CityUHK presents 9th Distinguished Alumni Award to two alumni for their outstanding achievements and contributions
City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) held the 9th Distinguished Alumni Award Presentation Ceremony on 21 August to recognise two distinguished alumni for their professional excellence and significant contributions to their alma mater and society. The alumni recipients are: Ms Grace Lau Mo-sheung, MH, OLY, who earned a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Creative Media, an Olympic medallist, and currently ranked world’s No. 1 in female individual kata; and Professor Michael Leung Kin-man, MH, who holds a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree, Co-founder and Executive Director of EMEKO International Limited.
The event gathered over 130 guests including members of the Council and Court, previous recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award, as well as representatives from University management, business, sports and various sectors of society to witness this glorious moment shared by the CityUHK community.
Professor Chung Shui-ming, GBS, JP, Pro-Chancellor of the University, who served as Chairman of the Panel of Judges for the Distinguished Alumni Award for the fifth time, commended both awardees for their exceptional performance in their respective fields, service to CityUHK and contributions to society, setting positive examples for students and all CityUHK alumni.
Professor Chun-Sing Lee, Acting President of CityUHK, stated that “internationalisation” and “innovation” are the two core values of the University in cultivating future global leaders. The awardees, with their outstanding achievements in the international sports arena and the field of innovative technology, are prime examples of the global perspective and innovative spirit that the University has long been committed to nurturing.
With outstanding results in various international competitions, Ms Lau is currently the world’s No. 1 in female kata. She has secured the Grand Winner title in female kata for two consecutive years (2025 and 2026), and won gold medals at the World Karate Championships and the World Games in 2025. She won a karate bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, securing Hong Kong’s first-ever Olympic medal in karate.
Ms Lau began her journey at CityUHK’s School of Creative Media in 2012 through the University’s Student Athletes Admission Scheme, and was awarded the Dr Herman Hu Outstanding Sports Talents Scholarship. During her time at CityUHK, she led the CityUHK women’s karate team to gold medal victories in intervarsity competitions. She was conferred the title of Honorary Fellow by CityUHK in 2024 in recognition of her outstanding achievements.
As a world-leading athlete, Ms Lau inspires students through her resilience and sportsmanship, encouraging them to pursue excellence. Her remarkable achievements have not only brought immense pride to the CityUHK community, but also enhanced Hong Kong’s international reputation and injected positive energy into society.
The other recipient, Professor Leung, is the Co-founder and Executive Director of EMEKO International Limited, having built an illustrious career at the forefront of innovation, spanning traditional banking, digital banking, and now the emerging fields of robotics and artificial intelligence. In his professional and community service, his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication have driven meaningful progress in society. He has served as a Board Director of Cyberport, President of the Hong Kong Computer Society, Founding Chairman of the Financial Technology Committee of the Hong Kong Institute of Bankers, and Chairman of the Hong Kong Down Syndrome Association, among many other roles.
At CityUHK, he is a Professor of Practice in the Department of Information Systems, and has served as Chairman of its Departmental Advisory Committee for many years. He is also an Honorary Director of the CityUHK Foundation, where he established the “Prof. & Mrs. Michael Leung Endowed Scholarships” to support students. His steadfast support for CityUHK has significantly empowered future generations of global leaders, serving as an inspiring example of professional excellence and civic commitment.
In their speeches, both awardees expressed their heartfelt gratitude to their alma mater. In particular, Ms Lau presented a signed golden karate gi to CityUHK. The gi represents the prestigious “Grand Winner” and “World Champion” honours, symbolising the pinnacle of achievement in karate. Ms Lau shared that she hoped the memento would convey her deep appreciation to her alma mater for its years of nurturing and support.
The University spirit thrives through the passing of the torch from one generation to the next. CityUHK students marked the occasion with a performance of Seasons of Love, celebrating the caring and supportive spirit of the CityUHK community, and a splendid karate demonstration in tribute to the awardees, which fully reflected the deep bonds of mutual support and continuity across generations.
The attendees of the ceremony included members of the Council Mr Gary Lock Wai-tak, Ms Alison Chan Wun-sheung and Ms Rita Pang Yat-sum; Mr Gabriel Ho Kai-pong, Chairman of the Convocation; members of the Court Professor Andrew Fan Ka-fai, Professor Gary Cheng Faat-ting, Mrs Janice Choi Kwan Wing-kum, BBS, MH, JP, Professor Albert Ip Yuk-keung and Dr Raymond Leung Siu-hong; and Professor Herman Hu Shao-ming, GBS, SBS, BBS, JP, Co-Chairperson of CityUHK Foundation Board of Governors.
The Panel of Judges for the 9th Distinguished Alumni Award included Professor Chung Shui-ming, GBS, JP, Pro-Chancellor of CityUHK; Professor Chun-Sing Lee, Acting President of CityUHK; Dr Bernard Charnwut Chan, GBM, GBS, JP, Chairman and President of Asia Financial Holdings Limited and Chairman of the Board of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority; Ms Rita Pang Yat-sum, Founder of See Change Education and member of CityUHK Council; awardees of the 8th CityUHK Distinguished Alumni Award: Mr Anthony Lam Sai-ho, Group CEO of Golden Resources Development International, and Dr Allen Shi Lop-tak, SBS, BBS, MH, JP, Chairman and Founder of Brilliant International Group Limited. The selection consultant was Ernst & Young.
