The HKBU Foundation records with deepest sorrow the passing of Dr. Cha Liu Bie Ju, Doctor of Social Sciences, honoris causa, of HKBU (1999), and Chairman of the Cha Foundation, Honorary Trustee of the HKBU Foundation, on 29 August 2025. She was 110 years old.

Dr. Liu was a renowned industrialist and philanthropist. She moved to Hong Kong in her early years and played a pivotal role in supporting her husband, Dr. Cha Chi Ming, GBM, JP, in establishing and expanding their business network globally. She served as Director of China Dyeing Holdings Limited and Director of Mingly Corporation, making significant contributions to Hong Kong’s textile industry and economic development. 

Beyond her business achievements, Dr. Liu was deeply committed to public service. She served as Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Yan Chai Hospital, Standing Committee Member of the Jiangsu Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and Honorary President of the Hong Kong Federation of Women. She spearheaded the establishment of several foundations, with a particular focus on scientific research and education. In 1999, asteroid Number 3960 was named in her honour, an imaginative recognition of her remarkable contributions to public service.  

The Cha family have been longstanding supporters of HKBU, making their first gift to the University as early as 1971. Over the years, they made generous donations in support of a variety of the University’s endeavours. These included the University Foundation Fund and the Joint Open Laboratory of Soil and the Environment established in collaboration with the Institute of Soil Science, the Chinese Academy of Sciences. In recognition of the Cha family’s invaluable contributions, the Science Tower on the Ho Sin Hang Campus was named after Dr. Cha Chi Ming.  

The Foundation conveys its deepest condolences to Dr. Cha’s family at this time of their bereavement. Dr. Liu will always be remembered for her distinguished contributions to the University, Hong Kong and the Nation.