On 1 December, the Shaw College at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, hosted the "Mr. Run Run Shaw Bust Unveiling Ceremony." This event was a tribute to the extraordinary contributions of the esteemed philanthropist and educator to both the University and the wider educational sphere.

The ceremony saw attendance including Dr. Chan Wai Man, Chairman of The Shaw Foundation Hong Kong, Ms. Meage Choy, Ms. Jenny Li, and Ms. Venus Choy, foundation members, alongside Mr. Stephen Kwok, the Chief Financial Officer. Additionally, Professor Yangsheng Xu, President of CUHK-Shenzhen and academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and Mr. Clement Siu-to Fung, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Shaw College, CUHK, and a member of the Board of Directors at Shaw College, CUHK-Shenzhen, graced the event. Vice Presidents of CUHK-Shenzhen, Professors Shiping Zhu and K.C. Yuen, were also in attendance. The ceremony was chaired by Professor Cong Wang, Associate Vice President and Master of Shaw College, CUHK-Shenzhen, and was attended by representatives of The Shaw Foundation, university officers, as well as faculty and students of the College.

The event commenced with a rendition of "Love Without End," a beloved classic tune of Lady Mona Fong Yat-wah, performed passionately by freshman Jingran Tang from Shaw College.

In his address, President Yangsheng Xu expressed gratitude for the care and support of Mr. and Mrs. Shaw and The Shaw Foundation, which have significantly propelled the educational endeavours of CUHK-Shenzhen. He stated, "Today, as we unveil Mr. Run Run Shaw's bust, we aim to eternally memorialize his contributions to our university and its members. Furthermore, we aspire to perpetually disseminate Mr. Shaw's spirit of lofty benevolence and his philanthropic ethos within Shaw College and across our university community."

(Speech by President Yangsheng Xu)

Dr. Chan Wai Man, Chairman of The Shaw Foundation Hong Kong, expressed his pride in witnessing the flourishing progress of Shaw College and the University, seven years after his last visit. He remarked, "The Shaw Foundation Hong Kong has long-established a close partnership with The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Supporting the development of CUHK-Shenzhen holds great significance for us. It represents our unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge and propelling educational progress, making substantial contributions to the educational landscape of the Greater Bay Area and China."

(Speech by Dr. Chan Wai Man)

Following these speeches, the dignitaries unveiled the bronze bust, after which President Xu presented Dr. Chan with a token of appreciation.

In a touching gesture, Shaw College students presented The Shaw Foundation with a unique portrait of Mr. Shaw, composed of thousands of photographs from student activities over the past seven years, representing their deep gratitude.

After the ceremony, representatives of The Shaw Foundation toured the campus.

Mr. Run Run Shaw and Lady Mona Fong Yat-wah are globally renowned philanthropists with deep ties to The Chinese University of Hong Kong. In 1986, Mr. Shaw supported the establishment of Shaw College, the fourth constituent college at CUHK, marking a new era in the university's collegiate development. During the planning of CUHK-Shenzhen, Mr. Shaw once again played a pivotal role in supporting the University's early development, leading to the founding of Shaw College, CUHK-Shenzhen. In 2016, Lady Shaw attended the opening ceremony of the College, and the topping-out ceremony of the Run Run Shaw International Conference Centre, showing particular interest and support in student development and the growth of the College during its formative years.

The unveiling of Mr. Shaw's bust is a milestone in CUHK-Shenzhen's history, symbolising his enduring influence on education. CUHK-Shenzhen remains dedicated to fostering Mr. Shaw's ethos of "noble benevolence and philanthropy to all," and to nurturing exceptional talent for societal advancement.

Shaw College

Shaw College is the first college of CUHK-Shenzhen, officially inaugurated in September 2016. The College strives to create an open platform where students from diverse disciplines, years, and backgrounds come together, engaging in participatory and experiential learning activities. This approach embodies the College's motto of "In Pursuit of Virtue and Excellence." The slogan of the College, “Excellence with a soul, Leadership with a heart”, which has been created to echo the meaning of the motto, embodies the ideal of pursuing excellence with a soul and leading with a heart.

Run Run Shaw International Conference Centre

The Run Run Shaw International Conference Centre covers an overall construction area of 11,000 square metres, including an auditorium, a concert hall, several practice rooms, lecture halls and meeting rooms. Officially opened in November 2023, the Centre serves as a venue for large international and academic conferences, cultural events, and daily teaching and research activities.

Translated from WeChat account of CUHK-Shenzhen Foundation

Photography: Ming Chen (CPRO), Lingkang Zhang (CPRO)