The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has named the premises of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management after a pioneer Hong Kong hotelier, the late Mr Chan Chak-fu, and his wife Mrs Esther Chan Wong Chi-lan in appreciation of the family's significant contributions to PolyU's hospitality and tourism management education.
The naming ceremony held today (15 December) was graced by the presence of the Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR Government, The Honorable Matthew Cheung Kin-chung as the Guest of Honour. Other members of the officiating party included Mr Lawrence Chan, the eldest son of Mr Chan Chak-fu, and his two siblings, Mr Charles Chan and Mr Joseph Chan, and his daughter Ms Dee Dee Chan; PolyU Council Chairman Mr Chan Tze-ching; PolyU President Professor Timothy W. Tong; PolyU Foundation Chairman Dr Patrick Poon; PolyU Foundation Deputy Chairman Dr Katherine Ngan; and PolyU Dean of School of Hotel and Tourism Management Professor Kaye Chon. Chan's family members and friends also attended the ceremony to witness this memorable occasion.
Mr Matthew Cheung said that in recent years we have witnessed a monumental shift of hospitality business to Asia. The Chief Executive's inaugural Policy Address has also outlined our vision to develop a high value-added and diversified economy while strengthening the traditional economic pillars in the face of fierce competition from our counterparts. He trusted that with the expertise and passion of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the University will continue to nurture new blood contributing to the well-being and development of our society.
Mr Chan Tze-ching extended his sincere gratitude to the late Mr Chan in his welcoming speech for his generous contributions and philanthropic spirit in launching the hospitality vocational training programme supervised by the then Hong Kong Polytechnic as early as in the 1980s. Since then, PolyU's School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) has become a global centre of excellence in hospitality and tourism education and research, as illustrated by the consistent top positions in international rankings placed by reputable professional organisations.
Prof. Timothy W. Tong said PolyU has been working with industry to transform innovations into impacts and to boost societal well-being. The University needs support from partners who share its vision and commitment, like the Chan family, to sustain its contribution to society as it continues to build on the heritage of academic excellence and community services. He hopes that more members of the community will be inspired by the benevolent Chan family to invest in education, which is the key to developing the next generations, who will shape the future of society.
The Mr and Mrs Chan Chak Fu Building is the school premises of PolyU's School of Hotel and Tourism Management located at 17 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon, adjoining Hotel ICON, the innovative teaching and research hotel of PolyU. The Building occupies a total floor area of 6,400 m and can accommodate about 3,000 students. Equipped with world-class teaching and research facilities, it represents a global centre of excellence in hospitality and tourism education and research.
Mr Chan Chak Fu built a hotel empire in Hong Kong and the world during the 1950s-1980s. He had contributed tremendously to the grooming of local talents and to advancing the international standard and image of Hong Konghotel business.
