To celebrate the conferment of honorary doctoral degrees, the University organises a series of activities entitled "Brilliance of Civilization" to enable the honorary doctors to share their wisdom with the general public.  In this connection, Mr. Justin Chiu, recipient of the honorary degree of Doctor of Social Sciences, delivered a public lecture on "Is a Property Everything?" on 13 November 2012, during which he shared his view on the values of people in Hong Kong during the upsurge of the property market.

In his address, Professor Albert S.C. Chan, JP, President and Vice-Chancellor, praised Alumnus Justin Chiu as a distinguished entrepreneur dedicated to his alma mater and social advancement.  Professor Chan thanked Mr. Chiu for making a generous donation of HK$30 million through the Pecan Foundation in 2011 to the University in support of a far-reaching, strategic research project on Chinese medicine, which will make a significant impact on the future development of Chinese medicine.  To express the University's sincere appreciation, Professor Chan presented a memento and a couplet to Mr. Chiu for his tremendous support of the University as well as for his inspiring and meaningful sharing.

In his lecture, Mr. Chiu advised youngsters to put their capital into further studies or peregrination rather than the property market because it is not worth taking on a long-term mortgage one is not prepared for at the expense of fulfilling one's own dreams.  He said he appreciates a simple lifestyle and that a meaningful life has no direct relation with wealth, thus owning a flat does not mean gaining the world.  He encouraged students to adopt a simple lifestyle and help those who are in need and wished them a profound and wonderful life.

The public lecture was a great success and well received by the audience of nearly 250 guests, including family members and friends of Mr. Justin Chiu, community leaders, representatives from the property sector, supporters of the University, the general public as well as members of the Council and the Court, staff and students of HKBU.  After the lecture, Professor Chan hosted a dinner for Mr. Chiu and his family at Shiu Pong Hall.