Honorary University Fellows

Citation for Dr Ambrose So written and delivered by Dr Gabriel M Leung at the Honorary University Fellowships Presentation Ceremony on December 15, 2005:

Businessman, artist, calligrapher, mentor, philanthropist and civic leader: Ambrose So Shu Fai is the archetypal modern renaissance man. From his early training in general science at this University, graduating in 1973, he has had a stellar business career. So is currently Executive Director of Shun Tak Holdings, Director of Sociedade de Jogos de Macau and Chairman of Macauport.

But the mark of a person is not simply that of his career achievements. It also lies in his values and attitudes and here at HKU we have been fortunate to experience and benefit from So's dedicated volunteerism. His roles at the University have been numerous and his involvement substantial. He was a founding honorary director of the HKU Foundation, the University's main organ for institutional advancement, and currently sits on its board. He also serves on the HKU SPACE Alumni Council, the Convocation Standing Committee as well as the Court. Perhaps the role he treasures most, prompted by his keen interest in student development and growth, has been that of mentor through the HKU Mentorship Programme.

So's energy and civic-mindedness extend beyond academe to regional and national economic and cultural integration. He has been a major driving force behind key exchanges between the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau, China and Portugal. As Portugal's Honorary Consul in Hong Kong and a Committee Member of the 10th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, he continues to bring people and issues ever closer together from across space, time and cultural tradition.

These activities alone would have proved overwhelming for even the most efficient and organised minds – but not for So. His favourite pastime of Chinese calligraphy has earned him deep and sincere respect from fellow artists and scholars, counting among them Professor Jao Tsung-I (饒宗頤教授) the legendary sinologist and calligrapher.

To paraphrase an honorific often bestowed on the great master, So can deservedly be described as「商藝雙攜」 or "a man of art and business". The breadth of So's professional and artistic accomplishments is surpassed only by the depth of his commitment to public service. To salute and honour such a distinguished member of the HKU family, Mr Pro-Chancellor, I am pleased to present Dr Ambrose So Shu Fai for the Honorary University Fellowship.