CUHK
News Centre

The Venerable Master Hsing Yun was formally presented with his Honorary Degree of Doctor of Social Science by a delegation led by Vice-Chancellor and President Prof. Joseph Sung from The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) today (16 May) in Taiwan. 

The delegation undertook this fruitful trip to enhance cultural exchange between CUHK and Fo Guang Shan.  Professor Sung took the opportunity to present to Master Hsing Yun in person the certificate of Honorary Degree of Doctor of Social Science conferred upon in absentia at CUHK’s 82nd Congregation in December last year, in recognition of Master Hsing Yun’s distinguished service and contributions to humanitarian and philanthropic causes around the world.  This year marks the 50th Anniversary of Fo Guang Shan and the book Collection of Master Hsing Yun also launches today, making it a specially memorable moment for Master Hsing Yun. 

Master Hsing Yun is a world-renowned religious leader, humanitarian, author, educator and philanthropist.  He has devoted his efforts for decades to transforming the world through the practice of Humanistic Buddhism.  Master Hsing Yun entered a Buddhist monastery at the age of 12 and founded the Fo Guang Shan International Buddhist Order in 1967, which has since expanded to nearly 300 branches around the world, among which Hsi Lai Temple in the United States, Nan Tien Temple in Australia, Nan Hua Temple in South Africa are the largest in their respective countries.  Master Hsing Yun has over 1,200 disciples and over a million devotees around the world.  Credited by Buddhist scholars as one of the leaders in the modern reformation of Buddhism, Master Hsing Yun promotes religious dialogue with other Buddhist sects and religious orders.  He has also established Buddhist colleges, public universities, high schools, hospitals, senior citizen homes and children’s home to support the poor and needy.  In 1991, Master Hsing Yun established the Buddha’s Light International Association which has over 170 chapters to date.  It was officially granted the status of a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) of the United Nations.  The Fo Guang Shan Foundation for Buddhist Culture and Education set up by Master Hsing Yun has been active in organizing academic conferences and publishing academic journals.  It also supported CUHK in establishing the Centre for the Study of Humanistic Buddhism.