Media

HKU holds Centenary Gala Dinner - An evening to share with HKU Community members and Hong Kong people

18 Dec 2011

The University of Hong Kong held a gala dinner today (December 18) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre as a part of the University's Centenary celebration activities. Over 5,000 guests including alumni, staff and students participated in this memorable event.

The dinner was held in the Grand Hall and Foyer of the New Wing, and the Convention Hall and Foyer of the Old Wing with over 360 tables of guests.

Joining the event were HKU Chancellor Dr the Hon Donald Tsang, Pro-Chancellor Dr the Hon David Li Kwok Po, Vice-Chancellor Professor Lap-Chee Tsui and former Vice-Chancellors Professor Rayson Huang, Professor Wang Gungwu, Professor Cheng Yiu-chung and some 80 overseas and local University Presidents from all over the world.

Gifts dedicated by HKU alumni and staff were presented at the dinner. A short film "Sapientia", produced by alumni and famous directors Mabel Cheung and Alex Law, both University Artists, using the newly recorded HKU Anthem as the background music, was premiered at the Gala Dinner. The 1912 University Anthem, reconstructed from the original parts by the Head of HKU Music Department Dr Chan Hing-yan will be heard by the public again. The Anthem was composed 100 years ago by organist of St John's Cathedral Denman Fuller, and the Latin verses by the then Acting Colonial Secretary former Governor Sir Cecil Clementi. It was first performed at the Opening Ceremony of the University held on Monday, March 11 1912, in front of the newly-completed Main Building by the Choir of the St John's Cathedral and others. The anthem was used at formal University occasions until the 1930s and was then preserved in the archives. To celebrate the University's centenary, this 100-year-old anthem has been revived. The music has been re-orchestrated and recorded under the baton of Yip Wing-Sie, Artistic Director of Hong Kong Sinfonietta, HKU University Artist; and sung by the HKU Students' Union Choir, and the choirs of Diocesan Boy's School and Diocesan Girl's School.

A new song has been presented by alumni from four generations. In true Canto-Pop style, "Brighten Me with Virtues"《明我以德》is an unprecedented collaboration of three masters - composed and produced by Sam Hui (70's), lyrics by Lin Xi (80's), arranged and co-produced by Adrian Chow (90's). The Song was recorded by pop-singers - Arts alumna Kay Tse (90's) and undergraduate student Alfred Hui together with 18 HKU students. A video on the making of the Song was premiered at the Gala Dinner.

Moreover, a bazaar at "University Drive" - a 200-M long corridor was set up on the way between the Old Wing and the New Wing with thematic photo backdrops to refresh participants of the memories of their university lives.

Please visit the following websites for:
Facts about the Gala Dinner: Fact Sheet
Speech of the Vice-Chancellor: VC Speech
On-site media advisory: media advisory
A list of HKU Centenary Celebrations activities: HKU 100 KNOWLEDGE

For media enquiries, please contact Ms Trinni Choy (Assistant Director (Media), Communications and Public Affairs Office) tel: 2859 2606 email: pychoy@hku.hk or Ms Melanie Wan (Manager (Media), Communications and Public Affairs Office) tel: 2859 2600 email: melwkwan@hku.hk .

“University Drive” with thematic photo backdrops to refresh participants of the memories of their university lives.	Guests of HKU Centenary Gala Dinner
Hosts of HKU Centenary Gala Dinner	Hosts of HKU Centenary Gala Dinner
HKU Professor Lap-Chee Tsui	Professor Lap-Chee Tsui and former Vice-Chancellors Professor Rayson Huang, Professor Wang Gungwu
HKU Pro-Chancellor Dr the Hon David Li Kwok Po, Former Pro-Chancellor and former Council Chairman Sir Ti-liang Yang, former Vice-Chancellors Professor Rayson Huang, Professor Wang Gungwu, Former Council Chairman Dr Victor Fung, Vice-Chancellor Professor Lap-Chee Tsui, Council Chairman Dr Leong Che-hung	Guests of HKU Centenary Gala Dinner
“University Drive” with thematic photo backdrops to refresh participants of the memories of their university lives.	HKU Centenary Gala Dinner