Significant donation in support of “A Hub for Community Health and Wellness”
As a self-financing university, HKMU has thrived on partnerships with like-minded organisations, corporations and individuals. As we plan for our next campus development project, we are heartened by a significant donation of HK$300 million from a longstanding supporter, the Wu Jieh Yee Charitable Foundation. The amount is both the largest single private donation the University has ever received and the largest donation ever made by the Foundation, which made its first gift to the then Open Learning Institute in 1994.
Over the years, the Foundation has witnessed our transformation from an open learning institution into a comprehensive university, now specifically the first government-designated university of applied sciences, and reaffirmed its trust in our initiatives time and again. For example, it was behind our Jockey Club Institute of Healthcare development project, which was dedicated to enhancing our training of healthcare professionals to address the increasing healthcare demand of our city. The forthcoming campus will again have a link with the community and embrace a broader health theme, adopting the position of “A Hub for Community Health and Wellness”.
For HKMU, every donation received is a shot in the arm, endorsing our educational philosophy, direction of development and ability to deliver our promises. In our course of transformation, we have successfully carved out a niche by tailoring professional, practical academic programmes to society's needs. We also value the sharing of knowledge and resources with society. As Council Chairman Ir Dr Conrad Wong Tin-cheung said at the Wu Jieh Yee Charitable Foundation Donation Ceremony held on 6 January, “our mission is not only to nurture talent but also to contribute to the well-being of the community.”
To express our appreciation to community partners like the Wu Jieh Yee Charitable Foundation, the University held the annual Foundation Dinner on 3 April, title sponsored by Dr Vincent Woo Wing-fai, Deputy Chairman of the HKMU Foundation Advisory Committee (FAC). Over 360 guests, alumni, faculty and students experienced a joyous gathering revolving around the theme of “Inspiring Dreams Beyond Limits”.
The evening opened with an energetic dance performance by HKMU students, followed by a chit-chat session on the University's key developments by the officiating guests — Dr Eddy Fong Ching, Pro-chancellor; Ir Dr Conrad Wong Tin-cheung, Council Chairman; Prof. Paul Lam Kwan-sing, President; and Dr Peter Lee Kwok-wah, FAC Chairman. Attendees then enjoyed an uplifting singing performance by an HKMU student band and a dazzling jewellery showcase jointly presented by the School of Science and Technology and the academic advisor of the new Bachelor of Applied Science in Gemmology and Jewellery Studies programme. Being HKMU's staunch supporters, attendees responded enthusiastically to the fundraising auction, which featured a calligraphy piece by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, collectible wines, popular figurines and jewellery items. All donations generated by the dinner will go towards supporting the University's overall development, including research, teaching, student development and the HKMU Bursary Scheme and bursaries for prison inmates.
