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The University of Hong Kong (HKU) hosted its annual Alumni Day on 16 March, welcoming over 6,000 alumni from across the globe to commemorate the University's Foundation Day. This signature event showcased more than 60 diverse programmes and workshops held across the campus, designed to engage alumni of all interests and backgrounds. These activities underscored HKU's robust global alumni network and its unwavering commitment to honouring its heritage, driving innovation, and shaping the future.

This significant occasion commemorates 16 March 1910, when the foundation stone of the University was laid – a pivotal moment that launched HKU’s century-long legacy of excellence. Alumni Day serves not only as a celebration of this historic milestone but also as a tribute to the University’s remarkable achievements over the past century and its ambitious vision for the years ahead.

HKU Heritage – Rejuvenation of Main Building Initiative
The festivities commenced with a grand Kick-off Ceremony at Loke Yew Hall in the Main Building. HKU President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Xiang Zhang, extended a warm welcome to the returning alumni and friends. Council Chairman Dr Peter T.S. Wong, who joined Professor Zhang, representatives of alumni and students, Deans of Faculties, and the Chairman and Board of Directors of HKU Foundation, offered a toast to wish the University a "Happy Birthday". Dr Wong emphasised that students are the future of the University, urging alumni, donors, faculty and staff to continue their support for HKU’s development.

HKU alumnus Dr Patrick Poon Sun Cheong, Chairman of the Fundraising Committee of the "HKU Heritage – Rejuvenation of Main Building" initiative announced the official launch of the initiative during the ceremony. The initiative aims to preserve, restore, and rejuvenate the Main Building - the oldest and most iconic building on campus. The Main Building is a symbol of the University's rich history and tradition, and a declared monument in Hong Kong. Since 1912, the Main Building has been standing with generations of students and University members, witnessing the growth and development of university education in Hong Kong. Dr Poon encouraged alumni to support the initiative, ensuring the enduring legacy of the Main building and its continued inspiration for future generations.

Flashback at Main Building: A Journey Through Time
HKU’s historic Main Building served as the backdrop for a nostalgic gathering of alumni as they reminisced about their time at the university during the Alumni Day celebrations. From the elegant Dancing Balls of yesteryear to the prestigious High Table Dinners and the intense examination seasons, the Main Building has witnessed the cherished memories of generations of HKU alumni. This year, alumni from the Milestones Anniversary Classes, comprising those who graduated in years ending in 5 and 0, were specially invited to a special reunion photo-taking sessions at Loke Yew Hall. Over 1,000 enthusiastic alumni, with the most senior class hailing from the 1970s, eagerly took part in this heartwarming activity to celebrate and relive their treasured moments at HKU.

Outside the Main Building, a lively Promenade Fair featured 30 interactive booths hosted by Faculties and alumni-led businesses. After the Kick-off Ceremony, Professor Xiang Zhang and Dr Peter T.S. Wong interacted with alumni at the Fair, visiting booths and engaging in conversations with attendees.

Embracing Innovation, Connecting the World
The “HKU Super Angel Network” was launched at The Super Angel Symposium during Alumni Day, further strengthening the HKU entrepreneurial community.

The "Glocal Alumni Tea and Tales" session provided a platform for young international alumni from countries such as Tajikistan, Switzerland, Ethiopia and India to share their personal journeys of pursuing education at HKU and establishing successful careers in Hong Kong. These alumni highlighted how HKU’s education influenced their professional paths and equipped them to thrive in the city’s dynamic and multicultural business environment of the city.

While thousands of alumni returned to the HKU campus in person for Alumni Day, an additional 1,000 alumni and their families – in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Taipei, Sydney, Melbourne, Vancouver and other locations, along with local Hong Kong alumni – participated in the "Run with HKU: Beyond Borders" campaign. Participants completed a minimum distance of 3.16 kilometres in their own cities to celebrate HKU’s Birthday on 16 March.

For more about HKU Alumni Day 2025, please visit: https://alumnigiving.hku.hk/hku-alumni-day/
For more about “HKU Heritage – Rejuvenation of Main Building” initiative, please visit:
https://heritagefund.hku.hk/hku-main-building
Please click here for a highlight video of HKU Alumni Day 2025.