Honorary University Fellows

Citation for Mr John Chan delivered by Dr M R Martin, Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the Honorary University Fellowships presentation ceremony on December 12, 2000:

Mr John Chan became the Managing Director of the Kowloon Motor Bus Company in 1993. With a fleet of more than 4,000 buses plying some 400 routes, KMB is one of the biggest privately-owned and operated bus companies in the world.

Born in Hong Kong on April 8, 1943 Mr Chan graduated from this University with an honour degree in English Literature in 1964. He later gained a Diploma in Management Studies from HKU and was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Business Administration by the International Management Centres in 1997.

Prior to joining KMB, Mr Chan served the Hong Kong Government for two periods, from 1964 to 1978 and from 1980 to 1993. Initially appointed as an Executive Officer Class II he rose through the ranks to become one of the few cabinet-level Policy Secretaries of the government.

Among the key posts he held over the years were those of Private Secretary to the Governor, Deputy Secretary (General Duties), Director of Information Services, Deputy Chief Secretary, Secretary for Trade and Industry, and Secretary for Education and Manpower. He also served as a member of the Executive Council from October 1992 to May 1993.

Mr Chan is an independent, non-executive director of many limited companies including Hang Seng Bank Ltd, and Amway Asia Pacific Ltd. He is a steward of the Hong Kong Jockey Club and a member of the Council of the University of Hong Kong.

He was appointed a Justice of Peace in 1994 and was awarded the Gold Bauhinia Star by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region last year.

It gives me very great pleasure, therefore, Mr Pro-Chancellor to present Mr John Chan for the Honorary University Fellowship in recognition of his contributions to Hong Kong and to the University.