Five-time Women's World Chess Champion Grandmaster Ju Wenjun, who successfully defended her title just last week, made a momentous visit to Hong Kong. This appearance coincided with a welcome event and exhibition match organized by the Hong Kong China Chess Federation in collaboration with Lingnan University. Accompanying her was her coach,Grandmaster Ni Hua.

Representatives of Lingnan University and the Hong Kong China Chess Federation with GM Ni Hua and GM Ju Wenjun.
During this visit, the Hong Kong China Chess Federation also announced the upcoming Asian Amateur Chess Championships, set to take place in August 2025. Ju has been invited as the guest of honor to witness this significant occasion.

Asian Amateur Chess Championships to be held in August (Left to Right: Liyun Liang, Federation Secretary of the Hong Kong China Chess Federation; Five-Time World Champion, GM JuWenjun; Robin Lai, Vice President of the Hong Kong China Chess Federation)
Asian Amateur Chess Championships Gathers Chess Elite
Robin Lai, Vice President of the Hong Kong China Chess Federation, expressed gratitude for JuWenjun’s participation in the exhibition match. He stated, “This event not only promises excitement but also provides a valuable opportunity for Ju to engage with chess enthusiasts and young players. We hope this will inspire more youth to immerse themselves in the world of chess and pursue their own chess aspirations.”

Five-Time World Champion, GM Ju Wenjun and Hong Kong Chess Players in Simultaneous Chess Exhibition .
The Asian Amateur Chess Championships will run from August 1 to 9 at the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals’ Tung Po Centre. Following last year’s successful Asian Rapid Chess Team Championship, this event is expected to attract hundreds of participants, with a total prize pool of HKD 289,500. The competition will feature both open and women’s categories, including divisions for U1700, U2000, U2300, as well as rapid and blitz tournaments.

Five-Time World Champion, GM Ju Wenjun and Hong Kong Chess Players in Simultaneous Chess Exhibition .
Ju Wenjun Encourages Chess Fans: Enjoy the Joy of Chess
Ju Wenjun expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the warm welcome from the Hong Kong China Chess Federation and local chess players. Reflecting on her own journey as a young chess player, she encouraged attendees to relax and fully enjoy the game. “Having participated in the Asian Rapid Chess Team Championship last August, I found Hong Kong to be a beautiful city with high standards of events and venues. I am excited about the upcoming Asian Amateur Chess Championships at Tung Po and look forward to new surprises.”

Five-Time World Champion, GM Ju Wenjun and Hong Kong Chess Players in Simultaneous Chess Exhibition .
Higher Education Institutions Establish Interdisciplinary College Funding Programs to Promote Sports Development
As Hong Kong's sports industry flourishes, many local higher education institutions are responding to societal needs by establishing interdisciplinary colleges and related funding initiatives to support the development of sports talent. Lingnan University, as a pioneer in this area, has created various scholarships to assist exceptional athletes in balancing academic and athletic pursuits. Its interdisciplinary college offers the “Entrance Scholarships for Student Athletes” and “Outstanding Performance Scholarship for Elite Athlete” to reward athletes who excel in both local and international competitions.

Kick-off Ceremony with Prof Raymond Hon-fu Chan, Vice-President (Academics) cum Provost and Lam Man Tsan Chair Professor of Scientific Computing at Lingnan University (Left) and Five-Time World Champion, GM Ju Wenjun (Right)
Lingnan University Promotes Liberal Arts Education to Foster Cultural Dialogue
Prof Raymond Hon-fu Chan, Vice-President (Academics) cum Provost and Lam Man Tsan Chair Professor of Scientific Computing at Lingnan University, remarked on the pride of hosting this high-caliber international chess exchange event. “This initiative aligns with our mission to promote liberal arts education and global engagement. It encourages students to pursue independent thinking, creativity, and innovation while facilitating inspiration and cultural dialogue through interaction with a five-time world champion, ultimately supporting personal development and broadening global perspectives.”

Five-Time World Champion, GM Ju Wenjun with Hong Kong Chess Players.