The University held a fundraising dinner at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 7 October 2013 to raise funds for the Hong Kong Baptist University Jao Tsung-I Academy of Sinology (BUJAS). Twelve sets of fine works of art generously donated by Professor Jao Tsung-i were auctioned at the dinner. The event raised more than HK$46 million for the Academy, with over HK$28 million coming from the charity auction. The net income will be used to support the scholarly activities, teaching and research of the BUJAS.

Professor Jao Tsung-i, GBM, JP, Honorary Permanent Director of the BUJAS, The Hon. Mrs. Carrie Lam, GBS, JP, Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR, and Mr. Wang Zhimin, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, were present as Guests of Honour. They officiated at the toasting ceremony joined by Dr. Simon Suen, JP and President Albert S.C. Chan, JP, Co-Chairmen of the Organising Committee of the Fundraising Dinner; Mr. Wong Ting Chung, BBS, Dr. Thomas Tang, Mrs. Fidelia Chan, Dr. Ma Kai Cheung, SBS, Mr. and Mrs. Lam Cheung Chuen, Mrs. Susan So and Mrs. Mary Suen, Vice-Chairmen of the Organising Committee; Professor Jao's daughters Ms. Veronica Yiu and Ms. Angeline Yiu as well as his granddaughter Miss Michelle Cheong; Mrs. Doreen Chan, Treasurer of the Council and the Court of HKBU; Professor Chen Zhi, Acting Director of the BUJAS; and Mrs. Lily Chan, Director of University Advancement.

In her speech, Mrs. Carrie Lam praised Professor Jao Tsung-i, who is hailed as the "true master of sinology", for his contribution to higher education and the promotion of academic development. She said Professor Jao is a world-renowned sinologist whose excellent contribution has made Hong Kong one of the significant bases for promoting Chinese studies. The purpose of the establishment of the BUJAS is to cultivate sinologists with global vision who would inherit Professor Jao's scholarly work and promote traditional Chinese culture.

Professor Jao Tsung-i expressed his feelings by employing the Chinese word for "heart". He thanked the University for running the BUJAS with heart, dedication, perseverance and confidence. He hoped the guests at the fundraising dinner would show their loving hearts, so that everybody would be happy and he would be relieved.

Dr. Simon Suen referred to Professor Jao's statement that China is entering a renaissance era in the 21st century which is the age for Chinese culture to go West.  He said the BUJAS would serve as a bridge linking Chinese culture to the world and help to promote cultural exchange, raising the international status of Chinese culture.

Professor Albert Chan said national treasure is even harder to gain than money. Owning a work of art by Professor Jao not only represents the possession of a work of art that is in the class of national treasure but also is a reflection of the owner's good taste. In addition, the charitable act helps support the development of the BUJAS and contributes to the development of Chinese culture. He expressed his sincere gratitude to Professor Jao and his family, and thanked all Vice-Chairmen and members of the Organising Committee of the fundraising dinner for their ardent support and kind assistance.

Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chairmen of the Organising Committee, Mr. Wong Ting Chung said the business sector and academia had a long history of mutual partnership. He earnestly appealed to the guests for bidding for Professor Jao's art works so as to support the development of the BUJAS and contribute to the renaissance of Chinese culture.

The University recently received a generous donation of HK$5 million each from Mr. Lam Cheung Chuen, Chairman of Sun Tin Lun Holdings Limited, and Mrs. Lam as well as Miss Elizabeth Law, MH, Managing Director of Park Hotel Property Management Limited, in support of the BUJAS. In recognition of the donors' generosity, a cheque presentation ceremony officiated by Mr. and Mrs. Lam Cheung Chuen, Mrs. Mary Suen on behalf of Miss Elizabeth Law, Dr. Simon Suen and Professor Albert Chan was held on the occasion.

Alumnus Albert Au and Miss Kawaii Wong served as the Masters of Ceremonies at the dinner. The charity auction was hosted by Mr. Natalis Chan and Miss Kawaii Wong while Dr. Thomas Tang was invited to introduce each auction item. With the starting price ranging from HK$1 million to HK$2.5 million, the twelve sets of fine works of art (click here to view) received enthusiastic bids and were sold out. Mr. Ben Chin, Director of Tangshang Group, bid HK$5.3 million, the highest price in the charity auction, for the signature item "Red Lotus with Five-character Couplet in Running Script".

The event was well attended by more than 400 distinguished guests, including Dr. Louis Ng, Assistant Director of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department; Professor Lee Chack Fan, GBS, SBS, JP, Director of the Jao Tsung-I Petite Ecole of The University of Hong Kong; Dr. Chiang Chen, GBM, Founder and Chairman of The Chen Hsong Group; Mr. Yin Jinghui, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of Dongguan Municipal People's Congress; Ir Dr. K.K. Wong, SBS, JP, Deputy Director of Literary History and Study of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Vice Chairman of the HKBU Foundation; Miss Yeung Chi Hung, BBS, Member of the National Committee of CPPCC; Mrs. Pamela Chan, BBS, JP, Deputy Chairman of the Council and the Court of HKBU; Dr. John Chan, Co-Chairman of the Entrepreneur Committee of the HKBU Foundation; Professor Rick Wong, Vice-President (Research and Development); Mr. Andy Lee, Vice-President (Administration) and Secretary; and Professor Frank Fu, MH, JP, Associate Vice-President and Secretary of the HKBU Foundation.

The University was immensely grateful to all the individuals, corporations and organisations for their tremendous support for the BUJAS. Please click here for the donor list of the event.