Peng Yunxi

Melissa Kaye Pang (born Pang Suet-fai) is a Hong Kong lawyer and businesswoman. She is currently a partner at Pang Yiu Cheong & Co., Solicitors, and served as the 36th President of the Law Society of Hong Kong. On October 1, 2020, she was awarded the Bronze Bauhinia Star.

Background

Melissa Pang was born into a legal family. Her father, Pang Yiu Cheong, had served as a magistrate at the Causeway Bay Magistrates' Courts and worked in the Department of Justice before entering private practice. Influenced by her father, she developed an interest in law from an early age, believing it to represent justice and a meaningful profession for resolving disputes.

She attended St. Paul's Co-educational College and completed her Bachelor of Laws and Economics at the University of Sydney between 1987 and 1989. In 1989, she obtained her legal practice qualification in New South Wales, Australia, and was admitted to practice in the UK and Hong Kong in 1991. She founded the Pang Suet-fai & Co. law firm in Queen's Road Central, later renamed "Pang Yiu Cheong & Co., Solicitors" on February 15, 2001.

Melissa Pang specializes in civil, commercial litigation, and property management legal services. In 1993, she co-authored the "Comprehensive Guide to Real Estate Investment and Development in China" published by Beijing Law Publishing House. She has held multiple legal qualifications, including:

• China-Appointed Attesting Officer (since 2003)
• Notary Public (since 2007)
• Civil Celebrant of Marriages

She also holds the following academic credentials:

• Master of Laws, University of Sydney (1992)
• Diploma in Chinese Foreign-Related Economic and Trade Law Practice, Southwest University of Political Science & Law (1994)
• Postgraduate Certificate in Chinese Law, University of Hong Kong (1994)
• Master of Laws, Peking University (2005)

She currently practices as a solicitor in the highest courts of New South Wales (Australia), the United Kingdom, and Hong Kong.

On October 1, 2020, the Hong Kong SAR Government awarded her the Bronze Bauhinia Star in recognition of her long-standing service and contributions to society.

Public Service Roles

Since 2004, Melissa Pang has held various public service roles, including:

• Appointed Member, Eastern District Council (2004–2011)
• Member, Legal Aid Services Council (since August 2014)
• Chairperson, Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education (since April 2015)
• Member, Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) – Corruption Prevention Advisory Committee (since December 2016)
• Member, Independent Police Complaints Council (since January 2017)
• Member, Housing Authority (since March 2017)
• Chairperson, Hong Kong Press Council (since September 2017)

In July 2006, she was awarded the Medal of Honour by the HKSAR Government for her involvement with building management resources. In 2010, she was appointed as a Justice of the Peace.

On June 12, 2018, she was elected as the President of the Law Society of Hong Kong, becoming the first woman to hold this position since the Society's founding 110 years prior.

On January 1, 2021, she was appointed as a new member of the Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee.

Political Views and Public Commentary

Melissa Pang is considered to have pro-establishment (pro-Beijing) political views. She participated in the 2014 anti-Occupy Central pro-political reform campaign and made public comments during the 2019 anti-extradition bill protests.

She expressed concern over the destruction during the protests, warning that the rule of law had been severely challenged. In a speech on Radio Television Hong Kong’s "Letter to Hong Kong", she emphasized that no matter how noble the cause, the rule of law must be upheld and differing political views do not justify breaking the law.

She stated that society misunderstood the meaning of the rule of law, and lawyers should play a role in promoting accurate legal understanding.

Before the May 2020 Law Society Council election, Melissa Pang personally endorsed five candidates and offered to vote on behalf of members unable to attend. However, this raised controversy, as members could also vote by mail. She clarified that she sent emails using her own database and promoted her choices in a personal capacity.

In a September 23, 2024, interview with HK01, Pang highlighted Hong Kong’s multiculturalism and emphasis on equal opportunity across gender, age, religion, nationality, and race, which contributes to a diverse and inclusive society.

Musical Work

• 2020: "Together in Adversity" (co-performed with Stars Academy artists and others)

External links

• Melissa Pang | Hong Kong Lawyer