HKBU receives HK$3.6 million donation from Koo’s Giving Charitable Foundation to support students with special educational needs

26 November 2025
 On behalf of Koo’s Giving Charitable Foundation, Ms. Wendy Hu (right) presents a cheque to Dr. Albert Chau (left)
 Ms. Sonia Wong, Senior Trust Relationship Manager of HSBC Trustee (Hong Kong) Limited, gives a speech on behalf of Koo’s Giving Charitable Foundation, highlighting founder Miss Lydia Koo’s long-standing dedication to supporting communities with special educational needs and hailing StarHub as a continuation of that commitment
 Dr. Albert Chau expresses gratitude for the generous support of Koo’s Giving Charitable Foundation, noting that the opening of StarHub signifies a substantial milestone in HKBU’s enduring commitment to nurturing students’ innovative thinking, entrepreneurial spirit, and career readiness
 Prof. Amy Lee (1st from left) presents certificates of appointment to the StarHub advisors
 Guests pose for a group photo
 Representatives from Koo’s Giving Charitable Foundation and HKBU pose for a photo at StarHub

Ms. Wendy Hu (centre), Ms. Wendy Lai (3rd from left), Dr. Albert Chau (3rd from right), Mrs. Lily Chan (2nd from left), Prof. Amy Lee (2nd from left), Chan Ho Yuen (1st from right) and Chow Yan Shuen (1st from left) officiate at the ribbon-cutting ceremony

Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) recently received a generous donation of HK$3.6 million from Koo’s Giving Charitable Foundation to launch the “Empowerment and Career Preparation Programme for HKBU Students with Special Educational Needs” (the Programme). This initiative will be implemented through StarHub, HKBU’s newly established career support and incubation hub under the Career Centre of the Office of Student Affairs.

The StarHub Opening cum Recognition Ceremony was held on 26 November 2025. Officiating at the ceremony were Ms. Wendy Hu, Committee Member, and Ms. Wendy Lai, Executive Director of Koo’s Giving Charitable Foundation; Dr. Albert Chau, Vice-President (Teaching and Learning); Mrs. Lily Chan, Director of University Advancement and Secretary-General of the HKBU Foundation; Professor Amy Lee, Director of Student Affairs; Professor Howard Ling, MH, Professor of Practice at the School of Business;  as well as two HKBU student entrepreneurs Chan Ho Yuen, MH, and Chow Yan Shuen. Other attendees included Mr. Lau Pak Shing and Mr. Wong Nga Chung.

Located on Ho Sin Hang Campus, StarHub is the University’s first on-campus centre dedicated to career support and entrepreneurship incubation. It aims to support the diverse development needs of aspiring student entrepreneurs by offering a co-creation space that fosters creativity and collaboration, enables product and prototype showcases, and facilitates connections with industry leaders.

In terms of career support, the Programme offers tailored career advice, internship matching, and job opportunities that align with the skills and career ambitions of students, providing crucial support for their smooth transition to the workforce. The Programme is advised by distinguished professionals, including Professor Henry Fock, Professor Emeritus of the School of Business, and Dr. Marianna Tsang, MH, member of the HKBU Foundation.

Established in 2010, Koo’s Giving Charitable Foundation is committed to transforming the lives of children and youths with special educational needs by providing support and opportunities for their growth. The Foundation has funded numerous impactful initiatives, including those supporting children with autism, individuals with hearing impairments, and people with disabilities, thereby promoting social inclusiveness.