HKBU hails six endowed scholars with outstanding achievements

Professor Zhang Hongjie (Associate Dean and Chair Professor, School of Chinese Medicine) specialises in novel anticancer and antiviral therapies derived from the prototype molecules found in medicinal plants of Southern Eastern Asia. Having discovered over 500 novel compounds and secured numerous patents, he has made strides in advancing the field of medicinal chemistry. Since 2021, Professor Zhang has been consecutively listed among the World’s Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University, a recognition of his contributions to biomedical sciences and education.

More about Professor Zhang's research profile: Hongjie ZHANG - Hong Kong Baptist University

Professor Anna Kwan (Associate Professor, School of Chinese Medicine) focuses on translational research to develop novel therapeutic strategies for obesity, while investigating related comorbidities and the potent anti-obesity effects of herbal extracts. With insights from both Chinese Medicine and modern biomedical science, Professor Kwan has authored over 120 peer-reviewed publications and has been named among the World’s Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University.

More about Professor Kwan's research profile: Hiu Yee KWAN - Hong Kong Baptist University

Professor Peng Bo (Professor of Practice, School of Chinese Medicine) has over three decades of experience in clinical practice, teaching, and research, and has been involved in frontline treatment during outbreaks of major infectious diseases. Focusing on vascular health, airway health, the delay of ageing, and emerging respiratory infections, Professor Peng has also developed extensive expertise in geriatric medicine and complex internal disorders. He was given the School Performance Award in 2024 and named the Most Admired Chinese Medical Practitioner in 2022.

More about Professor Peng's research profile: Bo PENG - Hong Kong Baptist University

Professor Michael Ng (Dean of Science; Chair Professor in Mathematics and Data Science, Faculty of Science) is a world-renowned scholar whose accolades include being a Fellow of the American Mathematical Society, a Fellow of the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, and a recipient of the 12th Feng Kang Prize of Scientific Computing. Recognised as a Highly Cited Researcher in 2025 and named among the World’s Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University, he is widely distinguished for his exceptional research performance and far-reaching influence in the field of Mathematics.

More about Professor Ng's research profile: Kwok Po NG - Hong Kong Baptist University

Professor Daniel Lai (Dean and Chair Professor, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences) focuses on critical areas within the social sciences, with a particular emphasis on vulnerable populations, including older adults, migrants, and ethnic minorities. His body of work, comprising over 170 peer-reviewed publications and lectures, spans social work, gerontology, health determinants, and immigration. A recipient of the Alberta Heritage Health Scholar Award and a named Killam Annual Professor, he is also listed among the World’s Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University.

More about Professor Lai's research profile: Daniel W. L. LAI - Hong Kong Baptist University

Professor Li Min (Dean and Chair Professor, School of Chinese Medicine) is a distinguished scholar, clinical expert, and educator with nearly four decades of experience in Chinese Medicine. Her research focuses on elucidating the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), alongside the discovery of new drugs derived from Chinese Medicine. With over 400 published papers and more than 20 patents to her name, she has advanced the study of neuroprotective effects and disease mechanisms. Professor Li’s contributions have been recognised with the Award for Distinguished Female Chinese Medicine Practitioner in 2007, as well as multiple HKBU President’s Awards for teaching and research.

More about Professor Li's research profile: Min LI - Hong Kong Baptist University