HKBU celebrates its 65 years of history at Founders' Day Reception

Tuesday, 20 Apr 2021

 

Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) held the Founders' Day Reception today (20 April) to celebrate its 65 years of history. The University also took the opportunity to keep its stakeholders abreast of its latest developments, and express its appreciation to the supporters who have driven the University's continuous growth and helped it go from strength to strength.

 

The event was officiated by the guest of honour Ms Winnie Tam Wan-chi, Senior Counsel, together with Dr Clement Chen, Chairman of the Council and the Court, and Professor Alexander Wai, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU.

 

In his welcoming remarks, Dr Clement Chen said that the University has achieved much and undergone a profound transformation since it was founded as a post-secondary college in 1956. He highlighted the University's latest developments, including the establishment of the six new interdisciplinary laboratories and the Jockey Club Campus of Creativity Complex.

 

"All these milestones, past or future, are made possible due to the support of the community," he said. He also acknowledged HKBU stakeholders, including members of the HKBU Foundation, alumni, staff and students for their contributions to the University's advancement.

 

In her speech, Ms Winnie Tam Wan-chi shared with the University community her thoughts on diversity at work, in education and in life. She said that in this age where humans are expected to live until they are 120, the role of universities is not only to educate the young, but to educate the young alongside other students with stamina and passion, regardless of their age, ethnicity, political inclination and religious beliefs.

 

"On a personal level, regardless of the stage of your life and what you may or may not have done before, I commend to you the idea that accepting challenges to learn new things, and to take it to a high level, is itself the driver of a long and happy life," said Ms Tam.

 

In his vote of thanks, Professor Alexander Wai praised the talented alumni who received the seventh Distinguished Alumni Award and the supporters of HKBU for their inspiration and generosity. He also said that the University was blessed as its predecessors provided an inspiring environment and a solid foundation on which the University nurtures transdisciplinary talent and fosters interdisciplinary research. "Our predecessors have left with us this great heritage of a caring and creative culture, an asset for us to thrive in this new era," he said.

 

"As we work to strengthen our teaching and partnerships with other universities, and expand and extend the impact of our research to industry and the community, I look forward to working with you hand-in-hand to take the University to a new level of excellence," said Professor Wai.

 

At the Reception, Dr Kennedy Wong, Chairman of the HKBU Foundation, together with Dr Clement Chen and Professor Alexander Wai, presented Foundation Certificates to the University's supporters in appreciation of their dedication and commitment to HKBU.

 

The seventh Distinguished Alumni Award was also presented to four alumni in recognition of their outstanding business, professional or scholarly achievements, as well as their service and contributions to the University and society. They are Mr Albert Au Sui-keung, Dr Cathy Lui Nga-ping, Mr Louis Yan Chak-kuen and Mr William Yeung Chu-kwong. Please click here for the introductions to the awardees.