A Cambodian Honour for Medical Commitment: President Leung Chun-ying awarded the rank of Grand Officer of the Order of Monisaraphon

On 15 September 2025, the Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia awarded President Leung Chun-ying - Chairman of the GX Foundation - the prestigious distinction of Grand Officer of the Order of Monisaraphon, in recognition of his major contributions to the development of the country's medical and health sector.

President Leung Chun-ying awarded the rank of Grand Officer of the Order of Monisarapong

The solemn ceremony, presided over by deputy prime minister Neth Savoeun, was attended by the Chinese ambassador to Cambodia, Wang Wenbin, and the association's director general, Professor Chen Yingning.

Receiving the award, Leung Chun-ying said he was ‘deeply honoured’ and expressed his satisfaction at seeing his organisation's work recognised by Cambodia. In his speech, he thanked the Cambodian government, the Ministry of Health, the Guangxi Autonomous Region Health Commission, the Chinese medical teams, as well as his own staff and the local businesses that actively support health cooperation initiatives. He affirmed his desire to further strengthen joint projects in the field of public health, contributing to the rapprochement of peoples and the consolidation of the Sino-Cambodian strategic partnership.

Collective awards for a humanitarian mission

In addition to the award presented to its chairman, the association saw several of its members honoured. Professor Chen Yingning received the rank of Officer, while one of the main advisers, Cong Peisheng, as well as several collaborators such as Ren Ruisheng, Lu Yuming, Ma Lizhi, Leung Chunhui, Huang Hanping and Lam Wing-hin, director of the South-East Asia programme, were awarded the rank of Knight.

This recognition reflects the scale of the work carried out by the organisation, starting with its flagship programme to eradicate blindness caused by cataracts.

To date, more than 22,000 free operations have been carried out in Laos, Cambodia, Djibouti, Mauritania and Senegal. In Cambodia alone, there have already been more than 7,700 screenings and 5,800 operations, giving thousands of patients a second chance to see. By 2024, the team had successfully eliminated all pending cases in Prey Veng province, before extending the initiative to Kampong Speu.

A broader health campaign

In addition to eye diseases, the association has recently become involved in the prevention of dengue fever. Since July 2024, a pilot programme in Kampong Speu province and along the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville motorway has seen mosquito repellent lamps installed in rest areas and awareness-raising materials distributed, helping to reduce the risk of infection in local communities.

An award symbolising a stronger bond

The Royal Order of Monisaraphon, one of Cambodia's highest honours, recognises individuals who have made outstanding contributions in education, science, art or social work. Created to honour meritorious actions in these fields, it represents prestigious recognition of commitment to the country's social and cultural progress.

Leung Chun-ying had already been awarded the rank of Grand Knight in September 2022 for his humanitarian commitment and public health work.

The elevation of his rank to Grand Officer illustrates not only Cambodia's recognition, but also the consolidation of exemplary medical cooperation, which is helping to build a shared future between Phnom Penh and Beijing.

This distinction has a strong symbolic dimension, testifying to the diplomatic friendship and fruitful collaboration between the two nations in the crucial field of public health, the basis of sustainable and humane development.