Presided over by HKMU Pro-chancellor Dr Eddy Fong Ching, Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) held its Honorary University Fellowship Presentation Ceremony today (3 November), presenting Honorary University Fellowships to four distinguished individuals: Ms Yvonne Choi Ying-pik, former Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development; Dr Chung Wai-ping, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Tao Heung Holdings Limited; Mr Raymond To Kwok-wai, a renowned playwright, screenwriter, and film and theatre director; and Ms Gigi Tung Oi-lai, founder of the “Bo Charity Foundation”, a registered charitable organisation.
Addressing the ceremony, HKMU Council Chairman Ir Dr Conrad Wong praised the four Honorary Fellowship recipients for their distinguished accomplishments in their respective fields and great contribution to the betterment of society. The Honorary Fellows have made their marks in different fields, and they are committed to giving back to society, serving as highly valued role models for the young generations.
Regarding the development of the University, Ir Dr Wong said HKMU has continued to invest in tools and technologies that make a real difference for students and society, including the new Digital Art Laboratory and the Medical Science Laboratory, to cater for the learning needs of students. HKMU has endeavoured to strengthen pre-employment training and exchanges with various industry sectors by setting up an Industry Partnerships and Student Development Committee to explore more career and internship opportunities for students. He said, “I look forward to the four Honorary Fellows joining hands with us to further strengthen HKMU's ties with our industry partners to enhance our students' access to industry opportunities.”
HKMU President Prof. Paul Lam Kwan-sing expressed his gratitude to the four new University Fellows for their support to the University. He said, “Through their achievements and contributions, the new Honorary University Fellows inspire us to pursue our dreams, connect meaningfully with the real world, and contribute to society.”
Prof. Lam stressed that HKMU aims to have a positive impact on the world. Through quality education and up-to-date resources, HKMU helps its students cope with the challenges brought by artificial intelligence (AI) and focuses on impactful research to benefit society.
Brief profiles of the four Honorary University Fellows are as follows:
Ms Yvonne Choi Ying-pik, former Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, has made an exemplary contribution to enhancing Hong Kong's position as a leading international trade and business centre. Ms Choi worked in different government departments and bureaux, and she played an important role in maintaining Hong Kong's role in bilateral, regional and multilateral trade negotiations, fostering a business-friendly environment for Hong Kong. Serving as a Council Member of HKMU from 2015 to 2023, Ms Choi has made substantial contributions to the development and governance of the University. (Learn more)
Dr Chung Wai-ping is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Tao Heung Holdings Limited. He started Tao Heung Seafood Hotpot Restaurant, which subsequently developed into one of Hong Kong's leading catering conglomerates. Tao Heung Group is listed on the Main Board of The Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Determined to enhance the management of traditional Chinese restaurants and upgrade the industry's image and service level, Dr Chung cooperated with the Vocational Training Council to organise Hong Kong's first Chinese Cuisine Culture Development Programme and serves as Emeritus Honorary President of the Institute of Dining Professionals (IDP). HKMU will join hands with the IDP to develop Hong Kong's first Master's degree programme for the food and beverage sector in 2024. (Learn more)
Mr Raymond To Kwok-wai is a renowned playwright, screenwriter, and film and theatre director, who has made a significant contribution to the development of arts and culture in Hong Kong. Mr To has produced more than 100 dramas. His drama The Mad Phoenix was named one of the Top 100 Plays in the Centenary of the Founding of the Chinese Communist Party by the China Theatre Association. Mr To has won numerous accolades, including the Hong Kong Artists' Award (Best Playwright), the Hong Kong Film Award (Best Screenplay), and the Award for Outstanding Contribution in Arts from the Hong Kong Arts Development Council. (Learn more)
Ms Gigi Tung Oi-lai, founder of the Bo Charity Foundation, a registered charitable organisation, which launched the Food Angel food rescue and assistance programme, has worked unrelentingly to reduce hunger and poverty. Today, Food Angel collects 45 tonnes of edible surplus food every week, and produces over 20,000 nutritious meals and about 11,000 other meals and food packs daily, which are distributed to older adults in need, as well as grassroots families and children. (Learn more)
