To tie in with the launch of the 4-year undergraduate curriculum in 2012, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) will construct a new campus – the “Lee Shau Kee Campus” – named in recognition of a major donation made by the Lee Shau Kee Foundation.
Dr Lee Shau Kee today (Tuesday) officiated at the ground breaking ceremony of the Lee Shau Kee Campus and attended the ensuing HKUST Campus Development Kick-off Ceremony. Also officiating at the ceremony were HKUST Pro-Chancellor and Honorary Chairman of the Court Dr S Y Chung, HKUST Chairman of the Court Dr John C CChan, HKUST President Emeritus Prof Chia-Wei Woo, HKUST Council Chairman Dr Marvin K T Cheung, HKUST Council Vice Chairman Dr Michael H H Mak and HKUST President Prof Tony F Chan.
President Chan expressed his profound gratitude to Dr Lee for his generous donation in support of HKUST’s campus development. “Lee Shau Kee Campus is the most important element in this project. HKUST stands ready to meet the challenge of the coming 4-year undergraduate education system and will continue to play a major part in nurturing talents and conducting cutting-edge research,” said President Chan.
Dr S Y Chung pointed out that the building of HKUST was one of the proudest things he had done in his life. “HKUST not only represents the very best of what Hong Kong can do, but it also embodies the spirit of innovation, of boldly breaking into a new frontier, of creating something out of nothing, and of the courage to overcome daunting difficulties,” he said.
Dr Lee Shau Kee said, “Talent is of great importance to Hong Kong. HKUST has an enviable record in developing talents in business and finance, and its EMBA program is ranked No.1 in the world. Hence the University is playing an active role in helping Hong Kong grow its economy and consolidate its position as an international financial center.
“HKUST has a superb campus on a hillside commanding a breathtaking view of the sea, and the new Lee Shau Kee Campus boasts an additional one million square feet. With these advantages, I hope HKUST will be able to nurture more talents in support of the growing prosperity of Hong Kong and China,” Dr Lee added.
Following the ground breaking was the Campus Development Kick-off Ceremony. Named “Great Vision for New Era”, the campus development project is HKUST’s biggest investment ever in its infrastructure since the founding of the university. Highlights of the celebration included a 75-meter long dragon dance led by President Chan with 30 staff members and students following, visual presentation of the HKUST 2020 campus, parade by students in different national costumes, and international student booths giving away exotic cuisines and souvenirs.
Background of the HKUST Lee Shau Kee Campus
Located atop the HKUST main campus, HKUST Lee Shau Kee Campus occupies an area of about 10 hectares, representing about 15% of the total area of the main campus. Main buildings in the first phase include the Lee Shau Kee Business Building and the Institute for Advanced Study, both scheduled for completion in 2011.
For media enquiries, please feel free to contact :
Ross Lai
Tel: 2358 6306 / 9103 2928
Email: rosslai@ust.hk
Donna Wong
Tel: 2358 6317
Email: donnaw@ust.hk
