CityUHK hosts Naming Ceremony for Herman Hu Concourse
City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) hosted the naming ceremony for Herman Hu Concourse on 7 September, in recognition of Professor Herman Hu Shao-ming, a prominent philanthropist and longstanding supporter of the University, for his generous contributions and unwavering dedication to CityUHK.
Professor Hu, Chairman of Ryoden Development Limited, has built strong ties with CityUHK over two decades. Appointed to the University Council in 2004, and later served as Council Chairman from 2012 to 2017, Professor Hu has played a pivotal role in shaping the University’s strategic development. Carrying forward his family’s longstanding philanthropic tradition and passion for education, Professor Hu has made significant contributions across multiple areas of the University's advancement. During his tenure on the Council, he strongly supported the establishment of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences and the launch of Hong Kong’s first Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine programme. Professor Hu is also University’s Honorary Professor, Honorary Doctor, and Co-Chairperson of the Board of Governors and Honorary Patron of the CityUHK Foundation.
Over the years, Professor Hu and his family have made generous donations to support a wide range of University initiatives, spanning strategic development, the Named Chair Professorship Scheme and numerous scholarship programmes. These include the Herman Hu Scholarships for Joint Degree Programmes, the Herman Hu Outstanding Student Athletes Entrance Scholarships, and the Herman Hu Outstanding Sports Talents Scholarships, which have helped nurture generations of talented students. The Hu Fa Kuang Sports Centre has also been named in honour of Professor Hu’s late father, Dr Hu Fa-kuang, a renowned philanthropist and passionate advocate of education and sports development.
The naming ceremony was attended by Professor Hu, Mrs Jeanie Hu Leung Tze-wai, and their family members, friends, as well as distinguished guests from various sectors. Also joining the occasion were Professor Chun-Sing Lee, Acting President of CityUHK; members of the University Council and Court; members of the Board of Governors of the CityUHK Foundation; holders of Named Professorships supported by Professor Hu and his family; members of the University's senior management; alumni; and students.
Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Lee expressed his gratitude to Professor Hu and his family for their remarkable contributions to the University. He remarked, “Located at the heart of CityUHK, the Concourse serves as the main thoroughfare of our campus and a dynamic hub connecting thousands of students, faculty and visitors every day. We are deeply honoured that this central space will bear Professor Herman Hu's name, a fitting tribute to his decades of steadfast support and an enduring symbol of his close and lasting bond with CityUHK.”
In his remarks, Professor Hu reflected on his longstanding relationship with the University and his aspirations for future generations of students. He said, “Every milestone achieved by CityUHK, whether in advancing groundbreaking research, strengthening its global standing, or empowering young people to pursue their aspirations, brings me immense pride and joy. This Concourse is far more than a physical passageway; it is a vibrant gathering place where people from diverse backgrounds come together to exchange ideas, build friendships and embark on new journeys.”
Professor Hu also encouraged students who pass through the Concourse to embrace the values reflected in his motto: “To perceive the world with wisdom and broad vision, stay true to their values, pursue their aspirations with resilience, and shine brightly as they navigate their journey ahead.”
Supported by various partners and stakeholders across the community, CityUHK continues to strengthen its position as a leading global university. The University has been ranked the Most International University in the World by Times Higher Education for three consecutive years (2024-2026). It is also one of only two universities in Hong Kong ranked in the global top 100 and consistently places among the top ten universities in Asia. Looking ahead, CityUHK remains committed to advancing excellence in research and education, nurturing students into future leaders equipped to address global challenges and drive societal progress.