EdUHK Holds 10th Anniversary Retitling Banquet:
A Decade of Excellence, A New Chapter for the Future of Education
The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) hosted its 10th Anniversary Retitling Banquet of EdUHK at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre tonight (23 October), under the theme “A Decade of Excellence, A New Chapter for the Future of Education.”
More than 600 guests, including representatives from the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the HKSAR (OCMFA), leaders from the education sector, dignitaries and community figures, as well as EdUHK Council members, senior management, faculty, students and alumni, gathered to celebrate EdUHK’s decade of transformation and achievement.
Officiating guests included Chief Secretary for Administration Mr Chan Kwok-ki; Director-General of OCMFA’s Department of International Organizations and Conferences Wang Jian; Secretary for Security Mr Tang Ping-keung; Acting Secretary for Education Dr Jeff Sze Chun-fai; University Grants Committee (UGC) Chairman Mr Tim Lui; EdUHK founding Council Chairman Dr Simon Ip Shek-on; Former Council Chairmen Dr Pang Yiu-kai and Professor Frederick Ma Si-hang; EdUHK Council Chairman Dr David Wong Yau-kar; Deputy Chairman Professor Terence Chan Ho-wah; Treasurer Ms Imma Ling Kit-sum; President Professor John Lee Chi-Kin; Vice President (Academic) Professor May Cheng May-hung; Vice President (Research and Development) Professor Chetwyn Chan Che-hin; and Vice President (Administration) Dr Tom Fong Wing-ho.
Mr Chan Kwok-ki said in his remarks, “Hong Kong’s first Five-Year Plan places priority on the integrated development of education, technology and talent. I am pleased to note that EdUHK’s strategy of ‘Education Futures, Diverse Talents’ matches perfectly with the government’s long-term vision. It is also reassuring to learn that the University is already contributing to the vision of the Northern Metropolis initiative by enhancing connectivity with the Greater Bay Area (GBA). Over the past decade, EdUHK has evolved into a dynamic, education-focused university with diverse academic strengths and a growing impact on sustainable development. With this strong foundation, I am confident the University will continue to rise and create lasting value for HKSAR, the nation and the world.”
A commemorative video was screened during the banquet, tracing the University’s legacy from the establishment of Hong Kong’s first government normal school in 1881. Over the past decade, EdUHK has evolved from its century-long heritage in teacher education into a vibrant multidisciplinary university. This tradition of educational excellence is rooted in the Tai Po Vernacular Normal School – established in 1926 and later replaced by the Rural Training College and subsequently the Grantham College of Education, which recently celebrated its 100th anniversary; Northcote College of Education (1939), whose Past Students’ Association has just celebrated its 80th anniversary; Sir Robert Black College of Education (1960), Hong Kong Technical Teachers’ College (1974), and the Institute of Language in Education (1982). The video also highlighted EdUHK’s achievements in international rankings, global partnerships, support for elite student-athletes, research and innovation, and campus expansion into the GBA in alignment with the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan.
Council Chairman Dr David Wong said, “The past decade at EdUHK has been marked by transformative growth, unprecedented academic achievements, and an elevated global presence in rankings and other important platforms. Our strategic footprint has also extended into the GBA. None of these remarkable achievements would have been possible without the unwavering dedication of our extended community. I express my deepest gratitude to all members of the EdUHK family, including our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and generous donors. We are equally indebted to our esteemed colleagues at UGC, the Education Bureau and the HKSAR Government. Your constant trust and collaboration have enabled us to flourish. As the Chinese Mainland advances towards becoming a global leader in education, and as Hong Kong consolidates its standing as an international education and talent hub, EdUHK is determined to play a vanguard role. With our collective dedication, I am confident that EdUHK will rise to even greater heights.”
President Professor John Lee Chi-Kin also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the HKSAR Government, the Council, partners, and the University’s staff, students and alumni. “Together, we have transformed EdUHK into a dynamic, multidisciplinary institution over this remarkable decade, making significant strides in academic expansion, research excellence, global engagement and societal impact. In a world increasingly shaped by technological advancement and artificial intelligence, and with Hong Kong aligning closely with and contributing to the National 15th Five-Year Plan and Hong Kong’s first Five-Year Plan, our shared mission is to keep education human, inclusive and hopeful, underpinned by proper values and virtues. Guided by our commitment to excellence, we will carry forward the transformative power of education and continue to innovate, inspire, and deliver positive impact in Hong Kong, China and around the world,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Wong and Professor Lee expressed their sincere appreciation to The Tin Ka Ping Foundation, The D. H. Chen Foundation, and the Wilson and Helena Pong Foundation. Their combined donation of HK$50 million will support the University’s retitling anniversary initiatives and student development.
During the banquet, the University presented commemorative gifts to seven honorary awardees in recognition of their distinguished contributions to education and the advancement of society. Honorary Doctorates were conferred on Professor Ambrose King Yeo-chi, Dr the Hon Starry Lee Wai-king, and Professor Jeffrey Pfeffer. Honorary Fellowships were presented to The Hon George Lau Ka-keung, Mrs Mei Ng Fong Siu-mei, The Hon Jimmy Ng Wing-ka, and Mr Irons Sze.
The 10th Anniversary Retitling Banquet of EdUHK not only celebrated a decade of transformation and achievement, but also reaffirmed the University’s commitment to advancing education for Hong Kong, the nation, and the world. With strong support from the HKSAR Government, the community, and alumni, EdUHK will continue to nurture future-ready talent with global perspective, a sense of social responsibility; strengthen international collaboration, and contribute to society’s sustainable development, thereby contributing to the advancement of HKSAR, the nation, and the world.
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EdUHK Holds 10th Anniversary Retitling Banquet: A Decade of Excellence, A New Chapter for the Future of Education
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