Mrs Angel S. P. Chan Lau, Chairman and CEO of Squina International Group Limited, is a philanthropic entrepreneur. In 1994, she founded Squina as a sole agent and retail company of natural health care products. In the 1990s, the company became a pioneer in promoting holistic living and natural health food education and, by so doing, helped foster a more healthy community. Safety, purity and quality of products are the company’s major concerns. Today, with over 400 retail outlets and 30 beauty service centres, Squina is a market leader in providing quality natural health products, including natural health food and natural facial and body treatment products. 

Mrs Lau not only cares about creating a healthier society, but also has a heart for charitable and community deeds, as displayed in her support for education, social and elderly services. In 2001, she joined the Po Leung Kuk as one of its Directors and became the Chairman of the Po Leung Kuk Board of Directors in 2007-2008. Over the years, she has actively contributed to the development and work of many charities in the capacities of Director and Consultant. Putting thoughts into action, she formed the “Loving Heart” Nursing Voluntary Team to coordinate the efforts of dedicated nurses in serving the community. She was awarded the Bronze Bauhinia Star by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in 2008 and was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 2009. 

Mrs Lau was an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the PolyU Faculty of Health and Social Sciences from July 2007 to June 2009. In 2008, she made generous donations to PolyU to support the advancement of the Centre for Infection Control, the Faculty’s sports-related research and the development of community projects. In 2009, she made a further donation contributing to the long-term development of the University.

Mr Chairman, University Council Members, President Tong and Honoured Guests,

I am deeply honoured to receive this Fellowship from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and would like to thank the University for granting me this distinction.

In this rapidly changing world, we must sustain our efforts in innovating new technologies and igniting creative thinking to keep pace with new developments. To this end, PolyU has been striving for excellence in application-oriented research with cutting-edge innovation, thus facilitating businesses and industries in increasing their competitiveness. The University is also dedicated to nurturing graduates to become professional experts and generalists at the same time through a diversified education programme with a focus on whole-person development. With an emphasis on developing students’ independent analytical, problem-solving and innovative thinking skills, PolyU produces graduates who are popular among employers and capable of contributing to society in their respective professions.

I share PolyU’s vision, and have thus been looking for opportunities to collaborate with the University. Through providing donations, I wish to make some contributions to its long-term development and to nurturing the future pillars of our society.  

I believe that while knowledge is power, good health is our most valuable asset. In the years during which I have been developing my healthcare products business, there have been pandemic health threats in Hong Kong. These have truly convinced me of the importance of good physical and mental health, and so I have been actively rendering my support to those research and community projects related to healthcare, public health and sports. Over the years, PolyU has made commendable efforts in promoting primary healthcare and conducting far-reaching, healthcare-related applied research. Therefore, I firmly believe that investing in PolyU is a wise decision.

Learning is like paddling against the current; one will be left behind if one does not pursue lifelong learning and continue to paddle hard. In recent years, besides developing my career and participating in community work, I have taken up further studies for my own personal advancement. In these ever-changing times, continuing education is the norm. Through the provision of professional education programmes, PolyU has facilitated learners from different walks of life to better equip themselves and to sharpen their competitive edge in order to rise to the challenges of the day.

In closing, I sincerely congratulate PolyU on its distinguished achievements. I trust that the University will continue its efforts to scale new heights for the benefit of society and our mother country.

Thank you.