The Honorary Degree Recipients

Dr Lawrence LI Kwok-chang has been a specialist in Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery in Hong Kong since 1982. He graduated from the Medical School at University of Newcastle upon Tyne in 1977, and is currently a Clinical Associate Professor (honorary) in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery of The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Dr Li has been contributing to the community through serving on various committees of the HKSAR Government and professional bodies. He is currently a Member of the Finance Committee and Special Committee on Elderly Housing under the Hong Kong Housing Society, a Non-official Member of Harbourfront Commission, and a Member of the Finance Management Committee and Advisory Committee of the University of Hong Kong – Shenzhen Hospital. He had been a Member of the Town Planning Board, a Member of the Appeal Board Panel constituted under the Human Organ Transplant Ordinance, and a Member of the Research Projects Vetting Subcommittee of the Environment and Conservation Fund.

Dr Li has contributed enormously to the work of Council and to the strategic development of PolyU over many years. Dr Li has been a Member of the PolyU Council since April 2010, and was appointed Treasurer of the University during 2015-2018 and Deputy Council Chairman since 2019. He was Chairman of the Investment Committee from 2013 to 2016, Chairman of the Works Tender Board from 2015 to 2019, and Chairman of Finance Committee, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of PolyU Superannuation Fund, and Chairman of Ancillary Staff Provident Fund Management Committee from 2015 to 2018. He is currently Chairman of Council’s Executive Committee and Hostel Development Task Force, Member of the Council Membership Nominations Committee, Honorary Degrees and Awards Committee, and Senior Executives Evaluation and Compensation Committee, and a Member of the University’s 2025/26 – 2030/31 Strategic Planning Task Force.

Mr Council Chairman,

It is my great honour to present Dr Lawrence Li with this well-deserved doctorate. Dr Li is not only a renowned Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery Specialist, he is also a visionary leader who has made significant contributions to education and public service.

With a passion that resonates beyond the clinic, Dr Li has seamlessly blended his medical expertise with a commitment to community welfare. Serving in the University Council for over 14 years, Dr Li has been a key figure at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). His forward-thinking, pragmatic leadership style and vast knowledge and experience have promoted the University’s development, supporting PolyU’s transformation into an innovative world-class university. 

Visionary leaders are ahead of their time, always thinking creatively and acting sensibly. Dr Li, a natural strategist who sees challenges as opportunities, was entrusted to chair the Investment Committee of PolyU after the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers. This global financial crisis severely impacted nearly every sector, highlighting the critical need for effective leadership during challenging times.

He prioritised financial stability to enable the University to effectively fulfil its core functions. Furthermore, he strategically realigned investment to support PolyU’s educational and research excellence, with a strong emphasis on risk management within the investment portfolio. His dedicated efforts have successfully strengthened the University’s foundation, positioning it for future growth and success.

His keen insight into far-reaching strategies, exhibited during his early tenures at PolyU and various government bodies, has established him as a trusted expert. This expertise has enabled him to effectively support PolyU’s development and enhance its reputation on the global stage. Following his role as Chairman of the Investment Committee, Dr Li was appointed Treasurer of the University. In this capacity, he focused on leveraging financial resources to achieve optimal outcomes, which enabled PolyU to embark on a growth journey, enhancing its education and research capabilities and excellence to meet societal needs.

In 2019, Dr Li was appointed Deputy Council Chairman of PolyU, contributing to strategic governance. His work in enterprise architecture ensures that PolyU remains forward-thinking and socially impactful.

With strong collaboration and communication skills, he fosters teamwork and innovation, enhancing the University’s visibility and nurturing a creative teaching and learning environment. His leadership also plays an important role in positioning PolyU at the forefront of cutting-edge research and knowledge transfer, laying the foundation for the University’s long-term success and impact.

Born in Hong Kong, Dr Li demonstrated his strategic nature early on by choosing to specialise in otorhinolaryngology, or ear, nose, and throat, after graduating from the esteemed medical school at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in England in 1977. Over the past few decades, this field has seen significant advancements globally, and Dr Li’s timely entry allowed him to capitalise on these developments. In addition to his private practice as a surgeon, he contributes to the advancement of education in the field as a Clinical Associate Professor (Honorary) in Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, underscoring his commitment to the discipline.

Dr Li embodies the qualities of an exceptional surgeon, with keen insight, strong problem-solving skills and adaptability. But what truly sets him apart is his passion for social welfare, making him an influential leader within government services and professional organisations alike to drive meaningful change in society.  

Along with his contributions to the medical field, Dr Li has made significant strides in public service. His roles on the Finance Committee and the Special Committee on Elderly Housing at the Hong Kong Housing Society, for example, demonstrate his commitment to addressing critical societal issues beyond medicine. By focusing on reallocating resources to areas of greatest need, he has effectively added value to community initiatives.

As a devoted lifelong learner, Dr Li actively seeks wisdom from great thinkers. His commitment to advancing education is shaped by Cardinal John Henry Newman’s The Idea of a University (1852), which states that “The aim of the University is a true enlargement of mind…the power of viewing many things at once.” A century later, scholar Jaroslav Pelikan revisited Newman’s work, providing fresh insights into contemporary university challenges. Dr Li draws inspiration from this dialogue, recognising Newman’s vision in addressing modern educational issues while adapting it to support the growth of PolyU.

Dr Li’s success is rooted in his deep philosophical outlook, realistic approach, and clear strategy. He is a far-sighted leader who has “the power of viewing many things at once”. His belief that “there is no peak, only higher mountains” embodies his commitment to continuous learning, enabling him to excel in various roles.

Mr Council Chairman, in recognition of his distinguished achievements in the medical field and his exemplary contributions to PolyU and public service, I have the great honour of presenting Dr Lawrence Li for the conferment of the degree of Doctor of Social Science honoris causa.

Council Chairman Dr Lam, President Teng, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is with great pleasure that I participate in today’s honorary degree conferment ceremony. I am deeply honoured and humbled to be awarded the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Social Science by PolyU, in the company of my fellow Council and Court members. 

When I entered medical school more than 40 years ago, I could never have imagined my career would give me the privilege to make significant contributions not only to the medical profession, but also to public service and the wider community.

Throughout my life, I have been driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence, a passion for growth and evolution, and a deep-seated desire to leave a lasting legacy. However, it is the trust, partnerships and support I have been fortunate enough to receive along the way that have made my journey more meaningful and enriching.

The over 14 years that I have served on the PolyU Council have been a truly rewarding experience. Having held various positions, including Chairman of the Investment Committee, Chairman of the Finance Committee, Treasurer of the University, and now Deputy Council Chairman, I am honoured to have witnessed and contributed to PolyU’s remarkable journey of excellence, growth, and impact.

Today, as PolyU stands among the world’s top 100 universities and is at the forefront of innovation, I am deeply proud of our collective accomplishments. The University’s ability to excel, innovate, and push boundaries has not only inspired me, but also fostered a profound sense of belonging and a lasting commitment to our shared mission and values.

Being part of an exceptional team that has shaped PolyU into a world-class university has also been incredibly fulfilling. Every challenge we have faced and every success we have achieved together has contributed to the University’s ascent in academic excellence.

To all the young graduates and aspiring students here today, I wish you a bright future. Always consider how your actions can benefit society, as this is the purpose of education. 

On a personal level, I have always been inspired by the insights of the Chinese scholar Wang Guowei（王國維） in his work Remarks on Song Lyrics （《人間詞話》）. The poetic lines that he highlighted, namely “Last night the western breeze blew withered leaves off trees. I mount the tower high and strain my longing eye.” （昨夜西風凋碧樹。獨上高樓，望盡天涯路。）from Butterflies in Love with Flowers （《蝶戀花》）by Yan Shu（晏殊）, resonate deeply with me. They embody a philosophy that emphasises aiming high, looking beyond the horizon, and diligently pursuing a meaningful mission. I would like to share this perspective with modesty, hoping to inspire future leaders while nurturing a commitment to giving back to society.

Lastly, I want to express my deepest gratitude to my beloved wife, who is here in the audience today. I wouldn’t be standing here without her unwavering support. My heartfelt thanks also extend to my family, friends and colleagues, whose encouragement has been instrumental in my extraordinary journey.

Thank you, PolyU, for this incredible honour. I am truly grateful.