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Capturing candid moments: “In Dialogue with Dr Andy Lau”

31 Aug 2026

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At HKBU’s Honorary Doctoral Degree Conferment Ceremony: Dr Andy Lau Tak-wah (centre); Dr Kennedy Y H Wong, Chairman of the Council and the Court of HKBU (2nd right); Dr Sunny Chai, Deputy Chairman of the Council and the Court of HKBU (2nd left); Mr Kevin Liem, Treasurer of the Council and the Court of HKBU (1st right); and Professor Alex Wai, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU (1st left).

 

2026 continues to be a year of great momentum and memorable moments for the HKBU community. On 10 August, Dr Andy Lau Tak-wah, one of the most respected and well-loved figures in the entertainment industry, was awarded the degree of Doctor of Letters, honoris causa, at the Honorary Doctoral Degree Conferment Ceremony presided by Dr Kennedy Y H Wong, Chairman of the Council and the Court of HKBU.

An epitome of excellence and determination

Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Alex Wai, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU, commended Dr Lau on his versatility, artistry and charisma, highlighting his passion for the performing arts, impeccable work ethics and generous spirit which have transformed the entertainment industry. Dr Lau did not stop at nurturing aspiring artists and creating opportunities for countless local talents; he continued to give back to society and shine a light on those in need. The parasports community in particular has benefited from Dr Lau’s benevolence. He went above and beyond his role as Vice President of the Sports Association for the Physically Disabled of Hong Kong, China. From composing the Paralympic Games song, to attending games and presenting medals in person, Dr Lau spared no effort in promoting inclusion and raising awareness of the challenges faced by athletes with disabilities. 

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The Honorary Doctoral Degree Conferment Ceremony was held on 10 August, presided by Dr Kennedy Y H Wong, Chairman of the Council and the Court of HKBU (left). Dr Andy Lau Tak-wah (right) was conferred the degree of Doctor of Letters, honoris causa.
Dr Andy Lau Tak-wah gave his vote of thanks.
Dr Andy Lau Tak-wah was conferred the degree of Doctor of Letters, honoris causa, for his outstanding professional achievements and remarkable contributions to society.

Two cultural icons in conversation

Following the ceremony, the HKBU community was treated to a rare occasion with the presence of two timeless cultural icons. At the ensuing sharing session titled “In dialogue with Dr Andy Lau”, Dr Lau was joined on stage by acclaimed filmmaker and recipient of the HKBU honorary degree of Doctor of Letters in 2023, Dr Ann Hui On-wah.  As the guest of this highly anticipated event, Dr Hui chatted candidly with Dr Lau over the next hour. With their lively chemistry and poignant anecdotes about their collaboration, including Dr Lau’s star-turning roles in Boat People and A Simple Life, they drew laughter and applause from over 700 HKBU students and staff.

Dr Hui complimented Dr Lau for his extraordinary stamina and precision on set, and his innate ability to get into character in no time. Ever gracious and humble, Dr Lau gave credit to his team and loyal supporters. Leaving nothing to luck, his belief was simple: do your best today, and tomorrow will take care of itself. When asked how he overcame the down times in his life, Dr Lau gave a most humbling take on the question, describing himself as someone already much “blessed and loved” by many, and in turn can do more to pay it forward.  

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After the Conferment Ceremony, Dr Andy Lau Tak-wah (centre) and Dr Ann Hui On-wah, acclaimed filmmaker and recipient of HKBU’s honorary degree of Doctor of Letters in 2023 (right), shared candidly with HKBU staff and students at the session titled “In dialogue with Dr Andy Lau”.
Over 700 HKBU students and staff attended the sharing session.

The drive to keep rolling

Having said that, Dr Lau admitted there were times when he wanted to give up. What kept him going was knowing there were people rooting for him. With this positive mindset, detractors and malicious comments only served to strengthen his will to persist, or as Dr Lau framed it, “I want my supporters to know they were right to believe in me all this time.”  His secret is not that he never feels hurt, but that he does not hold grudges or let the hurt stay.  In his words, he believes life is always full of pleasant surprises.

Dr Lau highlighted the sheer will to stay curious, enthusiastic and open to learning new things to keep the spark alive. It is small wonder that this rare combination of drive, lightness, and enthusiasm has made Dr Lau one of the most revered thespians in the region.

Leveraging AI in human-centred filmmaking

On the omnipresence of artificial intelligence (AI), Dr Lau compared it to the arrival of animation, which also raised concerns at the time. Dr Lau encouraged everyone to embrace what is new, acknowledging that while they may not have fully mastered this new technology yet, in time they will get there. Both Dr Lau and Dr Hui viewed AI as a tool that can assist with the brainstorming process, but they agreed that filmmaking remains ultimately rooted in human emotion, empathy and discernment.

Heroes on the big screen can be created with the right script and special effects. The true test of character, however, is when someone shows the same integrity, talent and kindness, long after the director has called “cut”. These precious qualities are precisely what have endeared Dr Lau to audiences across the globe, and earned him a lasting place in people’s hearts. In a culture that often prizes achievement and recognition, Dr Lau reminds us that the greatest legacy is a life lived with grace, gratitude, and generosity, uplifting others while moving forward with quiet resolve.