Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University (BNBU) welcomed five new Honorary Fellows on 20 June 2026, conferring the distinction during its 18th Graduation Ceremony and Honorary Fellowship Conferment Ceremony.
The Honorary Fellowship is one of BNBU’s highest distinctions, recognising individuals who have made outstanding contributions to their professions and society. Since the establishment of the Honorary Fellowship scheme in 2012, over 40 distinguished individuals have joined the BNBU family.
Five Honorary Fellows join BNBU
The recipients this year are leaders in academia, science, public administration and business. Through their outstanding professional achievements and commitment to public service and education, they have made lasting contributions to society at both national and international levels.
Prof Huang Zhen, Member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Chair Professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU). Prof Huang’s research focuses on national energy security and the green transformation of energy, and has earned him a National Natural Science Award and a National Innovation Award. In addition to his academic achievements, Prof Huang serves as a Standing Committee Member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and as Vice Chairman of the China Association for Promoting Democracy. In terms of higher education, he served as Vice-President of SJTU, cultivating talents to meet national needs.
Prof Huang Zhen
Prof Peh Yun-lu, a preeminent public administrator and anti-corruption fighter. Prof Peh is a former Commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) of Hong Kong and former President of the International Association of Anticorruption Authorities. Throughout his career, he has championed integrity, transparency and the rule of law while promoting international cooperation in anti-corruption efforts. In recognition of his outstanding public service, he was awarded the Gold Bauhinia Star by the Hong Kong SAR Government. He currently serves as an Adjunct Professor at BNBU.
Prof Peh Yun-lu
Dr David Wong Yau-Kar, a renowned business leader and public servant, is the Gold Bauhinia Star recipient. Dr Wong previously served as a Hong Kong Deputy of the National People’s Congress, and Chairman of the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority, making significant contributions to Hong Kong’s social and economic development. Driven by his passion for education, he is currently Chairman of the Education Commission in Hong Kong and of the Advisory Committee of the Faculty of Business and Management at BNBU.
Dr David Wong Yau-Kar
Prof Yu Gang, Member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Dean of the School of Technology for Sustainability at Beijing Normal University, is also the Chair of the Expert Committee for the National Coordination Group for Implementing the Stockholm Convention and Minamata Convention. Prof Yu has long been engaged in research on emerging pollutants, and his research has earned him a National Natural Award and two National Science and Technology Progress Awards. He has now mentored nearly 100 postgraduate students and received a national education award. He also initiated multiple annual academic conferences on persistent organic pollutants.
Prof Yu Gang
Prof Efim Zelmanov, Fields Medallist, is also a Foreign Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and a Member of the National Academy of Sciences (US). Widely regarded as one of the world’s foremost algebraists, he is renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to Jordan algebras and Lie algebras. His work has resolved longstanding mathematical problems, and pointed new directions in modern algebra, with influence extending to fields such as physics and computer science. Beyond his research achievements, he has actively promoted international academic exchange and cross-border scientific collaboration.
Prof Efim Zelmanov
Welcoming the new Honorary Fellows, BNBU President Prof Chen Zhi praised their remarkable achievements and dedication to serving society. He encouraged graduates to draw inspiration from the Fellows’ accomplishments, develop interdisciplinary competencies, shoulder social responsibility, and pursue their aspirations with confidence in the future.
BNBU President Prof Chen Zhi
Speaking on behalf of the Honorary Fellows, Prof Zelmanov reflected on his long-standing connection with BNBU. “I have mentioned before that BNBU is a university of friends,” he remarked. “Today, I am delighted to say that I am now also part of this family.”
He added that BNBU, as the first innovative liberal arts university in the Chinese mainland, embodies a vision of collaboration, internationalisation and a forward-looking outlook. “As Honorary Fellows, we are honoured to witness BNBU’s growth and look forward to contributing, in our own small way, to its continued success.”
Prof Zelmanov speaks on behalf of the Honorary Fellows
The conferment ceremony was presided over by President and Vice-Chancellor of Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) Prof Alexander Wai. Vice Chairman of the University Council of Beijing Normal University Prof Wei Wei and HKBU Vice-President (Teaching and Learning) Dr Albert Chau also attended the ceremony.
Honorary Fellows meet the press
Following the ceremony, the five Honorary Fellows met with representatives from national, provincial and regional media outlets today, including China Central Television, China Daily, China Youth Daily, and Nanfang Daily.
Prof Chen delivers a speech at the conference
Discussions focused on the qualities future university students will need, opportunities arising from the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the role of cross-border higher education in regional development, and the value of interdisciplinary learning.
When it comes to the capabilities students will need most in the age of artificial intelligence, Prof Huang highlighted three key points: the ability to work with and harness AI, information literacy to distinguish valuable insights among seas of information, and lifelong learning, which is becoming more important as technology continues to evolve.
Building on this point, Prof Yu added that students should learn to question and challenge AI-generated outputs. He also emphasised that the resilience to rebuild themselves when facing setbacks and adapt to changes is equally important.
Prof Peh turned the discussion to the future of higher education. He argued that universities should rethink their academic structures to address the challenges of the new era. He used BNBU’s establishment of the School of AI and Liberal Arts as an example, which he believes will better prepare students for the future.
Prof Zelmanov approached the issue from another perspective. He emphasised that universities should prioritise building strong theoretical foundations, as these provide a solid basis for everything and enable students to adapt to technological change.
Dr Wong emphasised the role of universities as bridges connecting local and international communities and promoting closer collaboration among universities, industry and research. He noted that BNBU has gained wide recognition and hoped it would evolve into an influential platform that converges all resources.
A banquet to commemorate the night
The celebrations concluded with a banquet, where the new Honorary Fellows engaged with students, faculty and guests, sharing experiences and perspectives while strengthening ties with the BNBU community.
Reflecting on the honour, Prof Peh said that true recognition comes with responsibility: I will wear this fellowship, not as a badge of achievement, but as a proof of action,” he said. “I will continue to use my efforts to support the vision of this great university.”
Having witnessed the University’s development in the Greater Bay Area over the years, Dr Wong expressed confidence in its future: “We look forward to BNBU reaching new heights in the years to come with the support from all the stakeholders.”
Noting that the School of Technology for Sustainability at Beijing Normal University is located less than one kilometre from BNBU, Prof Yu said: “I expect more future collaboration between the two universities.”
Prof Zelmanov expressed his appreciation in one strong sentence: “I am deeply proud and grateful for this honour. As a member of the BNBU family, I hope to be a good family member.”
BNBU senior management, including President Prof Chen Zhi, Provost Prof Patrick Chau, Vice President (Academic) Prof Zhou Yongming, Vice President (Administration) Prof Mao Yaqing, and Vice President (Research and Development) Prof Pan Jianxin present certificates to the newly appointed Honorary Fellows
BNBU Founding President Prof Ng Ching-fai, and its second President and Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Prof Tang Tao also participated in the banquet.
Held on the same day as the Graduation Ceremony, the Honorary Fellowship Conferment Ceremony marked both a farewell to graduating students embarking on new journeys and a welcome to five distinguished individuals joining the BNBU family. BNBU continues to advance its liberal arts mission and broaden its impact on society.
From MPRO
Reporter: Cecilia Yu, Koga Song
Photographer: Hanna He, Owen Li
Video by Season Li, Owen Li
