Honorary University Fellows
Mr Karson Choi is the Chairman of Sing Tao News Corporation, Vice Chairman of the Hong Kong-based conglomerate Early Light International Group, and Chairman of Unique Timepieces Watches Group, a luxury retailer in Hong Kong and Macau.
Mr Choi graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in International Relations. He returned to Hong Kong to join the Early Light International Group, and continues to oversee the expansion of its business. In 2022, Mr Choi invested in Sing Tao News Corporation and has since taken up the role of Chairman, overseeing the development and operations of the news organisation.
At the University of Hong Kong, Mr Choi currently serves as a member of its Court and has a keen interest in the all-round development of our young generation.
Mr Choi has actively contributed to the development of Hong Kong, particularly in addressing issues of poverty in society. In 2018, he established the Hong Kong Poverty Alleviation and Promotion Association, which continues to support underserved communities like grassroots families, the elderly and youth. Over the years, Mr Choi has served in multiple social positions and held various government advisory committee roles.
He was elected as a member of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference in 2018, and was appointed Deputy Director of the Population, Resources, and Environment Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference in 2023. The HKSAR Government awarded Mr Choi with the Bronze Bauhinia Star in 2017 and he was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 2023.
Citation delivered by Professor Ming Wen, Dean of Social Sciences
Mr Karson Choi Ka-Tsan is the Chairman of Sing Tao News Corporation, Vice Chairman of the Hong Kong-based conglomerate Early Light International Group, and Chairman of Unique Timepieces Watches Group, a luxury retailer in Hong Kong and Macau.
Mr Choi graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in International Relations. Upon his return to Hong Kong, he joined the Early Light International Group where he continues to play an instrumental role in the dynamic expansion of its multifaceted business portfolio, which currently covers, inter alia, toy manufacturing, property management and development, high-end watch retail, automotive service and maintenance, bioplastics production, and education.
In 2022, Mr Choi invested in the Sing Tao News Corporation and as its Chairman, oversees its development and operations. For Mr Choi, this investment was not purely business driven, and has roots in his own upbringing. Having been exposed to the distorting effects of misinformation from a young age, he firmly believes in the importance of truth and justice. As he grew older, this conviction solidified into a personal mission: to change the landscape of news reporting. Under his leadership, the group aims to deliver news that is thorough and impartial, striving to set a new standard in journalistic integrity.
At the University of Hong Kong, Mr Choi currently serves as a member of its Court. He has a keen interest in the all-round development of our young generation. His support has enabled the establishment of a residential college at the University’s newest student village in Wong Chuk Hang. As one of the four colleges, it has 300 hostel places for local and international undergraduate students. The uniqueness of residential education is that it provides our students with the environment to live with and learn from peers from different backgrounds, and to become valuable global citizens in an interconnected world.
Mr Choi’s core passion in life stems from his concern for the well-being of others and environmental preservation. He believes that through his efforts and contributions, he can bring about a positive change to society.
As the President of the Hong Kong Poverty Alleviation Association, he is dedicated to improving the living conditions of the impoverished, providing support and resources to underserved communities like grassroots families, the elderly and youth.
He is also committed to researching and developing sustainable solutions, and promoting environmental protection and resource management. His venture into bioplastics aims to reduce our reliance on traditional plastics and contribute to the sustainable development of our planet.
He was elected as a member of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in 2018, and was appointed Deputy Director of the Population, Resources, and Environment Committee of the CPPCC in 2023. The Hong Kong SAR Government awarded Mr Choi with the Bronze Bauhinia Star in 2017 and he was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 2023.
Therefore, Mr Pro-Chancellor, it is my great pleasure to present Mr Karson Choi Ka-Tsan for the Honorary University Fellowship, in recognition of his contributions to Hong Kong and academia.