Music graduate recognised in New Year Honours 2026

Dr Blanc Wan has received the British Empire Medal in the 2026 King’s New Year Honours.

The award is for “service to UK Higher Education and Music Culture in Hong Kong”.

Dr Wan is a graduate of the MSt in Music, focusing on performance, in the University’s Music Faculty. He said: “The rigorous intellectual environment and the inspiring mentorship from the Faculty of Music not only equipped me with knowledge but awakened a lifelong passion for exploring what it truly means to be human.

"Oxford’s Humanities taught me that true progress lies not just in advancement, but in the thoughtful, human-centred ways we choose to move forward. With heartfelt thanks to my tutors, colleagues, and the entire Oxford community for guiding me on this journey.”