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Grand opening of HKBU's 70th anniversary celebrations
31 Mar 2026
HKBU proudly celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, a significant milestone marking seven decades of commitment and excellence in education, research and development, and knowledge transfer.
To honour this important milestone, the University held its 70th Anniversary Launch Ceremony on 23 March, showcasing the remarkable impact HKBU has made over the years and bringing together the University community to reflect on its unique legacy.
The Anniversary Launch Ceremony was graced by the presence of Mr Sun Shangwu, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR); Dr the Hon Starry Lee Wai-king, President of the Legislative Council of the HKSAR; Dr Choi Yuk-lin, Secretary for Education of the Government of the HKSAR; and Mr Tim Lui, Chairman of the University Grants Committee, as guests of honour. They joined Dr Kennedy Y H Wong, Chairman of the Council and the Court; Dr Sunny N C Chai, Deputy Chairman of the Council and the Court; and Professor Alex Wai, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU, in celebrating the University’s 70th anniversary with the HKBU community.
More than 500 distinguished guests, faculty, students, alumni, and friends of HKBU joined the joyous occasion. Students also gathered on campus to celebrate and watch the Ceremony via live streaming.
A pioneer in nurturing talent and fostering innovation
Speaking at the Ceremony, Dr Kennedy Y H Wong pointed out that as HKBU celebrates its 70th anniversary, its progress must also be viewed within the broader national landscape. He said: “The country’s aspiration to becoming a leading nation in education by 2035, together with the emphasis in the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan on ‘investing in people’ as a driver of sustainable development, highlights the pivotal role of universities in nurturing talent and strengthening national capacity. HKBU can contribute meaningfully to building an international hub for high-end talent and a world-class centre for education and innovation. HKBU is committed to playing its part in this shared endeavour.”
In her address, Dr Choi Yuk-lin said: “HKBU has grown into one of Asia’s leading universities, renowned for its whole-person education and growing global impact. Seven decades of unwavering faith and perseverance have laid an outstanding foundation. And innovation, talent and strategic direction are now taking the University to new heights. I have every confidence that HKBU will give full play to its strengths for contribution to power China’s rise as a leading country in education by 2035.”
Professor Alex Wai stated that the past 70 years have been filled with milestone achievements and transformations, with all credit going to the entire HKBU community. He said: “Along the way, we built and expanded our campus from scratch to a compact but sophisticated landmark in Kowloon Tong and other sites of the city; we broadened our mission in talent cultivation with the establishment of the School of Continuing Education and HKBU Affiliated School Wong Kam Fai Secondary and Primary School; we extended our education impact beyond the territory with the pioneering move of establishing the Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University in Zhuhai; and we materialised our pledge to people’s well-being by operating The Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong. Our quest for impact will continue to drive us ahead.”
Preserving rich heritage to create a shared future
At the Ceremony, a thematic video featuring over 30 faculty, students, alumni, Council and Court members, senior management members and representatives from the HKBU community was premiered. The video showcases the University’s seven Faculties and Schools, landmarks on campus, as well as its development journey from the founding of Hong Kong Baptist College in 1956 to its retitling as a university in 1994.
The event also featured videos with blessings from former and current Chairmen of the Council and the Court, including Dr Lau Wah-sum, Dr Moses M C Cheng, Dr Wilfred Y W Wong, Dr Cheng Yan-kee, Dr Clement C J Chen, and Dr Kennedy Y H Wong; as well as emeritus and current President and Vice-Chancellors, including Dr Daniel C W Tse, Professor Ng Ching-fai, Professor Albert Chan, Professor Roland Chin, and Professor Alex Wai. They shared profound memories of their experiences at HKBU and encouraged the University community to continue to strive for excellence.
A series of videos sharing the touching stories of three HKBU alumni and their enduring bond with the University also debuted. In the video “Building a Dream Campus”, Ir Siu Man-po, former Director of Estates of HKBU, talked about his journey from being a student, an assistant lecturer to becoming a campus builder who participated in the proud construction of the Shaw Campus.
“A Witness of History” featured Ms Jeannette Ma, Assistant Librarian of HKBU, who recounted her return to her alma mater after graduating from the Department of History, and how she has led the Special Collections and Archives at the University Library in organising and preserving archives to safeguard HKBU’s precious history.
In “Intergenerational Succession”, Professor William Leung Wing-cheung, former Treasurer of the Council and the Court of HKBU, shared his story of meeting his wife as a classmate in the Department of English, and his daughter’s enrolment to the Department of English Language and Literature many years later.
Connecting the HKBU community across generations
Following the Ceremony, the Yim Tsui Yuk Shan Plaza and the Jockey Club Campus of Creativity transformed into a vibrant celebration reception. After Rev Dr Jack Yu led everyone in an opening prayer, students and alumni took their turns performing on stage, showcasing the diverse range of talents and creativity within our community.
The electrifying dances performed by the HKBU Dance Association kickstarted the student performances, followed by the soulful vocals of singer-songwriter Amber Cheng, a Year 4 student from the Academy of Music. The mood changed again with the mesmerising pipa solo by Chloe Pang, a Year 3 student from the Academy of Music. The final crowd-pleasing interactive show by the President of the HKBU Magic Innovation Club, Accounting Year 3 student Raymond Yeung, had everyone rushing up to the stage for some whimsical magic, involving more best wishes for HKBU’s 70th anniversary celebration. Last but not least, an HKBU alumnus turned DJ, Joseph Fankeray, spun high-energy music at the reception, creating an engaging atmosphere.
The celebration continued well into the evening with faculty, students, alumni, and friends from various sectors mingling while enjoying the music, the delectable bites and drinks and most important of all, the great conversations and company at this milestone event.
Showcasing 70 years of progress and innovation
HKBU’s history and accomplishments were recapped in a special installation on campus. A Time Tunnel on the Li Promenade highlights the University’s key milestones and its extraordinary journey to becoming one of Asia’s finest institutions of higher learning.
Throughout the anniversary year, the University is hosting a variety of exciting academic, ceremonial and community engagement events. Please visit the “Hong Kong Baptist University 70th Anniversary” thematic website for the latest information on these celebration events.
Founded in 1956 as a post-secondary college, HKBU has strived relentlessly to strengthen and innovate its teaching and research, developed and expanded its campus continuously, been retitled as a university in 1994, and established the Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University in Zhuhai in 2005. Committed to upholding the heritage of Christian higher education and students’ whole person development, HKBU has transformed into an esteemed institution recognised for its excellence in teaching and learning, research, and service to the community.
