Hong Kong Metropolitan University Foundation (HKMU Foundation), established on 1 September 2023, with the aim of enhancing the fundraising capabilities of Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) and strengthen the relationship with our stakeholders in pursuit of the academic and research excellence, as well as holistic student development. On 21 March 2024, the University hosted its inaugural HKMU Foundation Dinner under the theme “Uniting Excellence, Inspiring Future”. This event served as an opportunity to express heartfelt gratitude to our Foundation members, supporters and friends, while also raising funds for the University's development.
During the Sharing on the Sustainable Development of HKMU, Pro-Chancellor Dr Eddy C. Fong, Council Chairman Ir Dr Conrad Wong Tin-cheung, President Professor Paul Lam Kwan-sing and Foundation Advisory Committee Chairman Dr Peter K. W. Lee joined guests in reviewing various significant milestones of HKMU over the past 35 years and delivered exciting updates to the guests. The Education Bureau had granted HKMU the approval to become the first University of Applied Sciences (UAS) in Hong Kong. This groundbreaking achievement solidifies HKMU's commitment to taking a pioneering role in advancing the recognition of vocational and professional education and training. Additionally, the University obtained approval to expand its campus by developing the sloping site at the junction of Sheung Shing Street and Fat Kwong Street. This proposed new campus, positioned as “A Hub for Community Health and Wellness”, aims to address Hong Kong's ageing population challenge. Towards the end of the sharing session, the guests were warmly invited to continue their generous support for the University in its pursuit of greater excellence.
At the HKMU Foundation Dinner, the University expressed its sincere appreciation to Dr Peter K. W. Lee, the Chairman of HKMU Foundation Advisory Committee and the Title Sponsor of the Dinner, for his unwavering support to HKMU. As a token of appreciation, the University presented him with a calligraphy work inscribed with a phrase composed by Dr Kelly Chan Kar-yue, Associate Professor of School of Arts and Social Sciences. The calligraphy was beautifully crafted by student Tsui Tsz-kiu, expressing the heartfelt appreciation for Dr Lee's commitment to nurturing the growth of students.
The auction held that evening received an enthusiastic response, and the funds raised will support the general development of the University, HKMU general bursary and HKMU bursary for prison inmates. (Please visit our Photo Gallery for more photos.)
To further its fundraising capabilities and build a long-term partnership with its alumni, friends and supporters, the University established the HKMU Foundation on 1 September 2023, inviting more support for its general development, campus development, and research and student development projects. The Foundation is delighted to have long-time supporter Dr Peter Lee Kwok-wah, Executive Director of Crowning-United Company Limited, step up as the Chairman of the Foundation Advisory Committee (FAC), while Deputy Chairmanships are served by Dr Gerald Siu Chi-sing, Director of San Ho Enterprises Company Limited, Mr Henry Tong Sau-chai, Managing Director of Wong Hau Plastic Works & Trading Co., Ltd., and Dr Vincent Woo Wing-fai, Managing Director of Wing Sheung (Holdings) Ltd. The first FAC meeting was successfully held on 2 November 2023.
In appreciation of the generous donation from Dr Ina HO Chan Un-chan, the Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) has named a newly established research centre “Ina Ho Cantonese Opera Research Centre”. The opening ceremony for the “Ina Ho Cantonese Opera Research Centre” with a Cantonese opera performance was held on 19 August 2023 at the Xiqu Centre in the West Kowloon Cultural District.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was graced by distinguished officiating guests including Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Mr Kevin YEUNG Yun-hung, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Publicity, Cultural and Sports Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region ZHANG Guoyi, Founder of the Hong Kong Cantonese Opera Troupe Dr Ina HO Chan Un-chan, along with HKMU President Professor Paul LAM Kwan-sing. The opening ceremony featured captivating Cantonese opera performances by talented artists, highlighting the beauty of Cantonese opera.
The Ina Ho Cantonese Opera Research Centre aims to promote Cantonese opera to local youth and international audiences. It will offer online courses and English translations of libretti, organise seminars and talks, and utilise multimedia platforms to enhance public understanding and appreciation of Cantonese opera.
HKMU organised the Scholarships and Awards Gala on 18 July 2023, to express gratitude to the generous donors who have continuously supported the development of HKMU students.
During the gala, HKMU Council Chairman Ir Dr Conrad WONG Tin-cheung and President Professor Paul LAM Kwan-sing presented custom-designed souvenirs created by a scholarship recipient to the donors. The event also featured performances by four scholarship recipients, showcasing their talents as a way to thank the donors.
This year, HKMU awarded scholarships worth HK$34 million to outstanding students in various fields. These scholarships benefited more than 1,600 students, setting a new record in both the number of recipients and the total scholarship amount.
Amway (Hong Kong) has been actively supporting the development of our students over the years. In the academic year 2022/2023, they further donated a total of HK$400,000 to establish “Amway Advancement Scholarship” and the “Amway Scholarship”. These scholarships aim to recognise students with outstanding academic performance and encourage their upward mobility in the society. The cheque presentation ceremony was held on 24 March 2023. Guests attending the ceremony included Ms Angela KEUNG, Vice President of Amway (Hong Kong), and Professor LUI Yu-hon, HKMU Vice President (Resources and Development).
A generous donation of HK$5 million was received from Dr SIN Wai-kin for the renewal of the Dr Sin Wai Kin Chinese Culture and Mainland Students Scholarship and the support of two research projects on digital culture: 'Teaching and Learning in Digital Humanities: A Study of Enhancing the Experiences of Chinese Literature and Culture through Interactive Installations for Immersive Space' and 'Chinese Mythology in the Digital Age'.
A campus visit was specially arranged for Dr Benedict Sin, son of Dr Sin on 7 November 2022 to express our appreciation to Dr Sin. During the visit, HKMU President Professor Paul LAM Kwan-sing, and the senior management had a fruitful discussion with Mr Sin about the latest development of the University and the higher education environment in Hong Kong.
