Press Release
HKBU confers honorary doctoral degrees upon three distinguished individuals
Tuesday, 18 November 2025
Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) conferred honorary doctoral degrees upon Dr Clement C J Chen, Professor He Fuchu and Professor Sir Michael Houghton in recognition of their outstanding professional accomplishments and remarkable contributions to society at the Commencement and Honorary Doctoral Degree Conferment Ceremony held on 17 November.
The Ceremony was presided over by Dr Kennedy Y H Wong, Chairman of the Council and the Court of HKBU. Dr Clement C J Chen received the degree of Doctor of Business Administration, honoris causa; Professor He Fuchu and Professor Sir Michael Houghton were conferred the degree of Doctor of Science, honoris causa. Please click here for their profiles.
On behalf of the honorary doctoral degree recipients, Dr Clement C J Chen gave a vote of thanks at the ceremony and expressed their appreciation to HKBU. He reflected his tenure as Chairman of the Council and the Court at HKBU from 2019 to 2024 and shared his pride in having supported the University’s strategic advancement and being part of its key milestones. These included HKBU becoming the operator of Hong Kong’s first Chinese medicine hospital, the construction of the Jockey Club Campus of Creativity, and the development of the One University, Two Campuses model. On HKBU celebrating its 70th anniversary next year, he said, “This milestone invites us to reflect on our distinguished legacy and look forward to a future rich with innovation, transdisciplinary learning and the nurturing of leaders who will contribute meaningfully to Hong Kong, our nation, and the world.”
Professor Sir Michael Houghton shared his advice to HKBU graduates through a pre-recorded video. “I have observed a university that does not just want to educate its students but one that emphasises the importance of always keeping minds open to learning and discovering new things and developments. My career advice to you would be firstly for you to find your true passion whatever it is, and then if you believe you might be equipped to succeed in your chosen field, then pursue your objectives with determination and perseverance,” he said.
Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Alex Wai, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU, praised the three honorary doctoral degree recipients for their exceptional talent, continuous innovation, and contributions to society. He remarked that they have each shone brightly in their respective fields, setting an example for all.
“Their extraordinary accomplishments have inspired us: the power of knowledge not only leads to personal success, but also to the betterment of the community and even humanity. These successful role models offer valuable insights to us while we navigate the rapidly changing times,” he said.
Professor Wai mentioned the University’s recent developments, including the unveiling of the Jockey Club Campus of Creativity in March this year. The University’s proposal for establishing a new medical school and the establishment of the “Frontier Translational Medical Research Institute” have received strong support from experts and researchers, including Professor Sir Michael Houghton.
Professor Wai then offered words of encouragement to the graduates: “Our students were not simply taught what to think, but how to think critically and creatively across boundaries, across disciplines. I have no doubt you will look for opportunities to be change agents and leaders in your communities and the world.”
The University’s 66th Commencement has conferred undergraduate degrees and higher degrees on around 9,500 graduates since 5 June this year.
