Generous donation a boost for senior judges’ programme

The School of Law (SLW) at City University of Hong Kong (CityU) received a donation of $1.2 million from the Philip K H Wong Foundation and Philip K H Wong, Kennedy Y H Wong & Co on 27 November. The donation will be used to support the second Advanced Programme for Chinese Senior Judges provided by SLW.

The cheque presentation ceremony was attended by Dr Kennedy Wong, Managing Partner of Philip K H Wong, Kennedy Y H Wong & Co, Professor Way Kuo, President of CityU and Professor Anton Cooray, Acting Dean of SLW.

“As a

donor, we are privileged to have the opportunity to support the advanced programme and look forward to helping nurture more legal professionals for the country,” said Dr Wong. “As the country plays an increasingly important role on the world stage, it is vital for Chinese senior judges to gain an in-depth understanding of the common law system and other international topics through the programme offered by CityU.”

Professor Kuo expressed gratitude to the Philip K H Wong Foundation and Philip K H Wong, Kennedy Y H Wong & Co for their generous support. “SLW is making an important contribution to promoting professionalism and internationalisation of the judicial system in mainland China. We have been entrusted with the task of offering a special programme to senior mainland judges and enhancing their professional capabilities. This major donation will ensure the success of the programme.”

Professor Cooray shared the SLW vision with guests. “I believe our excellent staff and advanced teaching facilities, as well as links with eminent overseas institutions, offer an entirely new experience for mainland judges. Public recognition and this generous donation will ensure the School’s ability to continue with its record of achievement.”

The second programme will commence in January 2010. More than 30 Chinese senior judges will arrive at CityU for a one-month programme to gain a comprehensive picture of Hong Kong’s common law system. It offers the judges a good grounding in common law and other important international legal concepts, in particular in case law. It is based on the agreement “Advanced Legal Education for Mainland Senior Judges” signed by SLW and the National Judges College of the Supreme People’s Court of China in 2008.