Speeches and Transcripts

Unveiling ceremony of Lui Che-woo Building, Fudan University

25 September 2013

Lui Che-woo Building, Fudan University

The honourable Secretary Zhu Zhiwen, President Yang Yuliang, dear members of the University leadership, faculty, students, guests and members of the media,

Good morning. First of all, I must thank the faculty and students of Fudan, as well as personnel from other departments, for arranging this programme amidst their very busy schedule, giving me chance to witness the reopening of this century-old heritage building after renovation, on a fine autumn day like this and in the presence of so many dear friends.

Fudan and I go back a long way. I was honoured to join the university council at its inception about 20 years ago. Since then, I have witnessed its growth into a top university with international reputation, underpinning the joint effort of the successive presidents, faculty and students.

I still remember the occasion when I saw, while on my way to attend a council meeting, a host of students queuing up for the use of computers in the computer technology lecture room. The scene reminded me just how important it was to be well-equipped in infrastructure and hardware in order for a university to be successful in teaching and research.

So I offered to donate computers to the University and we bought the latest model of IBM computers with accessories upon the request of the students. When the initial shipment of 200 sets proved insufficient, I bought another 300 sets, making it a total of 500 computers to alleviate the students’ pressing need for computers and facilitate their learning of the most advanced information technologies.

Subsequently, I also supported the construction of Che Woo Hall in Guanghua Building, as well as the restoration of this President’s Building a few years back. These donations have been underpinned by the same motivation: to contribute to campus development in order to provide a sound and comfortable environment for study and research for the faculty and students.

Fudan University is the first domestically founded tertiary institution in China. Over the past century, Fudan has played no small part in driving national and social progress on the back of major breakthroughs in academic research and countless experts nurtured in fulfilment of its mission.

Thanks to the diligent effort of past and present Fudan faculty and students, the University ranks top among international as well as domestic peers in terms of academic achievements, research capability and grooming of talents, as an undisputable model of higher education in China.

Sitting serenely on the green pasture and indulging in the vast world of knowledge, this building has witnessed the academic efforts of generations of the people of Fudan. Long may its stand to bear testimony to the achievements of many more generations to come, in a fine continuation of its illustrious history.

Thank you again for attending today’s ceremony and best wishes.