Bulletin Spring‧Summer 1999

Dongguan College of Science and Technology i n Guangdong Province. That his concern about health and social development extends equall y widely may be seen from his work as director of the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (1956), as chairman of Po Leung Kuk (1966), as honorary adviser of Pok Oi Hospital (1997), as vice-patron of the Hong Kong Childhealth Foundation, as a committee member of the Hong Kong Red Cross, as trustee of the Wildlife Fund for Nature in Hong Kong, and as vice-chairman of the China Association (Hong Kong) for Science and Society. That his philanthropy and sense of important fundamentals in a community's development have made a significant impact on many people is doubtless reflected in his appointment to the Selection Committee for the First Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. Dr. Fong's influence i n the business community needs no emphasis but it is worth noting that he is an honorary adviser to the Real Estate Developers Association of Hong Kong. It is highly significant that honours and awards he has received come not only from his own country but from Britain, the United States, and Canada. As a Member o f the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, as an honorary degree holder from both the USA and Canada, as well as a Gold Medallist from the University of California at Berkeley, he has shown that he is international in outloo k as well as deeply patriotic. Dr. Fong's meetings with astronomers and astronauts, some of whom are friends, and his involvement as an adviser to the Asteroid/Comet Namin g Committee of the Purple Mountain Observatory under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, demonstrate his keen interest in space. The Observatory's International Asteroid/Comet Naming Committee, who named an asteroid the Fong Yun-wah Star, has recently approved Dr. Fong's nomination o f an asteroid (3297) to be called the ‘Hong Kong Star' to acknowledge the aspirations of local and overseas Chinese, in particular the Hong Kong people. The influential part he plays in these activities show that he has an astronomer's sense of the world as a precious place, supporting bot h the human race in general and also the Chinese people. His desire to help thus reaches from his own city and country to the truly global. He is a citizen of the world, a citizen who demonstrates that doing is important, that making friends is important across national boundaries, fosterin g peace rather than conflict, and that facilitating excellence in others is an art as well as a necessity. A s a grandfather, he realizes the significance o f giving to little children the best opportunities we can offer. How does he keep fit amidst all the demands of business, family, and philanthropy? He swims, he exercises, and plays a bit of golf. He exercises the mind and spirit by learning more about Chinese culture and reading Chinese philosophy. When he has an interesting idea ， he writes it out and sends it to his friends and others in many different parts o f the world. He communicates. A star among men and women ， by whose light we can see what help our society needs, and one who has given generous and lasting help in abundance — such a steadfast star, Mr. Chancellor, is Fong Yun-wah, whom Tpresent to you for the award of the degree of Doctor of Social Science ， honoris causa. • The 54th Congregation 53