Press Release
HKBU confers honorary doctoral degree upon Dr Andy Lau Tak-wah
Monday, 10 August 2026
Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) conferred the degree of Doctor of Letters, honoris causa upon Dr Andy Lau Tak-wah at the Honorary Doctoral Degree Conferment Ceremony held today (10 August) for his outstanding professional achievements and remarkable contributions to society.
Dr Lau is best known as an entertainment superstar. His rags-to-riches story, as a local boy made good, exemplifies the opportunities Hong Kong can offer to those who are willing and able. Dr Lau’s own acting career began when he enrolled in a TV actor training programme in 1981. He landed his first leading role at the age of 20 in a television drama, which shot him to instant fame.
His career as a singer also took off in the early 80s. Since then, he has released over 100 albums in Cantonese and in Putonghua and sold over 48 million albums. He holds the Guinness World Records for the “Most Awards Won by a Cantopop Male Artist” in 2000, accumulating close to 500 music awards to date. His songs are heard not only across the Chinese Mainland, but across the entire Chinese diaspora worldwide.
As for films, having appeared in over 160 films, Dr Lau’s versatility as an actor is simply endless. He has won three Hong Kong Film Awards for Best Actor and two Golden Horse Awards for Best Leading Actor. In 1991, he started his own production company and saw movies through a uniquely Hong Kong lens, as well as gave opportunities to countless local talents.
Dr Lau gives back not just through the movie industry but also through his charity foundation. His philanthropic work includes generously donating to natural disaster relief, giving to the education of children in impoverished areas across the Chinese Mainland, participating in fundraising performances, and showing particular concern for people with disabilities. In this uncertain age of artificial intelligence (AI), one thing seems sure: AI can never “be” Dr Lau because it cannot take the role of his humanity, his talent and the emotional connections he has built within the Chinese communities through his art.
The Conferment Ceremony was presided over by Dr Kennedy Y H Wong, Chairman of the Council and the Court of HKBU. Guests attending the ceremony included Dr Sunny Chai, Deputy Chairman of the Council and the Court; Mr Kevin Liem, Treasurer of the Council and the Court; and Professor Alex Wai, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU.
Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Alex Wai said that a household and international name known for his versatility, artistry and charisma, Dr Andy Lau Tak-wah is the epitome of excellence and determination.
Professor Wai highlighted that Dr Lau’s passion for the performing arts, impeccable work ethics and generous spirit have transformed the entertainment industry, giving artists and creative professionals the spotlight they deserve. Professor Wai said: “Above all, his humility and enthusiasm in giving back to the community, nurturing the young and supporting the underprivileged through different charitable channels and his own foundation, continue to inspire and shine a light on those in need.”
Following the ceremony, Dr Lau attended a sharing session titled “In dialogue with Dr Andy Lau”, engaging with over 700 HKBU students and staff. The session also featured Dr Ann Hui On-wah, acclaimed filmmaker and recipient of the HKBU honorary degree of Doctor of Letters in 2023. Together, they reflected on their seamless collaboration on films over the years. They also shared the stories behind their career development and fascinating life experiences, offering valuable inspiration to the audience.
The other honorary doctoral degree awardees of HKBU in 2026 will be announced later this year.
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