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A well-deserved renaming: Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the renaming of Hong Kong Baptist University

11 Nov 2024

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“I am most delighted and excited to announce, the Hong Kong Legislative Council has formally passed the renaming of Hong Kong Baptist College to Hong Kong Baptist University!”

Thirty years ago, on the podium of the “old campus”, President Emeritus of HKBU Dr Daniel C.W. Tse made this encouraging announcement to all the students and staff of HKBU, and was met with resounding applause from every floor of the building.

On 16 November 1994, the Hong Kong Legislative Council passed the Hong Kong Baptist College (Amendment) Bill. On the same evening, the University celebrated this important milestone with the U Day event.

 

United in the quest for HKBU’s renaming

A 1994 HKBU alumna and a history graduate, Ms Fione Lo still recalls this historical moment vividly.

“Everyone at the University felt a strong sense of solidarity. While the University worked hard in its renaming application, the students and professors also showed each other tremendous mutual support.”

What Ms Lo finds most memorable is when Dr Tse called on the students to “give it their all”, encouraging them to take the initiative to enhance their academic performance and be worthy of the university title.

Ms Lo reflects: “We were just super elated when we learnt of the renaming. This achievement is made possible, not just through the endeavours of one or two graduating classes, but rather through the collective efforts of our predecessors who gave their best to prove to the community that we were up to standard as a university.”

 

Strengthening academic and research calibre through 30 years of growth

Also standing witness to HKBU’s transformation is Professor Rick Wong, who has been a part of the HKBU family for 35 years.

Professor Wong joined the then Hong Kong Baptist College in 1989 and is currently Chair Professor in Chemistry and Senior Advisor to the President and Vice-Chancellor. Professor Wong recalls the time when he joined the HKBU community. “Our campus wasn’t that big back then, and I had to share the office with two colleagues. It wasn’t until the Cha Chi-ming Science Tower came into operation that we had sufficient room and more advanced laboratory facilities to support our research work, which is vital for academic and research development.”

Professor Wong recalls Hong Kong Baptist College had focused more on teaching in its early days. After its renaming, the University stepped up its research efforts and has been thriving in every aspect since then.

 

Graduation certificates with historical significance

 As Ms Lo steps foot in the Academic Community Hall, she is overcome by a sense of nostalgia, with memories of her collecting her Graduate Certificate flooding back.

She recounts: “We held our graduation ceremony here, not long after the University was renamed. That is why our graduation certificate reads ‘Hong Kong Baptist University’, and we are rightfully proud to be its first batch of graduates.”

What makes it even more special is Ms Lo received a turtle soft toy from her classmate as a graduation gift. Ms Lo jokingly says this gift originated from a vertical banner on the University campus. The pronunciation of "turtle" in Chinese echoes an idiom that signifies a “well-deserved honour” (實至名歸), truly reflecting the sense of achievement and pride through the University’s renaming.

 

Reinforcing HKBU’s exemplary position

Having experienced the University’s progress firsthand, Professor Wong observes that the University is enjoying a growing reputation and sense of trust from the community.

The former Dean of the Faculty of Science, Vice-President (Research and Development) and Interim Provost highlighted the research development of HKBU. Professor Wong believes that the University's current concentration of resources on four Research Clusters not only demonstrates its strengths and influence, but also contributes to a stronger research culture.

He remarks: “In view of HKBU’s development of the four Research Clusters and the newly introduced ‘Humanities and Cultures’, we hope to reinforce our unique position in Hong Kong. In addition, HKBU’s transdisciplinary programmes are leading in the academic arena and enjoying an esteemed reputation in society.”

 

Conclusion

Over the past three decades, HKBU has excelled in every regard, yet what remains unchanged is its strong sense of compassion and cohesion. With the University’s upcoming 70th anniversary celebration, we shall look forward to seeing it scale new heights, with students and professors sharing the common goal of advancing of the University’s development.

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On 16 November 1994, the Hong Kong Legislative Council passed the Hong Kong Baptist College (Amendment) Bill. On the same evening, the University celebrated this important milestone with the U Day event. (Photo credit: HKBU Library)
Alumna Ms Fione Lo graduated from the Department of History at HKBU in 1994. She is Executive Secretary of the Antiquities and Monuments Office of Hong Kong and former Director of the Hong Kong Heritage Museum.
Ms Lo fondly recalls during the renaming process, everyone worked hard towards a common goal and supported one another, whether it was the University, the students, or the professors.
Currently Chair Professor in Chemistry and Senior Advisor to the President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Wong joined HKBU in 1989.
During his 35 years with the HKBU family, Professor Wong has witnessed the University’s transformation.
Having experienced the University’s progress firsthand, Professor Wong observes that the University is enjoying a growing reputation and sense of trust from the community.