The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) officially named Classroom U208 on campus as the “Yip Yuen Yuk Hing Classroom”. A naming ceremony was held on 11 November in heartfelt gratitude to Dr Yip Kit-chuen and his wife, who have been long-time supporters of PolyU.
The ceremony was officiated by PolyU President Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, Treasurer of PolyU Foundation and Honorary Chairman of University Court Dr Roy Chung, Executive Vice President Dr Miranda Lou, Vice President (Student and Global Affairs) Prof. Ben Young and Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement) Dr Laura Lo. They were joined by the Chairman of GEW Holdings Limited Dr Yip Kit-chuen, Mr and Mrs Daniel Yip, Mr and Mrs Acton Yip, and Mr and Mrs Thomas. The ceremony was also graced by representatives from the industrial sector, the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, the Ning Po Residents Association, and Dr Yip's good friends.
Dr Yip Kit-chuen is an outstanding industrialist who has built a brilliant career as a leader in the home appliance industry with his keen market insights and his belief in ‘treating people with honesty’. He has a deep relationship with PolyU. Over the years, Dr Yip has made generous donations to support PolyU's development. He was the Chairman of the PolyU Development Fund, the predecessor of the PolyU Foundation, where he played a key role in formulating a comprehensive development plan and management system for the Fund. Dr Yip's eldest son, Dr Daniel Yip, is also currently serving as a University Council member, contributing to the University's development.
Prof. Jin-Guang Teng expressed his sincere gratitude to Dr and Mrs Yip Kit-chuen, “Today, I am very honoured that PolyU has once again received a generous donation from Dr and Mrs Yip. Dr Yip and his family have always been strong supporters of PolyU, and we are deeply grateful for their generosity. Dr Yip is not only a highly successful entrepreneur, but also a philanthropist who is committed to nurturing the next generation.”
In his speech, Dr Yip Kit-chuen stated that the donation was made at the behest of Mrs Yip. A good wife and mother, Mrs Yip agrees with PolyU's teaching philosophy and she hopes to support the University in nurturing talents who contribute to society. Dr Yip also shared with the guests the story of his struggle when he came to Hong Kong at a young age. Through hard work and perseverance, he was able to transform his business from a metal supplier to a successful home appliance manufacturer, earning a number of patents and world-class quality awards along the way.
Dr Roy Chung, a beloved protégé of Dr Yip, recalled in his speech that they met in the 1960s. Dr Yip's entrepreneurial spirit of innovation and adaptation, and passion for supporting education and research had a profound influence on him, leading him to become an outstanding industrialist and an active supporter of education and research himself.
The “Yip Yuen Yuk Hing Classroom” is located next to the entrance of ‘Yip Kit Chuen Building’ at Block U, offering a serene and pleasant environment with convenient access to other facilities on campus. The classroom’s proximity to the “Yip Kit Chuen Building” is like Mrs Yip standing by Dr Yip’s side, symbolising her enduring companionship to Dr Yip throughout their life journey together.
