Mr Benedict Sin Nga-yan, Director and General Manager of Myer Jewelry Manufacturer Limited, an Independent Non-executive Director of King Fook Holdings Limited, and a Non-executive Director of Miramar Hotel and Investment Company, Limited, is a seasoned industrialist and versatile entrepreneur. Mr Sin is well-recognised for his remarkable contributions to the jewellery industry and he currently serves as the President and Director of Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association.

A pioneer who champions bridging tradition and technology in jewellery manufacturing, Mr Sin supports the preservation of artistry, craftsmanship, legacy and human quality of fine jewellery making while utilising technology to enhance accuracy and efficiency, thus propelling the art of jewellery making to new heights. As the President Honoris Causa of Hong Kong Young Industrialists Council, he strives to facilitate the upgrading and transformation of the manufacturing sector and local industries, while encouraging young people to join the trades.

Mr Sin believes that higher education is vital to innovation, productivity, economic growth and prosperity of a city. That explains his solid commitment to the committees, council and courts of various universities in Hong Kong. Mr Sin has been a Court Member of PolyU since 2019, providing valuable advice and support for university development. As the Governor of Sin Wai Kin Foundation Limited, a charitable foundation founded by his late father Dr David Sin Wai Kin, Mr Sin has been instrumental in fostering the establishment of the Endowed Professorship in Humanities and Technology in 2022, enabling PolyU scholars to explore and advance cutting-edge research for the betterment of mankind. The Foundation has generously supported PolyU’s education and research initiatives since 2012, including setting up student scholarships and funding for humanities and rehabilitation sciences research projects.

Mr Sin is a staunch supporter of social services, volunteering works and philanthropic causes. Holding public offices for Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, Hospital Governing Committee of Hong Kong Eye Hospital and Kowloon Hospital of Hospital Authority, Trust Fund Committee of Customs and Excise Service Children’s Education Trust Fund, among many other public bodies, he ensures they duly perform their duties and exercise their powers for the public benefit. In appreciation of his dedication to public services, he has been decorated with countless awards, including the Young Industrialist Award of Hong Kong, Bronze Award for Volunteer Service, Secretary for Home Affairs – Certificate of Commendation, and Chief Executive's Commendation for Community Service.

Council Chairman Dr Lam, University Council Members, President Professor Teng and honoured guests,

I am honoured and grateful to be conferred the University Fellowship by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). 

In the business world, success is usually defined by capital and return. When it comes to identifying the most worthy investment ever, I cannot but agree with Benjamin Franklin, who once said, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”

Serving the jewellery industry for over 30 years, I have witnessed numerous challenges and changes – the shift of manufacturing operations to the Mainland since the 1990s, modernisation of manufacturing, the loss of skilled craftsmen, just to name a few. Yet, Hong Kong still stands strong as one of the leading players in the global jewellery market. In my humble opinion, “diversity”, “inclusion” and “lifelong learning” are what we need to build a resilient economy and a sustainable society, and holistic economics is the future.

Take jewellery making as an example, while it is essential to utilise new technology in production to enhance accuracy and efficiency, we must also preserve the artistry, craftsmanship, legacy and human quality to uphold the prestige and uniqueness of each masterpiece. The industry welcomes not only academic achievers but also new and young forces with diverse interests and talents to inherit and refine the expertise. We must consider the social and environmental systems when driving economic growth, and never give up learning and seeking personal growth in order to withstand the ups and downs of the ever-changing world.

The same applies to education. Aiming to promote holistic education and nurture different talents, I have the honour of serving children and youths via volunteer works and holding public offices for the industry, different government committees, and various disciplinary forces. I am also glad that the Sin Wai Kin Foundation that I am representing has been able to support educational institutions in Hong Kong and contribute to the advancement of knowledge, critical thinking and creativity. At PolyU, the Endowed Professorship in Humanities and Technology was established in 2022 to foster interdisciplinary research and deepen our understanding of humanity in a world where technology prevails. The Foundation has also supported the publication of a biannual journal titled Kaiwu: Science, Technology and Culture by the PolyU Press, delving into the developments of science and technology and their profound impact on society and culture. I look forward to witnessing holistic and sustainable development in both our economy and education sector in the future. Thank you.