Over 550 distinguished guests attended the dinner of the City University of Hong Kong Foundation (CityU Foundation) earlier, at which HK$16.8 million, a new record, was raised to support the strategic research development of the University.

The event was proudly presented by BIEL Crystal, with the theme “Together, We Spark Our New Chapter”, signifying CityU's commitment to reach new heights for pursuing excellence, under the leadership of President Professor Freddy Boey Yin Chiang, who was officially installed in mid-May of this year. The dinner also aimed to express the University’s gratitude to the Foundation members, supporters and friends for their unwavering long-term support and generous donations.  To embark on an innovative journey during the evening, guests were invited to unlock their creativity by presenting themselves in the iconic image of innovators or trendsetters from any time, in any field.

In his welcome address, Mr Lester Garson Huang, CityU Council Chairman and Honorary Chairperson of the CityU Foundation, thanked all sectors of society for their continuous support to the University. He shared with the guests the latest developments and achievements of the University. For instance, the six-year Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine programme offered by the Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences at CityU secured dual accreditation from two of the world’s foremost regulatory bodies for veterinary surgeons. CityU has also performed strongly and consistently in the global ranking exercises. According to THE and QS, CityU is now ranked among the top 100 universities in the world.

“Your longstanding partnership with CityU allows us to enhance the well-being of society and have a bigger and long-lasting impact,” said Mr Huang. “I look forward to working with all of you again in the years ahead to make a difference in the world and to build a better future.”

In his remarks, President Boey, Chairperson of the CityU Foundation, emphasised that recruiting and retaining outstanding talent is essential for the future. Therefore, CityU has launched a number of initiatives, including the establishment of the Academy of Innovation for achieving global leadership in innovative education and talent development. Other initiatives include the development of the Dongguan campus; two worldwide talents searching programmes which are the Presidential Assistant Professors Scheme to attract young researchers with great potential, and the Distinguished Visiting Professors Scheme to attract outstanding scholars for short or long duration visits at CityU; and the “CityU Heroes” campaign to tell inspiring stories about CityU students, alumni and faculty.

President Boey was exceptionally amazed and touched by the great support of our donors for the University. “Your support helps provide our students with the opportunity to realise their hopes and dreams for the future and helps them fulfill their potential as the leaders of tomorrow.”

Dr Yeung Kin-man, SBS, JP, Honorary Chairperson of the CityU Foundation Board of Governors, Professor Herman Hu Shao-ming, GBS, SBS, JP, Co-Chairperson of the CityU Foundation Board of Governors, Mr Winfred Chan Hon-pun and Ms Angela Yeung Kit-ming, Co-Chairpersons of the Organising Committee of the CityU Foundation Dinner 2023, were captivated by CityU’s unwavering dedication to innovation and its transformative efforts. They expressed their appreciation that CityU consistently fosters groundbreaking research and cutting-edge initiatives, which inspire generous support from individuals and organisations alike, for shaping a better future.

Mr Huang and President Boey also presented certificates to two new Honorary Patrons of the CityU Foundation, namely Bright Future Charitable Foundation and Dr Daniel Yip Chung-yin, in appreciation of their generous contributions to the University.

The dinner featured a series of exciting programmes, including the singing performance themed “Trilogy of CityU Heroes”, in which CityU alumni Miss Cloud Wan Ho-ying, Dr Allen Shi Lop-tak, SBS, BBS, MH, JP, and Ms Angela Yeung stood as shining examples of CityU Heroes; an auction session with a fervent bidding for Professor Jao Tsung-i's calligraphy masterpiece; and the presentation of the “Most Creative Glamour Awards” with the most innovative electronic products sponsored by BIEL Crystal. The climax of the dinner was the singing performance by President Boey of two classic English songs, Can’t Help Falling in Love and My Way, accompanied on guitar and piano by Mr Sunny Lee Wai-kwong, Vice-President (Administration), and Professor Michael Tse Chi-kong, Associate Vice-President (Innovation), respectively.  With My Way dedicated to Dr Yeung for his generous sponsorship, President Boey’s performance was mesmerising, captivating the entire audience with its sheer brilliance.