CityUHK student named one of the Top 10 Outstanding International Students in Hong Kong 2025 in recognition of his social contribution and national commitment

SUNNY LIU

14 Jan 2026

CityUHK doctoral student Mr Li Guangda (2nd from left) was selected as one of the Top 10 Outstanding International Students in Hong Kong 2025. He receives the award from President Boey (2nd from right). (Photo credit: Young Expats Association)

Mr Li Guangda, a doctoral student at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK), has been selected as one of the Top 10 Outstanding International Students in Hong Kong 2025. The award recognises his outstanding achievements in academic research and professional development, as well as his contributions to social service, cultural heritage, community building and the promotion of youth exchange between the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong.

Mr Li is currently pursuing a PhD in the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering at CityUHK, supervised by Professor Zheng Xing. He also serves as the elected postgraduate student member on the University Council. He previously studied at Northeast Forestry University in Chinese Mainland, Waseda University in Japan and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. His academic work has been presented in various international competitions, journals and conferences.

Mr Li (2nd from right) attends the 12th International Conference on Urban Climate in Rotterdam, the Netherlands with Professor Zheng (left).

Mr Li (2nd from right) gives a sharing at the “Turning Failiure into Success” conference held by CityUHK and Cornell University.

Over the years, Mr Li has been dedicated to supporting students from the Chinese Mainland studying in Hong Kong. As the current President of the Hong Kong Mainland Students Association, he helps Chinese Mainland undergraduate and postgraduate students integrate into the local community. Recently, he organised volunteer teams to support the election for the eighth term of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, uniting Chinese Mainland students in Hong Kong to contribute to society.

Expressing his gratitude for the award, Mr Li said, “During my studies at CityUHK, I gained not only world-class, cutting-edge knowledge, but also a lifelong ability to explore, innovate, and think independently. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my alma mater and to my beloved mentors, Professor Zheng, Professor Tsou Jin Yeu, Professor Alvin Yip, and Professor Li Wanxin. CityUHK’s international environment has broadened my horizons and deepened my understanding of diverse cultures. I firmly believe that youth exchange can create valuable possibilities for young people. I will continue to give back to society with what I have learned and remain committed to connecting, serving and contributing.”

Mr Li (1st from right) participates in a relay race in the CityUHK Annual Athletic Meet's with hall mates.

Mr Li (front row, 6th from right) organises basketball league for all universities in Hong Kong and leads CityUHK men's and women's teams win the champions.

The award ceremony was held on 14 December at the CityUHK campus. Professor Freddy Boey, President and University Distinguished Professor of CityUHK, served as one of the officiating guests. In his speech, he noted that CityUHK has been named the “Most International University in the World” by Times Higher Education for two consecutive years (2024 and 2025). He emphasised the University’s commitment to advancing internationalised education, supporting the HKSAR Government’s promotion of the “Study in Hong Kong” initiative and providing students with a world‑class academic environment and multicultural atmosphere to nurture future leaders with global vision and social responsibility.

Organised by the Young Expats Association, the Top 10 Outstanding International Students in Hong Kong 2025 selected 10 awardees from more than 100 outstanding candidates representing over 10 higher education institutions in Hong Kong. The awards recognise the academic achievements of international and Chinese Mainland students and highlight their efforts to integrate into the Hong Kong community, contribute to local and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development, and serve as bridges for international exchange. The programme further strengthens the “Study in Hong Kong” brand and supports the growth and development of students studying in the city.

The award ceremony for the Top 10 Outstanding International Students in Hong Kong 2025 is held at CityUHK, with President Boey (front row, 5th from right) serving as one of the officiating guests. Also in attendance are Dr Christine Choi Yuk-lin, Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government (front row, 6th from left), and Mr Clement Woo, Under Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs (front row, 5th from left). (Photo credit: Young Expats Association)