The University recently received a generous donation of HK$30 million from Dr. Stanley Yim, BBS, JP, Chairman and Managing Director of S.A.S. Dragon Holdings Limited, in support of the University’s Institutional Strategic Plan. The donation will be used to establish the Virginia and Stanley Yim Student Development Fund, which will support students’ participation in overseas exchange, internship and innovative service-learning activities.

In addition, the University also expressed its gratitude to Mrs. Virginia Yim, MH, Director of S.A.S. Electric Company Limited, for her donation of HK$1 million designated for the refurbishment of the podium on the third floor of the University’s Academic and Administration Building (the Podium). The renovations will enhance the environment for faculty members and students.

In recognition of Dr. Stanley Yim and Mrs. Virginia Yim’s generosity, the Podium was named the “Yim Tsui Yuk Shan Plaza” and a naming ceremony was held on 3 November 2021. It was officiated by Dr. Stanley Yim and Mrs. Virginia Yim; Mr. Tang Ping Keung, PDSM, JP, Secretary for Security of the HKSAR Government; Dr. Clement Chen, GBS, JP, Chairman of the Council and the Court; and Professor Alexander Wai, President and Vice-Chancellor.

In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Clement Chen expressed his gratitude to Dr. Yim for his tremendous support of the University over the years. He said that Dr. Yim has been very supportive of HKBU's overall development, particularly its ten-year Institutional Strategic Plan which aims to position the University as a research-led liberal arts institution of global significance. The newly established fund will support students to engage in an array of activities, and it will enhance their global vision, sense of civic responsibility and commitment.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Yim thanked HKBU for naming the plaza after his wife. “The global pandemic has hit the job market severely, and it has affected students’ learning and overseas exchange activities. I am pleased that HKBU has launched various programmes to help students equip themselves with important skills during the pandemic. With the establishment of the Virginia and Stanley Yim Student Development Fund, I hope it can support students in need to participate in academic exchanges, internships and innovative service-learning programmes,” he said.

Professor Wai said in his address, “In addition to providing valuable financial resources for the University’s various endeavours, Dr. Yim has also offered wise counsel on the governance and development of the University by serving as a member of the Entrepreneur Committee of the HKBU Foundation. With the staunch support of Dr. Yim and his family, HKBU is in a stronger position to educate and nurture our students, and deliver academic excellence that will contribute to the development of Hong Kong, the nation and the world.”

The ceremony was well attended by family members and friends of Dr. Stanley Yim and Mrs. Virginia Yim, as well as HKBU representatives including Professor Rick Wong, Interim Provost; Professor Guo Yike, Vice-President (Research and Development); Ms. Christine Chow, Vice-President (Administration) and Secretary; Mrs. Lily Chan, Director of University Advancement and Secretary-General of the HKBU Foundation; Ms. Carolin Fong, Director of Estates; Dr. Lisa Lam, Director of the Centre for Innovative Service-Learning; Ms. Winnie Lam, Director of Communication and Public Relations; Ms. Yvonne Lee, Director of International Office; and Professor Chung Pak Kwong, Acting Director of Student Affairs.

The Yim Tsui Yuk Shan Plaza provides a spacious area for the University community, and it can be used for leisure or as a space for events such as ceremonies, exhibitions, banquets, Homecoming Day, orientation programmes and student activities. The slogan “Excellence ‧ Innovation ‧ Whole Person Education”, which reflects the University’s pursuits, is displayed on the wall, and it was written in Chinese calligraphy by the late sinology master Professor Jao Tsung-i. Moreover, the mural “Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet” not only creates an artistic vibe on campus, but it also conveys the message of his servant leadership for the benefit of the community.