His grandfather, Mr Wong Kow, faced limited educational opportunities but devoted his life to creating opportunities for future generations, establishing schools and Wuyi University in Jiangmen. “My grandfather believed that knowledge can change one’s fate, and he valued children’s education,” Mr Wong says.
Inspired by his grandfather, Mr Wong actively supports educational initiatives. “I aspire to instil the spirit of giving back in future generations, creating a virtuous cycle that promotes social development,” he shares. Mr Lester Garson Huang, former Council Chairman of CityUHK, further strengthened Mr Wong’s dedication to the university sector in Hong Kong. He encouraged Mr Wong to become more actively involved in educational activities in Hong Kong, assisting and enhancing schools and universities in their governance, infrastructure, and educational resources.
Today, Mr Wong serves as a Council member, Chairperson of the Community Relations Committee of the Council, Academy Advisor for the Academy of Innovation, and Principal Member of the Foundation. He has also made a generous contribution to the CityUHK Endowment Campaign. As the University continues to rise in global rankings, he emphasises the importance of retaining top talent. The endowment fund is designated to support faculty and research scholarships, and Mr Wong hopes his donation will attract and sustain research talent.
Mr Wong’s support stems from a deep appreciation for the University’s commitment to educational excellence and community engagement. “CityUHK is dedicated to fostering innovative research, nurturing talent, and advancing social progress through impactful outcomes,” he states. He takes pride in being part of the CityUHK community and witnessing its extraordinary journey, which includes recognition as one of the top 100 universities worldwide and as the Most International University in the World for the second consecutive year.
Moreover, Mr Wong highlights the University’s dual focus on global outreach and local engagement. “As CityUHK expands its global reach, it also maintains a strong local presence by leveraging its resources to address community needs,” he explains. For example, the University actively collaborates with neighbouring areas, such as Sham Shui Po and Kowloon City, to organise activities that promote interaction among students, faculty, and the community. These initiatives not only strengthen community relationships but also instil values of mutual support in students. “CityUHK is not merely an academic institution; it is an integral part of the community,” he adds.
With over 15 years of experience in investment banking and business development, Mr Wong highlights the importance of presentation, interpersonal, and interdisciplinary skills for CityUHK students. Noting that proficiency in AI tools is increasingly vital in today’s competitive job market, he encourages students to embrace technological advancements with a mindset of continuous learning and collaboration.
Mr Justin Wong Tak-ho
• Managing Director, Hing Yip Finance & Investment Co. Ltd.
• Partner, S28 Capital
• Council Member, CityUHK
• Chairperson, CityUHK Council’s Community Relations Committee
• Academy Advisor, CityUHK Academy of Innovation
• Member, CityUHK 30th Anniversary Celebration Steering Committee
• Principal Member, CityUHK Foundation
• Director, Duke University Alumni Board of Directors (Global)
• Director, Diocesan Boys’ School Foundation Board of Directors
This article is extracted from CityUHK Today.
