Fundraiser hits target 1.5 years ahead of schedule
The large-scale capital campaign “United, We Soar” launched by City University of Hong Kong (CityU) has received wide support from CityU members and the community. The fundraising target originally planned for 2023 has been completed 18 months ahead of schedule. More than HK$2.5 billion has been raised to support CityU’s pursuit of excellence for the benefit of society in four key areas, including strategic initiatives, education and research, student development, and campus development.
A Thanksgiving Dinner was organised by the CityU Foundation on 24 November to express gratitude to members of the Foundation, friends of the University, and distinguished community leaders. Their long-term support and generous donations have enabled the fundraising campaign to meet its target well ahead of schedule.
Dr Yeung Kin-man, Co-Chair of the Steering Committee of the “United, We Soar” campaign and Honorary Chairperson of the CityU Foundation Board of Governors, and other Co-Chairs, including Dr Herman Hu Shao-ming, Mr Lau Ming-wai and Dr Wong Chun-hong, as well as members of the CityU senior management team expressed their excitement at this fundraising achievement.
“United, We Soar” is a 10-year comprehensive capital campaign that commenced in 2014 and was officially launched for public fundraising in 2020. Even in the face of challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the campaign has achieved unprecedented success through the support of over 6,500 CityU members, including Council and Court members, alumni, staff, and members of the public.
In his opening address Mr Lester Garson Huang, Council Chairman, thanked all sectors of society for their support. “The ‘United, We Soar’ campaign fully demonstrates CityU’s determination to continue to strive for excellence. Thanks to the hard work of many in the University and the generous support we receive from the wider community, CityU continues to go beyond boundaries to achieve ever-improving results,” he said.
In his address to CityU supporters, President Way Kuo of CityU said, “The successful conclusion of the ‘United, We Soar’ campaign is only the beginning. CityU is counting on your continued support in opening a new chapter.”
Upholding the principle of “the integration of teaching and research” and “the separation of politics and education”, CityU has stayed focused on education and promoted higher education in a forward-looking way. It is regarded as one of the fastest-growing universities in the world over the past decade.
CityU leads in the development of the higher education sector and has launched several new initiatives such as the first-ever “University Day” in Hong Kong to further strengthen connections with all walks of society; HK Tech 300, the largest innovation and entrepreneurship programme among Asian universities; the CityU Tiger Mascot; and the new CityU Anthem, themed “Beyond Boundaries” and “Knowledge and Wisdom”, which highlights the University's achievements in professional education and problem-driven research.
The latest campus development projects, including the Jockey Club One Health Tower, CityU Farm, CityU International Centre, and the fifth phase of the Student Hostel at Whitehead, have helped to create a multicultural, dynamic and highly modern learning environment.
Moreover, CityU's world-class teaching and research teams have repeatedly received international recognition. According to metrics compiled by Stanford University in 2022, over 180 CityU faculty members are listed among the world’s top 2% of the most cited scientists. These significant milestones showcase how the distinguished academic standards and cutting-edge research at CityU are advancing knowledge frontiers.
