The estate of one of Hong Kong’s most influential figures has made a significant donation to City University of Hong Kong (CityU). 

The HK$15 million gift from the late Dr Chung Sze-yuen, GBM, JP (1917–2018) will be used to establish the Sze-Yuen Chung Fund in support of the Hong Kong Institute for Advanced Study (HKIAS).

“We will cherish and always remember the kindness of Dr Chung,” said Professor Jacob Huang Chih-ching, Executive Director of HKIAS and Chair Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. 

HKIAS awards fellowships to scholars internationally recognised in their fields and provides an atmosphere open to intellectual exchange across disciplinary fields. Since it was established, it has provided a platform for pursuing curiosity-driven ideas and studies, while its unfettered research contributes to the advancement of knowledge and betterment of humanity. 

“This generous donation is a remarkable recognition for HKIAS and a powerful endorsement of our future promise,” Professor Huang added.

The bequest will be used to help recruit and retain top-notch scholars and promising early-career talent, enabling them to explore new horizons of knowledge and further expand academic and knowledge frontiers.

Dr Chung had a long association with CityU. Appointed to chair the planning committee for the then City Polytechnic of Hong Kong in the early 1980s, he was a leading figure in steering its establishment in 1984. He was conferred an Honorary Founding Fellow in 1986 and an Honorary Doctor of Business Administration in 1989 in recognition of his significant contribution to CityU. 

In addition, his outstanding contribution to society earned him countless accolades. He was awarded many honorary doctorates in business administration, law, science and engineering, as well as honorary fellowships by local and non-local universities and institutions. He spared no effort and played a key role in promoting the development of higher education and laying a solid foundation for the scientific and technological advancement in Hong Kong.