(From left) Professor Lau Siu-kai, Mr Tommy Cheung Yu-yan, Professor Sunney Xie Xiaoliang and Dr Michael Hui Koon-man
Conversations with four distinguished leaders
Honorary graduates of 96th Congregation reflect on values and advice for the young generation
16 April 2026
At this year’s Congregation in March, CUHK conferred honorary degrees on four esteemed high-flyers whose achievements spanned public service, film and culture, sociology, and biomedical science.
The new honorary graduates were Mr Tommy Cheung Yu-yan, a long-standing representative of Hong Kong’s catering sector in government and an Executive Council member; Dr Michael Hui Koon-man, a pioneering force in Cantonese cinema; Professor Lau Siu-kai, a prominent commentator on political sociology and public policy; and Professor Sunney Xie Xiaoliang, a renowned biophysical chemist.
CUHK in Focus invited the four to revisit their ties with the University, share the visions that have guided them through life and career, and offer advice to the young generation.
What beliefs have carried you through your career as a leader in your field?
For Mr Cheung, the answer is simple but uncompromising: integrity and prudence. Over decades in public service, his guiding principle has always been to “fight steadfastly for what is right”, a mindset he has applied to every policy proposal he has supported.
Dr Hui distills his 50-year artistic journey into two words: perseverance and creation. Having worn the hats of actor, scriptwriter, director and producer, he constantly reminds himself of the conviction that “the next work can be better, and audiences should walk away believing tomorrow will be better”.
For Professor Lau, the core tenets are facts and responsibility. As a scholar, he makes sure that his research is grounded in what can be observed and verified, and Hong Kong, the city he calls home, has always been the most meaningful place for his work. “As a Hongkonger, I want to contribute to Hong Kong’s development and well-being,” he says.
Professor Xie, speaking as a scientist, highlights the courage to cross disciplines and the importance of collaboration. Science is never a solitary pursuit, and breakthroughs often emerge at the boundaries between fields, he notes, so researchers should embrace innovative thinking. His goal is “to build something that will outlast me – a community, a legacy”.
What advice would you offer young people in Hong Kong, especially CUHK students?
Drawing on decades of experience, each turned their gaze to the future, offering guidance to the next generation.
Mr Cheung emphasises lifelong learning. Undergraduate education provides breadth and holistic development, he says, but true growth happens after graduation through continuous learning in the real world.
Dr Hui encourages students to embrace uncertainty. As a student, he often felt lost and questioned the value of what he was learning. Yet those experiences, from school debates to event management, became unique advantages in his film career. “Uncertainty isn’t a barrier,” he says. “It’s nourishment.”
Professor Lau stresses that Hong Kong’s future calls for understanding and patience, not a single ideal solution. Younger generations need to grasp the city’s history, institutions and constraints, and approach the unique framework of “One Country, Two Systems” with pragmatism and inclusivity. “Young people must exercise independent judgment about what Hong Kong is and what will work here.”
Professor Xie offers six principles for the young: Find what truly interests you, make full use of your strengths, identify a problem worth dedicating yourself to, use resources wisely and collaborate boldly, build confidence through understanding, and pursue your goals with patience and perseverance. “Every meaningful project my research group undertook succeeded because we followed these principles,” he says.
Your personal motto?
Mr Cheung: “Learn throughout life; believe you can do it.”
Dr Hui: “The scenery along the way matters most. The landscapes, the people you love… that is meaning.”
Professor Lau: “Do my best and leave success or failure to divine providence.”
Professor Xie: “An individual’s destiny is rooted in that of their nation.”
By Eva Choy
Photo by Tsang Wing-san
