The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) today presented its first Long Service Award to 35 staff members who have served the University for 20 years or more, joining the institution even before it admitted students in 1991.
HKUST President Tony F Chan said, “The awardees today are all founding members of this University, and naturally they all have a very special dedication to this place. I trust that they will continue to serve the University with undiminished loyalty and zeal.”
HKUST Vice-President Yuk-Shan Wong said, “This first batch of long-serving colleagues does not encompass any faculty members for the simple reason that the University did not start to admit students until Fall 1991. So the earliest professors all joined the University in that year.”
Among the long service award recipients is the President’s Chauffeur Mr Hung Charn-Fai, who joined the University in September 1988. “It’s a great honor to have served all the three presidents, and I have enjoyed every minute of my work,” he said.
“While the three presidents each have his personal style, all of them treat me really well. Founding President Chia-Wei Woo spent a lot of his time in the car to return calls, making full use of every minute in the University’s service.
“President Chu also worked diligently, devoting many of his Sundays to business. What moved me most was that shortly before he retired from the University, he and Mrs Chu prepared a hearty meal for me and other staff members in the President’s Lodge.
“President Tony Chan is relatively new to the University, but he seems to have limitless energy, however heavy his workload may be. I find him very charismatic too!” He said.
Not only is Mr Hung a loyal staff of HKUST, but his eldest daughter is also a loyal member of the HKUST community. Recently, she completed her MPhil degree in environmental science!
Mr Hung also has a little secret he is the 74th generation descendent of the great ancient Chinese educator Confucius. No wonder he and his family are closely related to the education sector!
For media enquiries, please feel free to contact :
Ross Lai
Tel: 2358 6306 / 9103 2928
Email: rosslai@ust.hk
