Speech by CS at naming ceremony of Mr and Mrs Chan Chak Fu Building of Hong Kong Polytechnic University (English only) (with photos/video)
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Mr T C Chan (Chairman of the Council of PolyU), Professor Tong (President of PolyU, Professor Timothy Tong), Dr Kitty Yam (Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement) of PolyU), Professor Kaye Chon (Dean of the School of Hotel & Tourism Management of PolyU), Mr Lawrence Chan, Mr Charles Chan, Mr Joseph Chan (Directors of Victoria Park Hotels Limited and representatives of the donor), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon. It is my great honour to join you at today's naming ceremony of the Mr and Mrs Chan Chak Fu Building of PolyU's School of Hotel and Tourism Management.
In recent years, we have witnessed a monumental shift of hospitality business to Asia. Our increasing popularity as a tourist destination is attributable to many factors. Apart from the traditional, welcoming and vibrant oriental culture, the credit should also go to, for example, more airline options and better flight deals, more advanced airports, more developed city infrastructure, enriched attractions and, of course, nicer hotels. Here in Hong Kong, our city's close connection with Mainland China has enabled us to enjoy a share of its remarkable growth and prosperity. As an event capital of Asia, Hong Kong is well positioned to ride the wave and welcome more travellers from around the globe. However, it would not have been possible without the concerted efforts of the hospitality industry and the academia.
For over 35 years, the School of Hotel and Tourism Management of PolyU has been committed to achieving global excellence in hospitality and tourism education. Now it is a symbol of excellence well recognised regionally and internationally. We take pride in PolyU's achievement as one of the first education institutions to receive the United Nations World Tourism Organization's TedQual Certification, which is a clear assurance and endorsement of high-quality tourism education, training and research. Starting as a diploma-conferring department, the School is now proudly ranked the world's best by the ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2017. It is also among the top three "Hospitality and Leisure Management" institutions globally in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2017.
In 2012, the School made a wise move to establish its own hotel, the Hotel ICON, which has become the heart of the School's innovative approach to hospitality and tourism education, and an anchor to its leadership role in hospitality research. In recognition of the breakthrough it has made in both teaching and research, the School has been bestowed the McCool Breakthrough Award by the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education.
Today, we are gathered here to witness another historic moment of the School. This building we are in now will take on a new title to become the Mr and Mrs Chan Chak Fu Building. The naming of the building after Hong Kong's pioneer hotelier and the School's benefactor illustrates the strong synergies and close partnerships between the School and the industry that form the key to their shared success. In fact, such close ties with the industry and the community as a whole are probably the most important success formula of PolyU as it fulfils its vision of becoming a leading university that excels in professional education, applied research and partnership for the betterment of Hong Kong, the nation and the world.
However, to sustain the success, it is imperative to always gear up to meet the changing challenges and needs of our society. This also echoes the fundamental principle that the Government holds to spearhead our city's progress. The Chief Executive's inaugural Policy Address has outlined our vision to develop a high value-added and diversified economy while strengthening the traditional economic pillars in the face of fierce competition from our counterparts. We will press ahead with the development of Hong Kong into a world-class premier tourist destination. Apart from maintaining a steady growth in visitor numbers, we will spare no effort to attract more high-yield overnight visitors to ensure the balanced, sustainable development of the industry. Travellers will look for good hotel services and facilities, so on this front we count on your continuous support.
Over the years, graduates of the School have made sterling contribution to the hospitality and tourism industry and our city. On this note, I would like to thank profusely the generous donation of HK$80 million from the benevolent Chan's family to PolyU, particularly to the School of Hotel and Tourism Management. I am sure that, with this enormous support, coupled with the expertise and passion of PolyU, the University will continue to nurture new blood contributing to the well-being and development of our society.
On this note, let me wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy 2018. Thank you.
Ends/Friday, December 15, 2017
Issued at HKT 18:10
Issued at HKT 18:10
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CS attends naming ceremony of Mr and Mrs Chan Chak Fu Building of Hong Kong Polytechnic University