Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) has achieved remarkable results in recent years, with its academic programmes gaining popularity and its students excelling in various fields. These achievements have been made possible through the generous, longstanding support of community leaders. To express its gratitude and further unite the community, HKMU held its Foundation Dinner last Thursday (26 March), bringing together over 500 distinguished guests from government, the Legislative Council, business and industry sectors, academia and philanthropy, along with alumni, faculty and students, for an engaging evening.
Themed “Run Ahead, See Beyond”, this year's HKMU Foundation Dinner focused on promoting the University's sports and cultural development. The event was officiated by Dr Eddy Fong Ching, HKMU Pro-Chancellor; Ir Dr Conrad Wong Tin-cheung, HKMU Council Chairman; Prof. Paul Lam Kwan-sing, HKMU President; and Dr Peter Lee Kwok-wah, Chairman of the HKMU Foundation Advisory Committee. The evening also featured a presentation of certificates of appreciation to acknowledge the contributions of the Dinner Organising Committee, led by distinguished alumnus Mr Leung Kwok-shing.
A night of memorable performances and philanthropy
The evening's highlight performance was a captivating solo by renowned singer Mr Hins Cheung, followed by a duet with Zoe Wong Siu-chun, a Year 4 student in the Bachelor of Nursing with Honours in Mental Health Care programme and champion of the ICMA Intercollegiate Singing Competition 2024. Their heartfelt performance received an enthusiastic ovation from the audience, bringing the evening to a spectacular climax.
Reflecting on his personal journey, Cheung shared how his passion for music and the arts was nurtured during his school days, shaping him as an artist. He expressed his belief in the importance of whole-person development for young people and commended HKMU's applied programmes for helping students bridge their studies with professional practice in fields like healthcare and creative arts. He expressed the hope that all sectors of society will actively support HKMU, enabling more students to benefit. He also pledged his support for HKMU's mission and generously gave a free performance at the event to encourage others to contribute.
The dinner also featured a charity auction and pledge sessions, with items including a signed jersey from a soccer star, popular collectible figures, a diamond necklace and premium wines, which attracted enthusiastic bidding from attendees. All funds raised will support the University's sports and cultural development, nurturing future talent. In addition, many guests generously contributed to the HKMU Bursary Scheme and bursaries for prison inmates, demonstrating their support for HKMU's vision and mission.
Promoting sports and culture for whole-person development
During a discussion session, officiating guests, along with student-athletes and coaches from HKMU sports teams, shared their insights on the University's developments in sports and culture. Dr Lee, who moderated the session, remarked that education is not only about passing on knowledge, but also about opening up more possibilities for the younger generation.
Ir Dr Wong highlighted the continuous growth in student enrolment, noting that many students come from grassroots families. He expressed hope that the community would contribute generously to provide more resources for students and athletes.
Prof. Lam pointed out that HKMU has established 22 representative sports teams to date, which have achieved outstanding results in Hong Kong inter-institution competitions in recent years. He added that sports develop students' perseverance and team spirit, while cultural engagement fosters national identity, aesthetic appreciation and a global perspective.
Mr Leung, who is also a former representative of the Hong Kong men's basketball team and an HKMU alumnus, expressed his desire to unite the community in supporting HKMU's sports and cultural development initiatives. He emphasised turning every donation into a driving force for the growth of HKMU students and nurturing a new generation with responsibility and vision.
Student-athletes and coaches shared their experiences and feelings. They expressed gratitude for the University's support for sports, including the addition and enhancement of new facilities and the arrangement of exchange activities that allow students to compete with athletes from other places, thereby broadening their horizons. Dr Fong concluded by calling on the community to join hands, using education as a foundation and aligning with government policies and resources, to support Hong Kong in becoming an international hub for sports and culture and creating a brighter future for young people.
Student internship outcomes showcase creativity
Another highlight of the evening was the prize items sponsored by Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL). The items were Disney merchandise co-created by Chloe Tong Tsam-yu, a Year 2 student in the Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Creative Advertising and Media Design programme, during her internship with HKDL's merchandise team last year. She had previously stood out in “Hong Kong Disneyland 20th Anniversary Illustration Contest”, which earned her this internship. The merchandise series is set to be officially launched in early April, so guests at the dinner had an exclusive preview.
Established in 2023, the HKMU Foundation aims to bring together distinguished individuals, strengthen connections with donors and supporters, and enhance the University's fundraising capabilities. These efforts are designed to enrich its resources, bolster academic excellence and support student growth. This year's dinner marks an important milestone for the Foundation, and the University looks forward to leveraging this momentum to deepen collaboration, forge partnerships, enhance teaching and research capabilities, and broaden learning and development opportunities for HKMU students.
