CUHK
News Centre

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has established the CUHK Centre for Buddhist Studies with the help of generous donations from Dr and Mrs Kong Ho-pak and GS Charity Foundation. The Centre aims to promote high-quality Buddhist studies and enhance public understanding of Buddhism through education. Dr and Mrs Kong donated HK$10 million to establish the “Sarina and Ho Pak Kong Professorship in Buddhist Studies”, while GS Charity Foundation donated HK$20 million to partially fund the Centre. The donation ceremony was held today (30 October), during which President of The Hong Kong Buddhist Association Ven. Kuan Yun, representing Dr and Mrs Kong, and Chairman of GS Charity Foundation Dr Charles Yeung presented cheques to CUHK, which were received by CUHK Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Rocky S. Tuan.

Professor Tuan expressed his gratitude to Dr and Mrs Kong and GS Charity Foundation, adding that Buddhism has a long, rich history and is an indispensable part of traditional Chinese culture. He stated that CUHK has always embraced the mission “to combine tradition with modernity; to bring together China and the West”, viewing the inheritance of Chinese culture as its responsibility, especially within the humanities. He said CUHK is honoured to have the trust and support of Dr and Mrs Kong, as well as GS Charity Foundation, in establishing the ‘Sarina and Ho Pak Kong Professorship in Buddhist Studies’ and the CUHK Centre for Buddhist Studies, supporting the University in promoting Buddhist education and nurturing talent.

Ven. Kuan Yun stated that the establishment of the Centre can advance the development of Buddhist studies, and that he appreciated CUHK’s ability to integrate Eastern and Western cultures, actively promoting Buddhism and education in the subject. Ven. Kuan Yun said he hoped that the CUHK Centre of Buddhist Studies will thrive and yield fruitful academic results, making great strides forward in Buddhism research.

Dr Yeung stated that GS Charity Foundation has long been dedicated to promoting Buddhist education. Years ago, it established Hong Kong’s first postgraduate programme in Buddhist Studies. He said it was a privilege this time to join Dr Kong in supporting CUHK as it establishes the CUHK Centre for Buddhist Studies. He added that he appreciated CUHK’s solid foundation in the subject, coupled with a distinguished international reputation and extensive collaborative networks. He wished the CUHK Centre for Buddhist Studies a successful launch and said he believed it will nurture even more outstanding talent in Buddhist studies in the future.

The “Sarina and Ho Pak Kong Professorship in Buddhist Studies” is the first endowed professorship in the field of cultural and religious studies at CUHK, so it has profound significance. The appointee to this professorship will lead the CUHK Centre for Buddhist Studies and its academic team to promote Buddhist education, nurture talent and explore new realms in Buddhist studies. The Centre will introduce relevant postgraduate programmes, host lectures on Buddhist culture and organise academic conferences to expand scholarly research, delve into the truths of Buddhism from various perspectives, strengthen educational functions and guide hearts towards goodness.