Honorary University Fellows

Citation delivered by Professor Amy TSUI, Pro-Vice-Chancellor

Life-long learning is a term that has become almost a cliche: It appears in all mission statements of universities. However, we must not forget that the understanding of the importance of life-long learning in this rapidly changing world and its institutionalization as an integral part rather than an "extramural" component of a university is the culmination of the hard work of visionary educators worldwide. In Hong Kong and the rest of China, Enoch Young is a name that is inseparable from continuing education and life-long learning.

Professor Enoch Chien Ming Young is Special Advisor and Director Emeritus of the University's School of Professional and Continuing Education, or HKU SPACE for short, where he had served as Director for ten years from 1997-2008. During this period, which Professor Young described as the most rewarding years in his career, he established HKUSPACE as a leader in continuing education in Hong Kong, mainland China and the rest of the world. He was Chairman of the Federation of Continuing Education in Tertiary Institutions in Hong Kong from 2002 to 2007. He was elected Vice-President of the East Asia Forum for Adult Education in 2005, Vice-President of the Continuing Education Branch of the China Higher Education Association, and President of the Hong Kong- Macau Group in 2008.

Also during this period, Professor Young established the first Community College in Hong Kong in 2000. This was a milestone in the Hong Kong education system. The HKU SPACE Community College offered an alternative route to higher education. It was an acknowledgement of diversity amongst young people in terms of developmental stages, interests and talents, as a strength rather than a weakness; as an asset rather than a liability.

Professor Young's distinctive contribution to continuing education was underpinned by his solid academic training at this University where he obtained a First Class Honours in Bachelor of Science in Physics, and a PhD from the University of Bristol. It was also grounded in his rich teaching and administrative experience as Senior Lecturer and Associate Dean of the Faculty of Science at this University from 1968 to 1987, and as Head of Department of Applied Science, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Founding Director of the Graduate School and Pro-Vice-Chancellor of City University from 1987 to 1997.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to education, Professor Young was awarded the World Outstanding Chinese Award in 2006 and a Bronze Bauhinia Star in 2007 by the Hong Kong SAR government.

It is my honour, Mr Pro-Chancellor, to present Professor Enoch Chien Ming Young for the Honorary University Fellowship, in recognition of his contributions to Hong Kong and academia.