Professor Phoebe Lam and Fencer Ryan Choi Among 2026 TOYP Winners

A University of Hong Kong paediatric dentistry professor and an HKU sports scholar have been named among the recipients of the 2026 Ten Outstanding Young Persons (TOYP) Awards, recognising their significant contributions to society.

Professor Phoebe Pui Ying Lam, Clinical Assistant Professor in Paediatric Dentistry at HKU and Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, was selected for her extensive work in dental outreach.

As a registered specialist in Paediatric Dentistry, Professor Lam has led service campaigns across Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, Cambodia, Uganda, Togo, and Tanzania. Her efforts, supported by multiple HKU grants including the SERVICE 100 Fund and Gallant Ho Experiential Learning Funds, focus on caries prevention and dental care for individuals with special needs.

The only woman among this year’s winners, Professor Lam’s academic contributions have also been widely recognised; she received the HKU Early Career Teaching Award in 2024. Her research, published in journals such as Autism and Caries Research, addresses critical gaps in paediatric oral health and underserved groups.

Professor Lijian Jin, Dean of the HKU Faculty of Dentistry, praised Professor Phoebe Lam as a deeply mission-driven, highly dedicated, exceptionally capable, and humble young scholar.

“Professor Lam is truly deserving of this honour,” he said. “She has excelled in teaching and learning, academic research, and professional service, while demonstrating a strong commitment to community engagement and humanitarian healthcare. By continually challenging herself and striving to realise her full potential, she serves as an inspiring role model for all who pursue excellence, lifelong learning, and meaningful achievement.”

Ryan Choi Chun Yin, an HKU sports scholar and fencer, was also honoured by TOYP for his achievements. Mr Choi recently won the Silver Medal in the Men’s Foil Team event at the Asian Games 2026. A competitor at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, he is also the first Hong Kong fencer to win a World Championship title in foil.

Also among the awardees was Dr Lam Wing-kit, a haematology specialist and associate consultant in the Department of Pathology at Tuen Mun Hospital who received his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from HKU in 2016. He has led multiple research and clinical adoption initiatives, improving health care across Hong Kong.

The 54th TOYP Awards, established by Junior Chamber International Hong Kong in 1970, aim to recognise young people who have made outstanding contributions to society.

This year’s theme, “Lead with Insight, Impact to Light”, seeks to celebrate “leaders who harness vision to navigate change, illuminate lives, and kindle hope.”