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Wuyi University’s Student Integrated Service Centre Ribbon-cutting ceremony

15 May 2018

Wuyi University’s Student Integrated Service Centre

Ribbon-cutting ceremony

Tuesday, 15 May 2018

Wuyi University’s Student Integrated Service Centre

Mr Li Ziliu, Secretary Zhang Kun of Wuyi University CPC Committee, members of the University management, members of the Wuyi University Board, dear guests, faculty members and students:

Good afternoon. Thank you for attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Wuyi University’s Student Integrated Service Centre.

I have a special affection for Wuyi University. In early 1984, Secretary Li Ziliu came to Hong Kong to solicit the support of Wuyi natives for the building of a new university in Wuyi. It was a duty we couldn’t shun, so a group of Wuyi natives, including myself, donated funds and founded the “Committee of Overseas Chinese and Hong Kong Compatriots for the Construction of Wuyi University” in Hong Kong. This was followed by the establishment of the “Wuyi University Education Fund Foundation (Hong Kong) Limited” in 1992 by Wuyi natives in Hong Kong, including Sir Lee Quo-wei, Mrs Esther Yew-pick Lee, Mr Szeto Fai, Mr Wong Kau, and myself. We raised donations of approximately HK$70 million, and the annual earning derived from the fund has been used to purchase new facilities for the school, especially those not covered by budget plans, to support the University’s long-term development.

By early 2000, the University was very well-equipped. When the Wuyi University Board was established in 2008, I was appointed the first Chairman to oversee the roll-out of future development plans. In early 2014, the “Wuyi University Education Fund Foundation (Hong Kong) Limited” resolved to donate to Wuyi University a cash amount of close to HK$50 million, being the sum remaining after the funding of the University’s construction. The donation was applied to fund the construction of student residence buildings on a freehold basis to cater to rising demand for student residences.

The net income generated by the operation of these student residences each year is applied as ongoing donations to the University to provide grants and scholarships. According to the University’s estimates, student residences built with the support of the “Wuyi University Education Fund Foundation (Hong Kong) Limited” have accrued surplus of close to HK$10 million since they started to provide accommodation four years ago. The School Affairs Office should be engaged in a long-term plan for the application of such recurring income, setting up a special development fund and finding effective ways to use such resources for ongoing improvements to the University. Close liaison with members of the former “Wuyi University Education Fund Foundation (Hong Kong) Limited” or their representatives should be maintained and financial reports of the development fund should be prepared on a regular quarterly basis to provide transparency, and as a token of appreciation and respect for the members of the “Wuyi University Education Fund Foundation (Hong Kong) Limited” who have made donations for the cause. This brand new Student Integrated Service Centre in front of us is the product of meticulous planning over years.

The site on which Wuyi University now stands, which used to be a stretch of farmland, has been developed into a modernized college campus over the past 30 years. In recent years, the University has made intensive efforts in academic reforms in a bid to become a leading academic institution in Guangdong specialized in industry and technology. With steady improvements in academic quality, it has groomed talents by the score in rising reputation, as the current enrolment stands at 19,000 full-time undergraduates and over 400 post-graduates.

Ever since its establishment, we overseas natives of Wuyi have always been concerned with the development of Wuyi University. We have made numerous donations for the construction of the academic complex, administration building, grand hall, library, student residences, sports stadium, Lui Che Woo Technology Building, Shiyou Building and tennis court, etc, to name but a few. Outstanding Entrance Scholarship has also been provided to students in an effort to contribute to the University’s development. 

Natives of Wuyi at home and elsewhere share a deep affection for Wuyi University. In the future, the University may consider inviting more internationally renowned academics to share their experiences and insights with our students through talks and lectures, with a view to broadening their vision and perspectives as they prepare themselves for the development of the nation and the Greater Bay Area.

I would like to take this opportunity to express sincere gratitude to Mr Ye Jiakang, the founding University President who has laid a solid foundation for the University, and to all past and present members of the University management, in particular the CPC secretaries, presidents and faculty members who have carried the torch to ensure yet another chapter of stellar achievements for Wuyi University.

It is my genuine wish that more natives of Wuyi at home and elsewhere will continue to contribute to education in the homeland, helping to groom talents who will capitalise on the enormous opportunities presented by the Greater Bay Area to serve Wuyi and the nation. I hope our students will treasure their time here and pursue their studies with dedication and commitment, so that they would one day serve the community with their knowledge and skills.

In closing, I would like to express my sincere wishes for Wuyi University to thrive and prosper, and my well wishes to you all. Thank you.