Newsletter No. 51

Vol.5.2 No.51 February 1994 New Building for Engineering Departments D esigned by famous local architect Dr. Tao Ho, the Ho Sin- hang Engineering Building was formally opened by Mr. Christopher Patten, Governor of Hong Kong and Chancellor of the University, on 12th January 1994. Other guests officiating at the opening ceremony included Mr. David Ho Tzu-cho, chairman of the S. H. Ho Foundation, Sir Yuet-keung Kan, pro- chancellor of the University, and Dr. Alice Kiu-yue Lam, University treasurer. The 10-storey building is located on the central campus at the junction of University and Chung Chi Roads. Besides offices and lecture theatres for the Faculty of Engineering and its four departments, it houses some of Southeast Asia's most advanced laboratories in telecommunications, electronics and computer science. In his welcoming address, the vice-chancellor Prof. Charles K. Kao reiterated the University's determination to promote technological advancement in the territory, and to convert new technologies into real boons for Hong Kong people. To show their latest research achievements, the four engineering departments held exhibitions and organized tours of laboratories for guests attending the opening ceremony. The engineering block has been named after Dr. Ho Sin-hang, an eminent local banker and philanthropist, in appreciation of the staunch support he has given to the University. Last year alone he donated HK$40 million through the S. H. Ho Foundation to establish the Ho Sin-hang Education Endowment Fund in the University. Interest income will be used to sponsor visiting professorships, medical education, research, and other academic developments. HK$18 Million for Research & Development A donation of HK$18 million was recently received from Dr. William M. W. Mong to set up a Shun Hing Research and Development Fund at the University. The donation was made through the Shun Hing Education and Charity Fund Ltd. to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Shun Hing group. One sixth of the amount has been earmarked for developing an open system for Chinese computing. On the cheque presentation ceremony held on 21st December 1993, Prof. Charles K. Kao, the vice-chancellor, thanked Dr. Mong for his generosity towards the University over the years. Previous donations by Dr. Mong have helped launch scholarship funds, establish the Mong Kwok Ping Computer Communication Laboratory, and finance the United Nations Fellows Training Programme. To give permanent recognition to his contributions, the University will name a new science building after Dr. Mong. The building is to be constructed on the central campus to the northeast of the Choh-Ming Li Basic Medical Sciences Building. On completion in 1996 it will accommodate the departments of pharmacy and biochemistry, and provide well-equiped lecture halls, classrooms and function rooms. NO.51 FEBRUARY 1994 I