The HKBU Foundation records with profound sorrow the passing of our esteemed donor, Dr. Maggie Koong May Kay, BBS, JP, Founder and Head of Academy of Victoria Shanghai Academy, on 18 July 2025. 

Dr. Koong was a renowned educator who devoted her life to advancing quality education and nurturing generations of leaders. After obtaining dual degrees in Psychology and Education in the United States, she assumed leadership of Victoria Kindergarten, which was established by her mother, Ms. Christina Ting, GBS, JP, and aunt, Mrs. Cecilia Lee Ting. Under her stewardship, the kindergarten flourished into a highly reputable early childhood education provider with operations spanning Hong Kong and the Mainland. In 2004, Dr. Koong achieved another milestone by founding Victoria Shanghai Academy, Hong Kong’s first “through-train” International Baccalaureate (IB) World School offering a bilingual IB education from primary through to diploma level.

Dr. Koong was also a passionate philanthropist with a deep commitment to the welfare of children and women. She held several key international positions, including World President of the World Organization for Early Childhood Education, Vice-Chairperson of the Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF, and project adviser to UNESCO. Her significant contributions to education and social service earned her widespread recognition, including being named among Hong Kong’s Ten Outstanding Young Persons in 2000, followed by the award of the Bronze Bauhinia Star in 2013 and appointment as a Justice of the Peace in 2017 by the HKSAR Government.  

Dr. Koong’s philanthropic spirit extended generously to HKBU. She supported the University’s Mainland Experience Scheme and funded scholarships through Victoria Shanghai Academy, uplifting a multitude of students. 

The Foundation conveys its deepest condolences to Dr. Koong’s family at this time of bereavement. She will always be remembered for her remarkable contributions to the University and to the development of education in Hong Kong and beyond.