Edward YAU Tang-wah
Professor Edward YAU Tang-wah
Honorary University Fellow (2026)
With a long and distinguished career spanning both government and the non-governmental sector, Professor Edward Yau Tang-wah has stood as a paragon of public service, leadership excellence, and unwavering dedication to the betterment of Hong Kong. He has served as a civil servant and a politically appointed official across different echelons and functions within the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), and more recently as an advocate of inclusive education for persons with disabilities, empowering communities and inspiring greater social harmony and cohesion.
Having studied at The University of Hong Kong, the University of Oxford, and Harvard University, Professor Yau experienced an educational journey across three continents that equipped him with a global perspective and a deep appreciation for diverse practices of scholarship and governance. This foundation proved invaluable throughout his career in the Government of the HKSAR, where he rose through the ranks over more than four decades of exemplary service, holding numerous key positions including Deputy Director-General of Trade and Industry, Director-General of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington, DC, Deputy Secretary for Education and Manpower, and Director of Information Services. He advanced to Secretary for the Environment and Director of the Chief Executive’s Office before assuming the role of Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development in 2017. With a firm and consistent mission to serve the people of Hong Kong, he understood the key to effective governance is through building genuine connection with society, paying heed to diverse stakeholders, solving their problems, and staying grounded to the needs of those whom policies are meant to benefit.
Among his many notable achievements beyond HKSAR are the landmark international trade agreements he successfully negotiated during his tenure as Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development. Demonstrating keen acumen and superior negotiation skills, he accomplished a number of free trade and investment protection agreements between HKSAR and its strategic trade partners, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Australia, and Georgia. He also represented Hong Kong, China at significant international forums, such as the World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference, and ministerial meetings of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. Through multi-lateral deals, he upheld HKSAR’s reputation as a centre of free trade. Furthermore, he led business delegations to various nations, particularly those along the “Belt and Road” that connect with the Chinese Mainland through HKSAR, contributing substantially to its prosperity and global standing. In recognition of his dedicated and distinguished service to the community, Professor Yau was awarded the Gold Bauhinia Star in 2011 and appointed a Justice of the Peace by the Government of the HKSAR in 2022.
Upon departing from the Government of the HKSAR and driven by his humanitarian convictions, Professor Yau became Chairman of the Council of the Hong Chi Association (HCA), leading one of the most well-established non-profit organisations dedicated solely to serving people with intellectual disabilities and their families in Hong Kong. As early as 1996, Professor Yau was already a passionate advocate for inclusive education, believing that persons with disabilities should be immersed in and embraced by society, and that the support for them must be holistic, extending far beyond the mere provision of special schools. Under his leadership, HCA has sought to highlight the abilities of intellectually disabled children while creating opportunities that enable their growth and enrich their lives. In recent years, HCA has collaborated with art shows and auction houses, where children’s artworks have been promoted, validating their artistic talent and value. In his eyes, these children should not be merely seen as beneficiaries of society’s good will, but as fellow human beings with gifts to offer. This bears testimony to his ability to translate his vision into concrete, life-affirming action.
Professor Yau’s relationship with Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) is both profound and consequential. In June 2024, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between HCA and HKBU, establishing a long-term partnership to support individuals with intellectual disabilities and promote greater inclusiveness. This all-round collaboration has led to joint learning initiatives for HCA service users and HKBU students, fostered knowledge sharing and skills exchange, and provided opportunities for community engagement and service-learning projects. HKBU students from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and the School of Creative Arts have worked with HCA on school projects, gaining meaningful experiences beyond the classroom. Professor Yau has also offered valuable input and advice to the University to propel its development, in addition to supporting academic events such as delivering a keynote speech at HKBU’s first International Symposium on Humanities, Societies and Digital Futures organised by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
Holding a deep appreciation for HKBU’s unique character and spirit, Professor Yau sees the University as a place where experimentation is encouraged, backed by research expertise and scholarly depth. He especially values HKBU’s Christian heritage, which emphasises mutual support and benevolence, and its commitment to whole person education and outreach to the community. He also recognises HKBU’s efforts in promoting transdisciplinary education that contributes to society, and he envisions the HCA-HKBU partnership as a model of how universities can engage meaningfully with vulnerable communities. In his view, a university’s role is not only to transfer knowledge but also to conduct research on policies and innovations that can transform the lives of those in need. To the younger generation, he encourages continuous learning, breaking barriers, and embracing change in a world that is constantly evolving.
In recognising Professor Edward Yau Tang-wah, the University honours a public servant of high integrity, a compassionate advocate for the underprivileged, and a visionary partner in building a fairer and more inclusive society. His life’s work exemplifies the highest ideals of service that the University holds dear. It is with immense pleasure that the University welcomes him into its family as an Honorary University Fellow.