City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) held the 8th Distinguished Alumni Award (DAA) Presentation Ceremony on 23 January to honour two CityUHK alumni, recognising their outstanding achievements in their professional careers, and contributions to CityUHK and society. The awards were presented to Mr Anthony Lam Sai-ho, Vice Chairman, and Group CEO of Golden Resources Development International Limited; and Dr Allen Shi Lop-tak, SBS, BBS, MH, JP, Founder and Chairman of Brilliant International Group Limited.

The Ceremony was presided over by Dr Chung Shui-ming, GBS, JP, Pro-Chancellor of the University, Mr Michael Ngai, Chairman of the Council, and Professor Freddy Boey, President and University Distinguished Professor. Over 200 esteemed guests including University senior management, as well as business and community leaders attended the event.

Serving as Chairman of the DAA Selection Panel for the fourth time, Dr Chung praised the awardees for their extensive contributions to their profession, the University and society. He expressed confidence that the two awardees would serve as significant role models for the younger generation and CityUHK alumni.

Mr Ngai pointed out that the brilliant achievements of the two awardees stand as a testament to the quality of education and nurturing environment that CityUHK provides. The University takes immense pride that our alumni have excelled in various fields, bringing honour to their alma mater. In celebration of the 30th Anniversary of CityUHK, he was delighted to witness how the University has nurtured graduates who excel in various professions.

President Boey stated that alumni are the rock upon which the University is built, significantly contributing to the University’s success and continued excellence. The University is proud of the achievements of the alumni. The two award recipients have demonstrated exceptional accomplishments and continuous contributions to society, serving as role models for CityUHK students. Recently, CityUHK has received numerous positive updates, including higher university rankings. He believed that the University will nurture more outstanding alumni in the future.

As the third-generation successor, Mr Lam has upheld his family business' legacy while staying attuned to market trends. He continues to provide high-quality rice products to meet the needs of residents in Hong Kong, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and Southeast Asia.

Graduated with an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) degree in 2015, Mr Lam has since continued to actively supported the University's development. He currently serves as the Vice-Chairman of the CityUHK Eminence Society (2023-2025), a Principal Member of the CityUHK Foundation, Chairman of the Advisory Committee of the Department of Marketing at CityUHK, and a member of the CityUHK Industrial and Business Leaders Circle Steering Committee. Mr Lam is also the Executive Deputy Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, contributing significantly to his alma mater and society.

Another awardee Dr Shi is the Founder and Chairman of Brilliant International Group Limited. A renowned industrialist and entrepreneur, he has guided the company through nearly 40 years of development.  From a humble beginning, when the company had only more than 10 employees at its founding, it has now grown into one of the largest and most significant high-end commercial printing and paper packaging groups in South China.

Since graduating with an EMBA from CityUHK in 2007, Dr Shi has established numerous scholarships to support CityUHK students. He also serves as a Court member of CityUHK, Vice-Chairman of the CityUHK Eminence Society (2023-2025), a member of the Board of Governors and an Honorary Vice-President of the CityUHK Foundation, and a mentor of HK Tech 300, actively contributing to the University's sustainable development.

In recognition of his generous donations, Executive Classroom 6208 in the Lau Ming Wai Academic Building was named the “Allen Shi Lop Tak Executive Classroom” in appreciation of his support. The University also awarded him the Honorary Fellowship in 2021 for his professional excellence and continued support.

Dr Shi has served as President of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, demonstrating his commitment to societal service and notable achievements.

Both awardees dedicated songs to CityUHK, expressing their gratitude for how their alma mater has nurtured them. The Ceremony concluded with CityUHK Musical students performing “We Are the Champions”, symbolising the University's commitment to champion excellence.

Members of the Selection Panel for the 8th DAA included alumnus Dr Sunny Chai Ngai-chiu, SBS, BBS, JP, Managing Director of Fook Tin Group Holdings Limited and Recipient of the 7th CityUHK Distinguished Alumni Award; Ms Lilian Chiang Sui-fook, Partner and Head of the Property Department of Deacons and Deputy Chairman of the CityUHK Council; Dr Roy Chung Chi-ping, GBS, JP, Founder and Chairman of Bright Future Charitable Foundation; and Professor Lee Chun-sing, Provost and Deputy President of CityUHK. The selection consultant was Ernst & Young.