“Project E” is the largest and most forward-looking capital project in Chung Chi’s history, comprising a twin-building complex adjacent to Exit A of the University MTR Station. The complex consists of student hostels and staff quarters, a Digital Creative Centre, and an Alumni Activity Centre, providing a high-quality studying and living environment for students, and more collaborative spaces for teachers and alumni to inspire innovation as well as to enhance students’ whole-person development. Since its launch, Project E has received widespread support from alumni and friends, reflecting their deep care and solicitude for Chung Chi.

Three Donations Reflect the Affirmation of Chung Chi’s Whole-person Education

This October, Chung Chi College received three major pledges during its 74th anniversary: HK$100 million from Dr. Law Kar Shui Elizabeth, HK$50 million from the CWM/Nethersole Fund, and HK$10 million from Mr. Li Kwok Heem John, a member of the Chung Chi College Board of Trustees. This generosity has enabled the College to establish a modern and high-quality learning and living environment, helping propel Hong Kong toward becoming an international education hub.

To acknowledge the donation from Dr. Law and the Fund, Chung Chi College hosted a donation ceremony during the Founders’ Day Thanksgiving Service on 31 October. Dr. Chan Tak Lam Norman, Chair of the College Board of Trustees, officiated the event and expressed special gratitude for the generous donations totalling HK$150 million from two donors. Meanwhile, the College Board of Trustees organised another donation ceremony on 16 October to acknowledge the donation from Mr. John Li.

Dr. Chan stated: “This not only demonstrates the donors’ support for higher education in Hong Kong but also affirms Chung Chi’s commitment to the philosophy of whole-person education. Project E also aligns with the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China’s ‘Hong Kong: Your World-class Campus’ strategic initiative.”

Over a thousand staff, students, alumni, and guests witnessed this solemn, moving occasion.

Dr. Elizabeth Law: Advancing Knowledge and Compassion Together

Dr. Elizabeth Law said: “This donation is not just support for campus development. We hope it will help Chung Chi College nurture a young generation with both capability and a sense of responsibility, allowing knowledge and compassion to drive society forward.”

A native of Shunde in Guangdong province, Dr. Law is widely recognised for her distinguished achievements across many industries, including textiles, garment manufacturing, hotel management, and real estate investment. For decades, she has been a dedicated philanthropist. She is the Chair of the Board and Executive Committee of the Law’s Charitable Foundation, and has devoted herself to promoting education.

The Law’s Charitable Foundation was established by Dr. Law’s father, Mr. Law Ting Pong (1912-1996), in 1987. Upholding her late father’s teaching, Dr. Law firmly believes that education is the key to promoting personal growth and social progress. Therefore, she has vigorously supported education for years, including donations for building school facilities, advancing campus development, establishing scholarships and financial aid, and implementing student exchange programmes. Her benevolence has been benefiting youth and students in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland. “Beijing–Hong Kong University Student Exchange Programme”, one of the initiated programmes, was co-organised by Chung Chi College and Peking University this summer and was well-received.

Since 2013, she has been a supportive member of the Hong Kong Baptist University Foundation’s Board of Governors and Entrepreneur Committee. Beyond education, Dr. Law founded the Windshield Charitable Foundation to serve the elderly and new immigrants, succeeding and promoting her late mother, Mrs. Law Chan Chor Si’s belief in “caring for the vulnerable and embodying charity”.

She has been serving the Yan Chai Hospital since 1997, where she has held positions as Director, Vice-Chairman, and Chairman of the Board of Directors, and now acts as a Permanent Advisor and Permanent Honorable President.

In recognition of her exceptional contributions, Dr. Law was awarded the Medal of Honour in 2009 and the Bronze Bauhinia Star in 2023 by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Hong Kong Baptist University also conferred upon her the Doctor of Social Sciences, honoris causa, in 2015.

In the Founders’ Day cum Donor Appreciation Luncheon, Ms. Portia Chow, daughter of Dr. Elizabeth Law, delivered a speech on behalf of Dr. Law, expressing their visions on education and community service.

CWM/Nethersole Fund: Encouraging Students to Boldly Explore

Rev. Dr. So Shing Yit Eric, Chairman of the CWM/Nethersole Fund, emphasised: “The concept of Project E closely aligns with the Fund’s mission of nurturing talents. We hoped that students will be able to fully use the new resources to explore the unknown, with a positive impact on Hong Kong and the nation.”

The establishment of the CWM/Nethersole Fund can be traced back to the 1990s. In 1994, the Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital relocated from Bonham Road in Hong Kong West to Tai Po and sold the land on Bonham Road, which was originally registered under the former London Missionary Society, now known as the Council for World Mission (CWM).

To spread the love of Christ and spirit of sharing, both the hospital and the CWM agreed to allocate a portion of the proceeds from the land sale to establish a trust fund in Hong Kong. The CWM/Nethersole Fund was then founded in 1997, aiming to support projects and services in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland that focus on evangelism, medical and health, education, and social welfare.

Since its foundation, the Fund has demonstrated a strong commitment to its mission, allocating over HK$500 million to support more than 2,100 projects among 200 service partners and Christian churches in the region, nurturing talents, supporting the disadvantaged and vulnerable, and spreading the Gospel.

Rev. Dr. Eric So, representing the CWM/Nethersole Fund, shared his hopes and blessings for the students.

Mr. John Li: Inheriting the Family’s Beneficent Spirit

Mr. Li is the grandson of the renowned Hong Kong business magnate, Mr. Li Koon Chun (1887-1966), one of the co-founders of the Bank of East Asia. His late father, Canon Li Fook Hing (1923-2020), was the former Chair of the Chung Chi College Board of Trustees.

After returning to Hong Kong following his studies abroad in the 1980s, he quickly dedicated himself to charitable and community service, serving as Chairman of the St. John’s Cathedral Michaelmas Fair Committee and Treasurer of the Fringe Club.

By the late 1980s, he joined the Board of United Christian Medical Service and currently serves as Chairman of the Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Charity Foundation, as well as Chairman of the Hospital Governing Committees for Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital, Tai Po Hospital, and United Christian Hospital. Under his leadership, he has organised significant fundraising initiatives, enhanced pastoral care services, and supported community nursing services to promote Christian compassion in healthcare.

Continuing his father’s legacy of service, Mr. Li has served as a member of the College Board of Trustees since 1999. He is also currently serving as a member of the College Board’s Finance Committee. As a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), Mr. Li’s professional background and expertise have made great contributions to the steady development of Chung Chi.

Mr. John Li expressed his devotion to Chung Chi College at the donation ceremony held by the College Board of Trustees.

Achieving Excellence through the Engraved Chung Chi Spirit

The leadership of our founders, the dedication of our teachers, and the support from all friends and parties, are the key to Chung Chi’s growth and advancement. The College sincerely acknowledges Dr. Elizabeth Law, the CWM/Nethersole Fund, Mr. John Li, and all the others who have supported Project E for joining hands in enhancing the campus learning environment, nurturing a new generation for society, and collectively pursuing excellence.