Ms Pearl Kong took a photo at the Ma Liu Shui Campus, next to the school bus.
Ms. Pearl Kong (1926-2014), a famous Cantonese culinary expert, is one of the outstanding alumni in Chung Chi's 73-year history. She came from a distinguished family: her grandfather, Kong Hung-yan (1864-1952), was known as a famous gourmet in the modern China, while her uncle, Kong Yue-kau (1910-1984), was the acclaimed Cantonese Opera writer Thirteenth Son of Nanhai. Her cousin, Kong Duen-yee (1923-1966), was a movie star named Mui Yee, who was active in the 1940s and 1950s.
Ms. Kong had a close relationship with Chung Chi. She was studying at Sun Yat-sen University in her early days and started working at Chung Chi in 1953, which is why she called herself “Big Sister.” Initially, she worked in the College General Office, where she was responsible different clerical tasks. She later served as the cashier and bookkeeper in the Bursar’s Office. At that time, the College supported on-the-job training for its staff, and Ms. Kong was encouraged by the College Registrar, Mr. Tse Chiu Kit (1899-1966), to take courses in the College’s Department of Economics and Business Administration. She graduated in 1960 and continued to serve the College. Later, she sought further studies and, with the recommendation of President Yung Chi Tung (1908-1987), received a full scholarship to pursue an MBA in the United States in 1963.
In the 1980s, when her husband, Professor Chen Tien Chi, took over as the Head of United College, she became a member of United College. However, she maintained a friendly relationship with Chung Chi. Even after her retirement and settling in the United States in 1992, she still attended Chung Chi anniversary activities every year. She once said, “When I revisit Chung Chi, I feel like I am returning to my parents’ home. The intimacy I feel cannot be described in words.”To commemorate the 10th anniversary of Ms. Kong’s passing, her daughter, Mrs. Sharon Lee, made a donation to the College to support a common area in the new student hostel. This not only benefits many students but also continues her mother’s deep devotion to Chung Chi.
