Mr Darwin Chen has enjoyed a distinguished career highlighted by services to the community. He is currently Chairman of the Hong Kong Arts Development Council and his achievements in this area have already received recognition through the conferment of Fellowships from HKU and the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts. In 2003, he was awarded the Silver Bauhinia Star (SBS) by the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
During his years in the civil service Mr Chen was manager of City Hall and later Director of Cultural Services. One of his initiatives was to assist the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and the Hong Kong Ballet to achieve professional status.
Mr Chen is an alumnus of HKU SPACE and has supported the School by participating in its senior policy and decision-making bodies. Mr Chen also serves HKU as Honorary Consultant of the Development and Alumni Affairs Office and member of various committees.
He serves on the government's Social Welfare Advisory Committee, the Hong Kong Council for Social Service, the Hong Kong Christian Service, the Hong Kong Digestive Foundation and St Christopher's Home. He is also the Vice-Chairman of the Agency for Volunteer Service.
In recognition of his contributions, the University has resolved to confer upon him the degree of Doctor of Social Sciences honoris causa.
