96th Congregation (2026)

Hong Kong has long been hailed as the “Hollywood of the East”, boasting countless memorable films that owe their success to exceptional talents both in front of and behind the scenes. Among them, Dr Michael Hui Koon-man is a true luminary.

Dr Hui’s family originated from Panyu, Guangdong, and he moved to Hong Kong as a child. He later attended The Chinese University of Hong Kong, where he pursued a major in sociology. His university life was vibrant and multifaceted – besides organising various campus activities, he was elected president of the United College Student Union. He also represented the College in an intercollegiate English debate competition, leading his team to secure the championship. Those familiar with his performances in The Hui Brothers Show on TV would recognise his signature catchphrases like, "Who are you to disagree?" followed by "Why should I agree?" – his eloquence and quick wit, as it turns out, had already begun to blossom during his university years. In the area of performing arts, he made guest appearances in two plays staged by the College drama club, thereby discovering his innate talent for acting. Drawing on his own experiences, he consistently encourages university students to follow their interests and explore different fields.

Dr Hui’s signature comedic style, known for its witty humour, is deeply rooted in his keen observation of and profound empathy for everyday life of ordinary people. A master of deadpan comedy, he skilfully transforms the sense of helplessness felt by ordinary people and the wisdom they use to navigate daily life into scripts that elicit wry smiles from his audience. Whether portraying the shrewd and calculating private detective in The Private Eyes, or the overly anxious security chief in Security Unlimited, Dr Hui has an unparalleled ability to capture the absurdities and hardships of ordinary folk. The exaggerated yet authentic performances by Dr Hui often reveal how the city’s working class survives through street smarts and finding joy amidst adversity. His comedy never descends into vulgarity; instead, it artfully blends social issues with humorous anecdotes through his scripts and direction, leaving the entire audience guffawing while prompting them to reflect on reality. In an exclusive interview, Dr Hui once remarked, “Decades have passed, and the only thing that brings me happiness is laughter and humour. That’s why I’ve devoted my life to comedy.” This philosophy underpins his lifelong commitment to using wit and humour to alleviate helplessness, and laughter to face adversity. This approach has established a unique “Hui-style comedy”, cementing his lasting impact on the industry. He once encouraged Hongkongers to “cry with a smile” during tough times. This very notion of “laughing through tears” lies at the heart of his comedic aesthetic: finding warmth in absurdity and maintaining broad-mindedness amid hardship. Dr Hui’s works are not only reflections of their eras but also spiritual nourishment for generations, helping people to comprehend the profound gravity of life through laughter, and to behold the indomitable resilience of the human spirit through the lens of satire.

Dr Michael Hui is widely recognised as a master of comedy in Chinese-language films, with an illustrious career marked by numerous accolades. In 1982, he won the Hong Kong Film Award for Best Actor for starring in his self-directed film Security Unlimited, establishing his status in the film industry. In 2022, the Hong Kong Film Awards honoured Dr Hui with the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising his profound impact on the Hong Kong film industry. Dr Hui’s critical acclaim in the entertainment industry spans over half a century. In 2023, his portrayal of ICAC Commissioner George Lee in Where the Wind Blows earned him the Hong Kong Film Award for Best Supporting Actor, making him a rare legend whose acting prowess has been celebrated across decades. Dr Hui has also received numerous prestigious honours, including the Golden Mulberry Lifetime Achievement Award from the Udine Far East Film Festival in Italy (2011), the Outstanding Contribution to Arts Award from the Hong Kong Arts Development Council (2021), and the World Outstanding Chinese Award (2017), all testaments to his enduring legacy.

The Analects of Confucius said, “To be fond of something is better than merely to know it, and to find joy in it is better than merely to be fond of it.” Dr Hui embodies this highest principle, finding immense joy in his artistic pursuits. Beyond his on-screen works, his off-screen contributions are equally significant. He personally undertook the roles of screenwriter, director, and lead actor in his early films, forging a distinctive comedic style that defined the era. His works are deeply rooted in the lives of everyday Hongkongers, drawing inspiration from personal experiences and social observations. The screenplays of his films, such as Games Gamblers Play, The Private Eyes, and The Contract, were all written by him and vividly capture the pulse of the times. His films broke box office records and consistently topped Hong Kong’s cinematic charts, ushering in a golden era of local comedy in the 1980s and 1990s. In television, Dr Hui helped produce TVB’s flagship variety show Enjoy Yourself Tonight and created the comedy programme The Hui Brothers Show, solidifying his status in the entertainment world. He also played a role in organising the first Miss Hong Kong Pageant and helped create the station’s first sitcom, 73, demonstrating his pioneering role in behind-the-scenes creativity and production. In present-day Hong Kong, creativity has become the heartbeat of society, and Dr Hui’s boundless creativity in show business since the 1970s has positioned him at the forefront of the times.

Dr Hui is also a leader and guardian of Hong Kong’s performing arts community, actively championing the rights and upholding the dignity of his peers. In 1993, he was elected founding president of the Hong Kong Performing Artistes Guild, developed it into a vital platform for industry dialogue, and was later re-elected to a second term. Since 1997, he has served as the Guild’s Permanent Honorary President, continuing his efforts to unite and empower the film industry. He has also held roles as Vice-President of the Hong Kong Film Directors’ Guild, Honorary Advisor to the Hong Kong Screenwriters’ Guild, and Vice-President of the Hong Kong Motion Picture Industry Association, actively promoting the development of the industry from multiple roles. In 1995, Dr Hui was appointed to the Hong Kong Arts Development Council, where he helped shape local cultural policy and elevate the status of the arts community. In 2004, he was appointed a Justice of the Peace in recognition of his contributions to society. Onscreen and off, from frontline creative production to shaping cultural policy, Dr Hui has proven that his dedication to Hong Kong’s entertainment industry transcends acting, establishing him as a cornerstone of the entire field.

Portraying “Brother Man” in The Last Dance, Dr Hui delivered the memorable line, “Life is like a journey. What matters isn’t how far you travel with your fellow passengers, but the scenery you’ve enjoyed together along the way.” Over his six-decade cinematic journey, Dr Hui has cultivated for the people of Hong Kong a forest of laughter that never withers. His comedy train has long since etched its most beautiful scenes into the heart of our city, becoming part of Hongkongers' collective memory.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to Hong Kong society and the film industry, I present to the Chairman Dr Michael Hui Koon-man, for the degree of Doctor of Social Science, honoris causa.