Lydia Selina Dunn, Baroness Dunn, is a notable figure in British politics and business, recognized for her significant contributions as a politician and businesswoman of Hong Kong origin. Born on February 29, 1940, she made history by becoming the first female ethnic Chinese Hongkonger elevated to the peerage as a life peeress in 1990. Her career is marked by her influential roles in both the Executive and Legislative Councils of Hong Kong during a pivotal era in the region's history.

Dunn's early career began in the corporate sector, where she worked for prestigious British firms such as the Swire Group and HSBC Group. Her experience in these organizations helped her transition into public service, where she became an Unofficial Member of the Executive Council and later the Senior Member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong in the 1980s and 1990s. During her tenure, she witnessed critical events, including the Sino-British Joint Declaration and the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989, which profoundly affected Hong Kong's political landscape.

Among her notable achievements, Dunn is perhaps best known for her advocacy for the rights of Hong Kong residents, particularly in relation to their right of abode in the United Kingdom following the Handover of Hong Kong on July 1, 1997. Although her efforts in this area did not yield the desired results, they underscored her commitment to the welfare of the people of Hong Kong. Her political influence remained significant until her retirement from Hong Kong politics in 1995.

In 1990, Dunn's elevation to the House of Lords marked another milestone in her career, as she became the first ethnic Chinese person to hold such a position in British Parliament. Her time in the House of Lords lasted until 2010, during which she contributed to various discussions and initiatives. However, her tenure came to an end following the enactment of the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010, which prohibited "Non-Doms" from serving in either House of Parliament.

After retiring from active politics, Dunn's legacy continues to resonate in both Hong Kong and the United Kingdom. Her pioneering role as a female leader of ethnic Chinese descent in British politics has inspired many. Although she has stepped back from public life, her contributions to the political and business arenas remain notable, and she is remembered as an influential figure who navigated complex political landscapes while advocating for her community.