The latest episode of RTHK’s television programme 《夢想中華人物誌》, titled “Cultivating Virtue and Benevolence — Hu Hung-lick” (《樹德立仁—胡鴻烈》), chronicles the remarkable life and legacy of Dr Henry Hu Hung-lick, Founding President of Hong Kong Shue Yan University (HKSYU). The episode explores how Dr Hu pioneered a new path for higher education in Hong Kong, expanding access to tertiary education and creating greater opportunities for generations of young people. His unwavering commitment to education has established an enduring legacy that has inspired the community for more than half a century.
The programme features interviews with distinguished guests who share their personal reflections on Dr Hu and the enduring Shue Yan spirit.
Dr Hu Fai-chung, President of HKSYU and son of Dr Henry Hu, remarked that Shue Yan has always placed great emphasis on teaching by example. He explained that students are encouraged to attend classes not only to acquire knowledge, but also to learn the values and principles of being a responsible and ethical person—an educational philosophy that Dr Hu consistently upheld throughout his life.
Dr Francis Cheung Shun-yiu, alumnus and Vice Chairman of the Board of Governors, recalled that many members of the teaching staff were deeply inspired by Dr Hu’s philosophy of education. Some were so committed to his vision that they taught at Shue Yan on a voluntary basis without remuneration. Following the passing of Dr Chung Chi-yung, Dr Hu assumed the dual responsibilities of President and Chairman of the Board of Governors, remaining actively involved in the University’s governance and continuing to attend Board meetings even after the age of 100.
Mr Lung Chee-ming, alumnus and member of the Board of Governors, described Dr Hu as someone who translated his educational ideals into action. Despite numerous challenges, he remained steadfast in his commitment to running the University, demonstrating extraordinary perseverance and dedication.
Professor Sun Tien-lun, Senior Vice-President, reflected on the profound sense of mission she observed in Dr Hu. She remarked, “Dr Hu had exceptionally strong relationships across the community. He was like a warm sun, radiating care and support to everyone around us.” She also noted that Dr Hu was a leading advocate for making Chinese an official language in Hong Kong, believing that his efforts stemmed from his concern over the unequal status of Chinese and English at the time.
Dr Hu’s teachings, conveyed through both words and deeds, also inspired Ms Lovinia Chiu Siu-yin, alumna and Founder and Chairperson of Medialink Group Limited, in her entrepreneurial journey. She said that Dr Hu had spent decades promoting the University’s motto, 「敦仁博物」 (Cultivating Virtue and Broadening Horizons), while dedicating 35 years to transforming Shue Yan College into a private university. His unwavering passion for education became a lasting source of inspiration in her own career.
As early as the 1980s, Shue Yan College pioneered collaborative programmes with universities in the Mainland by inviting professors from institutions such as Renmin University of China to teach in Hong Kong, creating valuable opportunities for students to deepen their understanding of the country. Dr Kaman Lee, an alumna who completed one of these jointly offered master’s programmes, expressed her gratitude for Dr Hu’s foresight, noting that the programme enabled her to gain a broader understanding of the nation from multiple perspectives and prepared her for future opportunities.
