Mr. Stephen Yau How-boa, GBS, MH, JP

Mr. Stephen Yau How-boa graduated from the Department of Social Work at Hong Kong Baptist College. He also obtained Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Law and a Master's degree in Social Work from leading universities in Hong Kong, the Mainland and the United States. He is currently the Chief Executive of the International Social Service Hong Kong Branch (ISS-HK) and the Asia-Pacific Regional Coordinator of International Social Service.

Inspired by the selfless dedication of social workers he met when he was young, Mr. Yau was determined to pursue a career in social welfare sector. He has devoted untiring efforts to the social welfare sector for over four decades. As the Chief Executive of ISS-HK leading the organisation for many years, he has been dedicated to providing an extensive range of social services to a wide spectrum of individuals and families in the community. His unwavering commitment to serving the community and enlightening the lives of others has established him as a respected and influential leader in the sector. He is also a role model for the industry.

With his significant position and extensive management experience in social services, Mr. Yau has been invited to serve in various committees and boards of the government and public organisations. His current major public roles and community involvements including Chairman of the Institute of Social Service Development, Chairman of the Wofoo Social Enterprises, Chairman of the Hong Kong Social Service Professional Alliance of The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area Limited, Chairman of the Football Training Centre Board of the Football Association of Hong Kong, China, Adviser of the Steering Committee on Population Policy, to name but a few. He was also the Chairman of the Liquor Licensing Board from 2011 to 2017, a member of the Town Planning Board from 2012 to 2018, and the District Councillor of Wan Chai District from 2004 to 2011.

Mr. Yau was appointed as a Justice of the Peace in 1997. In the same year, he was awarded the Hong Kong Baha’i Award for Service to Humanity by the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Hong Kong. In recognition of his significant contributions to the community and society especially in the areas of social welfare, town planning and sports development in Hong Kong, he was awarded the Medal of Honour, the Bronze Bauhinia Star, the Sliver Bauhinia Star and the Gold Bauhinia Star by the HKSAR Government in 2001, 2006, 2013 and 2021 respectively.

Since his graduation, Mr. Yau has maintained a strong and close connection with his alma mater, where he is highly commended for his contributions especially to the Department of Social Work. He has served in the Department of Social Work Advisory Committee for years, first as a member and then the Chairperson since 2011, contributing to the University through his professional knowledge and insights. He also previously served as the President of the HKBU Alumni Association. Currently, he is a member of the Alumni Committee of the HKBU Foundation and the President of the HKBU Social Work Alumni Association. As a founder of the HKBU Social Work Learning and Exchange Foundation Fund and a Founding Alumni Supporter of the Faculty of Social Sciences Student Development Endowment Fund, he led by example through actively supporting the students and alumni in various areas. In 2008, he was conferred the Honorary University Fellowship in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the University and the community.

(HKBU would like to thank the award recipient for providing the information.)