The Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) Foundation (the Foundation) hosted its annual dinner on 24 October 2025 to express gratitude to members of its Board of Governors and committees, as well as supporters of the University, for their generosity and staunch support over the years.

In his welcoming remarks, Dr. the Hon. Kennedy Wong, BBS, JP, Chairman of the Council and the Court of HKBU and Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Foundation, said that the Foundation had secured several major donations in the past year, laying a solid foundation for the University’s pursuit of its vision.

Dr. Wong highlighted HKBU’s remarkable success in securing HK$1.37 billion in the first round of the Research Matching Grant Scheme, which concluded last year. He expressed hope for continued support in the new round, which would enable the University to further strengthen its research capabilities and drive progress in technological innovation and interdisciplinary research. He added that the imminent opening of Hong Kong’s first Chinese medicine hospital was poised to elevate HKBU’s teaching and research excellence to new heights.

In his speech, Professor Alex Wai, JP, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU, shared the University’s recent accomplishments, including the HKBU Transdisciplinary Innovation Team receiving the 2025 University Grants Committee Teaching Award (Collaborative Teams Category) – a testament to the effectiveness of HKBU’s transdisciplinary curriculum reforms.

He further emphasised HKBU’s significant advancements in research and innovation, marked by its growing portfolio of funded projects and awards, as well as strong performance in multiple influential global university rankings – most notably placing among the top 10% in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026. As HKBU approaches its 70th anniversary next year, Professor Wai expressed enthusiasm for celebrating this milestone with the wider community.

The dinner was well attended by distinguished guests and HKBU representatives, including Ir Professor Paul Poon, MH, Deputy Chairman of the Council and the Court; Ms. Connie Wong, GBS, SBS, JP, Co-Chairman of the Foundation’s Entrepreneur Committee; Dr. Chloe Suen and Mr. Ivan Wong, JP, Co-Chairmen of the Foundation’s Young Entrepreneur Committee; Professor Sunny Wong, Chairman of the Foundation’s Alumni Committee; Dr. Cheng Yan Kee, BBS, JP, former Chairman of the Council and the Court; Professor Ng Ching Fai, GBS and Professor Roland Chin, Presidents Emeriti; and Professor Chen Zhi, President of Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University. Also in attendance were Professor Martin Wong, Provost; Professor Lyu Aiping, Vice-President (Research and Development) cum Dean of Graduate School; Dr. Albert Chau, Vice-President (Teaching and Learning); Professor Terence Lau, Interim Chief Innovation Officer; Professor Andrew Kwok, Associate Vice-President (Curriculum and Pedagogies); Professor Johnny M. Poon, Associate Vice-President (Interdisciplinary Research); Professor William Cheung, Associate Vice-President (Transdisciplinary Education); and Mrs. Lily Chan, Director of University Advancement and Secretary-General of the HKBU Foundation.

Since its inception in 2009, the HKBU Foundation has grown its membership from 131 to 981, an impressive growth of 649%, while securing over HK$5.3 billion in donations and donation pledges. These vital resources have underpinned the University’s development, supporting its educational innovation and talent cultivation.