SO Ching

Ms SO Ching

Honorary University Fellow (2025)

Ms So Ching is a veteran architect whose work has contributed to the shaping of Hong Kong’s urban landscape while creating platforms for social progress and human connection. Over three decades of practice, her leadership in both architecture and public service has demonstrated how professional excellence, when combined with civic responsibility and intellectual curiosity, can create lasting societal impact.

Ms So’s stellar academic achievements, including a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Architectural Studies and a Bachelor of Architecture with Distinction from The University of Hong Kong, laid the foundation for what would become a distinguished career. Her progression to become a registered architect in Hong Kong demonstrated her talent as well as professional competence and rigour that would come to define her architectural practice. In 2014, she was conferred the Fellowship by The Hong Kong Institute of Architects, a recognition granted for those who have made exceptional contributions to the profession.

As Executive Director of Wong Tung & Partners Limited, Ms So has led numerous landmark projects that have reshaped urban environments and human experiences across the region. From the expansion project of the Hong Kong Science Park to the MGM Cotai in Macau, EAST Hong Kong, and Transitional Housing Project at Pok Oi Kong Ha Wai Village, her portfolio showcases her exceptional ability to execute and deliver large-scale commercial, industrial and residential projects that balance aesthetics with functionality and sustainability. Of all her work, she considers the Cyberport project particularly challenging yet rewarding, and it has reinforced her understanding of international collaboration in architectural practice. This has inspired and informed her approach to work — one that focuses on fostering inclusive teamwork and a collective spirit where each member’s strengths and perspectives are recognised, demonstrated and respected.

Beyond her practice, Ms So has significantly advanced her profession through various leadership roles. Her tenure as Council Member of The Hong Kong Institute of Architects from 2017 to 2020, and a member of the UNESCO International Union of Architects Education Commission from 2018 to 2021, among others, have allowed her to shape architectural education and policy at both local and international levels. Currently serving as Deputy Chair of The Hong Kong Institute of Architects’ Board of Education Affairs, she plays a pivotal role in elevating professional standards and quality. This commitment to excellence has been validated through her appointment as Member of the Architects Registration Board and Chair of the Board’s Education and Accreditation Committee since 2020, where she helps maintain robust governance within the profession and ensure the standards of architectural education in Hong Kong.

What distinguishes Ms So from the rest is her strong commitment to public service. She has held positions such as Member of The Hong Kong Housing Authority, the Governing Committee of the Beat Drugs Fund Association, the Advisory Committee on Admission of Quality Migrants and Professionals and the Steering Committee of Social Housing under The Hong Kong Council of Social Service. She currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Nano and Advanced Materials Institute. These commitments reflect her on-going dedication to addressing complex social challenges and improving community well-being. To Ms So, public service is not simply an obligation but a chance to create meaningful impact while deepening her understanding of community needs. Her appointment as Justice of the Peace by the HKSAR Government in 2022 serves as formal recognition of her notable contributions to society.

Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) has been privileged to draw upon Ms So’s wisdom and expertise during her years of service as a Council Member from 2019 to 2024. Her leadership roles across key committees, including Deputy Chairman of the Campus Development and Facilities Management Committee from 2023 to 2024 and Chairman of the Sub-committee on Ho Sin Hang Campus Redevelopment Project in 2024, as well as Member of the Sub-committee on Jockey Club Campus of Creativity Project and Member of the Audit Committee from 2022 to 2024, have left a far-reaching impact on the University’s physical and academic landscape. Regarding HKBU’s approach to teaching and learning, Ms So has always been impressed by the University’s distinctive transdisciplinary education, noting how the University has effectively bridged its unique strengths in liberal arts with science and technology, empowering students to tackle contemporary challenges. She particularly admires HKBU’s diverse community and its commitment to supporting first-generation university students, seeing this as a fulfilment of HKBU’s mission to nurture talents regardless of their background.

Colleagues who have worked alongside Ms So would invariably remark on her infectious enthusiasm and positivity, which she attributes to a simple source: finding joy in her endeavours. This outlook has sustained her energy and creativity throughout her life and career. Her characteristic blend of delight in discovery and intellectual curiosity has made her not just an outstanding architect, but also a mentor who constantly inspires. The counsel she offers students and young professionals mirrors the lessons from her own journey: the tenacity to uphold one’s vision, and the perseverance that comes from a sense of purposeful dedication. This philosophy is best captured in one of the better-known biblical verses about pressing on towards one’s goal (Philippians 3:14).

In conferring this Honorary University Fellowship to Ms So, HKBU recognises her as an invaluable member whose impact transcends her field to enrich the broader society. She is an embodiment of social responsibility, technical expertise and humanistic values, enhancing communities through architecture and public service. Her influence will undoubtedly inspire future generations of architects, scholars and students to realise that excellence in any field can ultimately serve the greater good.