau’s leadership, the College steadily grew into a cohesive and supportive community, laying a strong foundation for the years to come.
“Professor Lau was like a ‘franchise player’ on a professional sports team—someone exceptional at uniting individuals and fostering their success, both personally and collectively,” reflects Professor Yam on the late educator, who passed away in February 2024.
“One of Professor Lau’s most innovative initiatives was the introduction of the Woo Sing Card system, which replaced traditional dormitory spot checks with a card-based access model. The system fostered a sense of responsibility and self-discipline among students, while also strengthening their trust in the College’s management,” Professor Yam speaks with deep appreciation for Professor Lau’s hands-on approach to College affairs.
For over a decade, Professor Yam worked closely with Professor Lau in a spirit of camaraderie and shared purpose. The experience of engaging with students and witnessing their growth—both intellectually and in character—brought him immense fulfillment that ultimately inspired him to take on the role of Master—an expression of his commitment to carrying forward the College’s legacy of cultivating a supportive and vibrant student community.
While he regards Professor Lau as a “franchise player,” Professor Yam humbly sees himself as a “bridge builder”—someone who connects people, fosters collaboration and creates opportunities for all to grow and thrive.
Earlier this year, for example, he spearheaded a sports initiative that brought together over 30 students, staff and alumni to participate in the 10-kilometre Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. Guided by an instructor who is also a Woo Sing alumnus in Exercise Science, the group trained together weekly for two months at the Sir Philip Haddon-Cave Sports Field. On race day, they encouraged one another and every one of them crossed the finish line—embodying the spirit of teamwork and mutual support that lies at the heart of the College.
Building on the “Four Pillars” of Woo Sing
The motto of Lee Woo Sing College—“Wisdom, Humanity, Integrity and Harmony”—is rooted in the ancient Chinese classic The Rites of Zhou. It encapsulates four enduring virtues: intellectual curiosity, the pursuit of moral character, a strong sense of responsibility and the aspiration for harmony amid diversity.
To bring these ideals to life, the College organises a range of initiatives that encourage students to broaden their horizons and engage with meaningful, real-world issues. These include inviting a funeral director to share perspectives on life and death education, a member of the LGBTQ+ community to share personal experiences, and a banker to explain how hacking skills can be used to test banking data security systems. These events expand students’ perspectives, helping them to grow in an open-minded environment while learning the values of respect and tolerance.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the College set aside dedicated isolation floors for students who had contracted the virus. Professor Yam recalls how students responded with understanding—and even volunteered to deliver meals to their peers in quarantine. “Seeing our students demonstrate such empathy and solidarity made me incredibly proud,” he reflects. “Moments like these reaffirm the values we strive to instil in our community.”
Engineering a Greener Future
As an expert in engineering, Professor Yam has applied his knowledge to position Lee Woo Sing College as a leader in sustainable living and harmony with nature. A notable example is the “smart-meter system”, introduced during the College’s construction over a decade ago. This system independently monitors the electricity usage of outlets, lighting and air conditioning in each room—empowering students to better understand and manage their energy consumption. Supported by the College’s mobile app, WS Power, and a progressive electricity billing system, these initiatives have encouraged students to embrace more sustainable lifestyles.
In 2023, with the support of Dr Harry Lee Nai-shee, Chairman of the College’s Committee of Overseers, the College installed fresh air units in its food hall, WS-Can. By pre-conditioning the air’s temperature, humidity and pressure before air enters the hall, the system has achieved over 30% energy saving in air conditioning. Through such innovations, Lee Woo Sing College continues to lead by example in building a greener and more sustainable campus.
Enduring Connections
Professor Yam’s academic journey has spanned from physics to engineering, and his current research focuses on cutting-edge advancements in medical robotics, functional materials and artificial intelligence (AI). At the same time, the College’s faculty includes leading researchers in various fields – AI, manufacturing, medicine and technological innovation, many of whom have launched startups in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. Looking ahead, Professor Yam plans to mobilise these professional networks to create valuable internship opportunities—offering students hands-on experience and equipping them for the challenges of the future.
To Professor Yam, Lee Woo Sing College is a platform filled with possibilities. In his new role, he aspires to bridge the College community, fostering collaboration between faculty and students as they strive for excellence and support one another in achieving their dreams.
By Jessica Chu
Photos by D. Lee
