Born in Nanjing, China, in 1924, Ms Marion Fang Sum Suk went on to achieve a distinguished career in Hong Kong in the education of the physically handicapped before she retired. After receiving training in special education in the United Kingdom, and teaching in ordinary schools until 1966, she became the founder principal of the John F Kennedy Centre for physically handicapped children and developed a special curriculum combining therapy with education and advocated a team and holistic approach.
Ms Fang established the Hong Kong Special Schools Council in 1981 and founded the first parent association of the handicapped in Hong Kong. She additionally promoted computer classes in special schools and played a leading role in the introduction to the territory of mechanical and electronic devices she had originated herself to aid the physically handicapped in their daily living. Ms Fang promoted the establishment of special education training at teachers training colleges and its integration into formal training procedures and was invited by the Hong Kong Government to advise on policy planning for pre-school care, education and training and special education and rehabilitation services. Ms Fang was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1988 and was made a Justice of the Peace in 1979.
In recognition of her contributions, the University has resolved to confer upon her the degree of Doctor of Social Sciences honoris causa.
