PolyU recently received a $2 million donation from Dr Hari N. Harilela for the establishment of the Padma and Hari Harilela Scholarship at the SHTM.

This is the first time that a member of the Harilela family has donated to PolyU. It is also the first donation received by the SHTM from a philanthropist closely affiliated with the hotel industry since it moved to its new premises in Tsim Sha Tsui East.

In receiving the donation cheque on behalf of the University, PolyU President Professor Timothy Tong expressed his utmost thanks to Dr Harilela. He believed that the donation not only provided a strong boost for the advancement of hospitality education, but also re-affirmed the industry's support for the SHTM.

The Harilela Group plays a significant role in the professional development of the hotel industry. Dr Harilela sees education as important as the human backbone to the sustainable development of the community. At the presentation ceremony he said that he hoped the donation would support PolyU and its SHTM in implementing its new approach to hospitality education and sustaining the supply of talents for a thriving industry.

Professor Kaye Chon, Dean and Chair Professor of the SHTM, expressed his gratitude for Dr Harilela's generosity. The School is confident that the scholarship will enable it to further step up its efforts in nurturing young people with a passion for the hospitality industry.