Award for Service Contribution 2009-10

Dr Kenneth M Y Leung
School of Biological Sciences

"I really like a quote from Albert Einstein: ‘Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile’. Over the years, many people have helped me along my career path. I strongly believe that we shall thank those who helped us by helping others; this is a good way to pay it forward and make a better world.”

Dr Leung received his PhD in Marine Ecotoxicology from University of Glasgow in 2000 and was awarded the Croucher Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship which enabled him to work on research in Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA) at University of London. Dr Leung joined HKU in 2002. He spares no efforts in promoting environmental protection and conservation. He teaches courses of ecology and environment, and is the coordinator of an interdisciplinary MSc (Environmental Management) programme, which is jointly taught by the School of Biological Sciences, the Kadoorie Institute, the Departments of Law, Earth Sciences, Civil Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering, and local practitioners. Dr Leung is actively engaging in teaching curriculum development, through serving undergraduate teaching committees at both Faculty and School level. As a friendly and approachable teacher, he always makes himself available to assist students in need. Locally, he acts as an expert member in several environment-related committees for the Hong Kong SAR Government. Internationally, he is the President of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (Asia-Pacific Geographical Unit). As an expert in ERA, Dr Leung has been frequently invited by the United Nations and NGOs to train governmental officials and environmental practitioners in various Asia-Pacific countries. Dr Leung is one of the “Ten Outstanding Young Persons” for Hong Kong in 2010.