Donors and fund-raisers

HKUST has shown how much can be achieved in a short time when the best minds are brought together and really motivated to succeed. The University, only opened in 1991 and specifically tasked with the advancement of science, technology and business studies, has already established itself as a leading global research institution with outstanding results in many areas. These include biotechnology, nanoscience and nanotechnology, logistics, environmental sciences, economics, business and management, IC design and electronic packaging, all of which can strengthen Hong Kong's new economy.

We aim for that remarkable achievement to continue. So we must seek new ways and means to support the University's pioneering research work; our innovative teaching and learning that ensure the latest knowledge is available to the Hong Kong community; and technology transfer to help stimulate the knowledge economy.

This ranges from support for faculty professorships and student scholarships, to keep us competitive in our ability to recruit and retain the top academic minds, to help with building facilities and other campus developments.

In 2002-03 we have seen fund-raising efforts stepped up among Hong Kong's universities. Indeed, raising funds is a University-wide activity at HKUST, with one superb example the response to the JUST Walk sponsored event in October 2002. About 1,000 students, faculty, staff, alumni, Court and Council members, families and friends took part, raising HK$0.79 million to support the construction of an undergraduate hall to enable more students to benefit from the experience of campus life.

Academics showed further University spirit with the Chemistry faculty, led by Prof Chris C K Chang, Head of Department, donating a day's pay in order to set up undergraduate student scholarships. The Department received matching funds from the University to a maximum of HK$50,000, raising a total of more than HK$110,000.

Outside support, however, will remain a key component enabling HKUST to contribute to its full potential, and the University received, with great thanks, a series of generous donations from the Hong Kong community during the year.

Major gifts included a HK$175 million (total pledge) from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust to set up a new biotechnology company with HKUST's Biotechnology Research Institute; HK$2.52 million (accumulative amount) from The Croucher Foundation for research support, visitorships and fellowships; HK$1.7 million from the Stephen Kam Chuen Cheong Memorial Education Fund (an additional contribution to the HK$8.3 million fund for student-related programs and activities); and HK$1.6 million from Television Broadcasts Limited (an additional contribution to the TVB Fund established at the University).

During 2002-03, the University allocated 370 scholarships totaling HK$12.86 million, and 293 bursaries and loans totaling HK$1.53 million. Especially noteworthy contributions included HK$5.32 million from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, HK$1.2 million from the Jebsen Educational Foundation, and HK$1.14 million from the Drs Richard Charles and Esther Yewpick Lee Charitable Foundation.

Sponsorship of conferences, workshops, academic programs, faculty research projects and student activities totaled HK$4.87 million. Equipment and in-kind donations amounting to HK$0.82 million were gratefully received.

HKUST also began its drive to raise money via the Government's competitive HK$1 billion Matching Grant Scheme launched in 2003 (also see "Footprints in the community").

Loretta Pang was appointed Special Advisor to the President (Development) in April 2003. Here she provides a fund-raiser's view of HKUST:

"We work with University departments to identify areas and programs that will enable HKUST to progress and add further value to the community. We must show potential donors what our needs are and how a donation for a particular project will help realize goals and work for the greater good."