PRESS RELEASE

19 September 2001

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Council has decided to name its new 18-storey building after Dr Li Ka-shing in recognition of his latest donation of HK$100 million to the University. This is the largest amount of personal donation ever received by PolyU since its inception.

University President Professor Poon Chung-kwong sees Dr Li's support as particularly meaningful in this rapidly changing environment. He said, "As the globalization of the world economy gathers speed, the cry for talent becomes an international issue. In Hong Kong where the economy is undergoing major structural changes, the demand for a quality workforce is even more pressing. In today's knowledge-based economy, Dr Li's donation means much more than sponsoring PolyU and tertiary education. It is about enhancing the competitive edge of Hong Kong as a whole."

Prof. Poon continued, "We name this building after Dr Li to recognise his generous contribution. Support from visionary community leaders like Dr Li is giving us tremendous encouragement as we take steps to realise our mission."

In support of PolyU's mission to achieve "academic excellence in a professional context", Dr Li made a donation of HK$100 million last year. Besides contributing to various aspects of the University's long-term development, the donation is facilitating the further advancement of PolyU's self-financed efforts to promote lifelong learning as well as services to small and medium-sized enterprises.

Dr Li is appreciative of PolyU's recognition. Having lived in the territory for 60 years, Hong Kong is always close to his heart. While his businesses now span many countries worldwide, Hong Kong remains the home base for his flagship companies.

Dr Li has always believed that education and a society's economic development are closely linked. He reckons that the advancement of education, however, cannot depend on government funding alone. Support from corporations and individuals, in terms of contributions of resources and ideas, are equally important. His donation of HK$100 million is a solid demonstration of his support to fulfilling PolyU's goal of forging "dedicated partnerships with business and industry" and its motto "to learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind".

Located at the heart of the campus, Li Ka Shing Tower is the tallest structure in the University. It provides a total net floor area of about 15,600 square metres and has already been opened for occupancy in phases. The building forms the core of PolyU's Phase VI campus development project, accommodating student computing facilities, classrooms, lecture theatres, administrative offices, academic departments and staff restaurants.

About PolyU's services for the community

PolyU's School of Professional Education and Executive Development (SPEED) supports lifelong learning by providing members of the society with ample opportunities to acquire new skills and knowledge. In support of the Government's plan to raise the participation rate of secondary school graduates in tertiary education, SPEED is taking steps to expand its Associate Degree programme offerings.

Through its Institute for Enterprise (IfE), the University offers wide-ranging, one-stop-shop professional services to enhance the competitiveness of business and industry. These cover the three areas of technology and product development, management and executive development, and enterprise and business development.

Through SPEED and various training units under IfE, PolyU offers more than a thousand courses for mature learners every year. These units include the Management and Executive Development Centre, China Business Centre, and Centre of Professional and Business English.

About Li Ka Shing Foundation

The Li Ka Shing Foundation was established in 1980 to promote the development of education and healthcare. Dr Li Ka-shing has been a strong supporter of charitable projects. Over the years, he and his Group of companies have donated about HK$4.5 billion towards projects which benefit education, medical care, research and various charitable activities in Hong Kong and the mainland.

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Li Ka-shing Tower at PolyU.