15 January 2020

The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK) has gratifyingly received a generous donation from Dr Patrick Poon Sun Cheong, SBS, in support of the University’s strategic development. As a tribute to Dr Poon’s generosity, the Naming Ceremony of “Patrick S C Poon Amity College, HSUHK Jockey Club Residential Colleges” was held on 15 Jan 2020. Witnessed by around 200 guests, the Ceremony was officiated by Dr Patrick Poon, Chairman of Shing Cheong Charitable Foundation Limited, and Mrs Wendy Poon; together with Dr Moses Cheng, HSUHK Council Chairman, and President Simon Ho.

Dr Poon has been offering invaluable advice and service to the University as a Member of its Board of Governors as well as Chairman of its Foundation Management Committee. Also, in his capacity as Chairman of the Fundraising and Donation Committee, he has been playing a pivotal role in funding solicitation for the University over the years.

In his welcome address, Dr Moses Cheng expressed his sincere appreciation to Dr Poon for his tremendous contributions as an actuarial and insurance veteran, helming multinational enterprises and deservedly earning the accolade as “The Father of Insurance”. Through working closely with Dr Poon at HSUHK, Dr Cheng has been deeply impressed by Dr Poon’s fascinating insights and dedication to higher-education institutions. He said, “Patrick S C Poon Amity College is named as a token of thanks to Dr and Mrs Poon’s unfailing endorsement, which has motivated teachers and students to work even harder in an attempt to repay the Poon family’s fine deeds.”

Dr Poon in his speech pointed out, “University are hubs where talented young people from around the world congregate and new generations of leaders are nurtured for the betterment of our society. I share the vision of HSUHK’s education model of “Liberal + Professional”. At Amity College, particular stress is placed on community services and active cooperation with non-governmental organisations in order to develop students’ leadership skills, and encourage them to serve our community with kindness. I find it such a meaningful initiative that I decided to support the University by making another pledge.”

In his vote of thanks, President Simon Ho conveyed his gratitude towards Dr Poon’s commitment to advancing the University’s development. In response to the HKSAR Government’s “Seventh Matching Grant Scheme” in 2017, Dr Poon promptly donated HK$10 million with the aim of rolling out “Dr Patrick Poon Matching Challenge” donation campaign to encourage more gifts from friends of HSUHK, the first self-funded higher-education institution to have a residential college system as a distinctive feature. He believed Dr Poon’s unswerving support was contagious, sure to inspire the others to help to secure a brighter future for HSUHK Jockey Club Residential Colleges.

Click here for more photos capturing the joyous moments at the event.

About Patrick S C Poon Amity College
Focusing on community services, Amity College fosters students’ civic engagement through a series of community service opportunities, e.g. visits to elderly homes, free tutorial services, and volunteer leader training, aiming to groom young leaders to meet local and global needs.