Newsletter No. 44

CUHK Newsletter No.44 July 1993 Dr. Cheng Yu-tung Businessman A prominent local businessman, Cheng Yu-tung's business activities are multifarious, ranging from jewellery, hotels, television, real estate to banking and financial services. He is well known not only for his contributions to the local economy but also for his concern for education development in both Hong Kong and China. He is a trustee of United College and has served as chairman of the advisory board of the University's Three-year MBA Programme for years. Together with Lee Shau-kee, he made a generous donation of US$6 million to The Chinese Un i ve r s i ty and Yale University in 1991 to support ajoint research programme on South Ch i na studies. He has also established a 'Cheng Scholars Programme' at the University of California to enable outstanding medical scholars from China to receive training in the United States. Vice-patron of the Community Chest of Hong Kong and vice-president of the Real Estate Developers Association of Hong Kong, he is also very active in public service. The Reverend Shih Cheng-yen Buddhist and Social Service Leader A highly respected Buddhist and social service leader in Taiwan, the Rev. Shih Cheng-yen single-handedly established the Tz'u-Chi Contribution Society in 1966, which over the last 27 years has provided a wide range of charitable and relief services to the sick and needy, and attracted the support of over two million followers from all walks of life. The Tz ' u -Chi Contribution Society, of which the Reverend is chairperson, has now become one of Taiwan's biggest philanthropic organizations. It provides monetary assistance, food, free medical and funeral services, and emergency relief to the underprivileged at home, and has set up branches outside Taiwan to extend relief to victims of natural disasters in other parts of the world. It operates a 100-bed Tz'u Chi Buddhist General Hospital and a Tz'u Chi Nursing School, and is in the process of building a medical research centre and a medical school. Plans are also being made to build a child rehabilitation centre and a university. The Reverend's insights into Buddhist philosophy are contained in her 20 publications; her selfless devotion to others has moved millions and won her numerous awards and honours, including the International Communication Award (1992) presented by Taiwan's Executive Yuan, the Distinguished Social Campaign Leadership Award (1991), and the Taiwan-US Foundation Social Service Award (1989). Dr. Lee Shau-kee Businessman Real estate and business magnate, Lee Shau-kee heads the Henderson Group, wh i ch has successfully undertaken over 300 development projects all over the territory since the 1960s. He is concurrently chairman of the Hong Kong and China Gas Co. Ltd. and director of the Hong Kong Ferry (Holdings) Co. Ltd. A staunch supporter of education, he serves as chairman of the Hong Kong Pei Hua Education Foundation Co. Ltd. and is director and donor of the Shun Tak Fraternal Association Lee Shau Kee College. In the area of tertiary education, he has made significant contributions serving as a trustee of United College at CUHK and as member of the advisory board of the University's Three-year MBA Programme. Together with Cheng Yu-tung, he sponsored a US$6 million joint research project between CUHK and Yale in 1991. He also established a 'Lee Shau Kee Scholarship' to enable outstanding local students to study at Wadham College of Oxford University. A renowned leader in community service, he is permanent honorary president of the Shun Tak Fraternal Association, honorary councillor of the Rehabilitation International, and honorary adviser of the Campaign Committee of the Community Chest of Hong Kong. Mr. Thomas H. C. Cheung Entrepreneur Thomas H. C. Cheung, chairman of the Pacific Group, is a successful entrepreneur in the insurance and transportation business. He is also Honorary Consul for Sri Lanka in Hong Kong and Honorary Representative of St. Lucia National Development Corporation in Hong Kong and the Far East. In recognition of his achievements in the promotion of international business and distinguished public service, he was awarded the National Honour of Sri Lanka Ranjana by the President of Sri Lanka in 1991. An alumnus of United College, Cheung has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the college since 1976 and has served for three terms as president of the CUHK Federation of Alumni Associations. He was appointed a member of the University Council in 1991. He has also made significant contributions to education through his donations to this University for student activities, and to the CUHK Federation of Alumni Associations for the establishment of a kindergarten, a primary school, and a secondary school. 2