PolyU Gala Dinner 2024 raises over $18 million to support university development

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) held a Gala Dinner on 2 December at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, raising over HK$18 million in donations. This year marks the 30th anniversary of PolyU achieving university status. Embracing the theme “Unite·Innovate·Impact”, the event brought together over 800 distinguished guests, including alumni, benefactors and supporters, to celebrate and contribute to this meaningful cause.

The opening ceremony and toast were officiated by a distinguished group of guests, including Mr Michael WONG Wai-lun, Deputy Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government; Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU; Dr Lawrence LI, Deputy Council Chairman of PolyU; Ms Loretta FONG, Treasurer of the University; Dr Sunny CHAI, Chairman of the PolyU Foundation and Co-Chairman of the Dinner Organising Committee; Prof. Alex WONG Siu-wah, Vice Chairman of the PolyU Foundation and Co-Chairman of the Dinner Organising Committee; Dr Daniel C.Y. CHAN, Co-Chairman of the Dinner Organising Committee; Dr Katherine NGAN, Court Chairman of PolyU; Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU; and Dr Miranda LOU, Executive Vice President of PolyU. They were joined by representatives of the principal sponsor Mr Yeung FAN, Vice-chairman and General Manager of Glorious Sun Group and the premier sponsor Dr YEUNG Kin-man, President of Biel Crystal Holdings Limited.

Prof. Jin-Guang Teng extended his heartfelt gratitude to the entire PolyU community and its supporters in his speech. He said, “From its beginning in 1937 as the Government Trade School to becoming an innovative world-class university today, PolyU has undertaken a momentous 87-year journey with the enthusiastic effort and support of all University members. Embodying the PolyU motto: ‘To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind’, we will continue to strive for excellence in education and research and make greater contributions to Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. We look forward to receiving continued support from all sectors to join us in forging new achievements together.”

Dr Sunny Chai remarked, “This year holds special meaning for PolyU. It marks both the 30th anniversary of the University attaining university status as well as the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the PolyU Foundation. Flourishing over the past decade, the Foundation has successfully established 39 Endowed Professorships, two Named Professorships and ten Endowed Young Scholar positions to support PolyU’s academic development. These endeavours have not only injected new momentum into the development of the University, but also demonstrated our unwavering commitment to education.”

The Gala Dinner featured a series of captivating musical performances. The evening began with the PolyU Choir, under the direction of Mr Alex TAM, performing the PolyU theme song. In addition, Dr Raymond CHAN presented an enchanting piano and guzheng duo with renowned pianist Dr Vivian CHENG, earning thunderous applause. The highlight of the evening was a stunning performance by renowned artist Miss Cally KWONG, who was joined by Mr Michael Wong Wai-lun. Together, they performed a duet and led the audience in a group singalong, bringing the atmosphere to a crescendo.

Miss Cally Kwong (right) and Mr Michael Wong (left) gave a stunning singing performance.

Another highlight was a charity auction featuring eight exclusive items, including fine wines, a luxury timepiece, and exquisite artworks, generously sponsored by Dr Daniel C.Y. Chan, Ms Shirley CHAN Suk-ling, Ms Fiona CHEUNG Sum-yu, Mr Louis MAK Law-mo, Prof. NG Yuet-lau, Dr Allen SHI Lop-tak and Ir Prof. TSUI Tack-kong. All auction proceeds will be used to support PolyU’s academic and research development.

Guests were also invited to explore an interactive exhibition staged at the venue, showcasing impactful research and innovation achievements of the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research. The exhibition provided attendees with an opportunity to gain deeper insights into PolyU’s latest breakthroughs in research and innovation.

The Gala Dinner successfully raised over HK$18 million in total. The net proceeds, after deducting necessary expenses, will be dedicated to supporting the University’s development.