HK Electric and HKCSS Pay Tribute to
12 Outstanding Third Age Citizens [29 March 2009]
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Ms. Wong Siu-yung – who, despite little or no education, mastered Chinese word processing;
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Mr. Ng Tak-leung – for immense contribution to the local food and catering industry after retiring from the Hong Kong Police Force
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Mr. Lee Kam-chung – for actively promoting education and volunteer services;
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Ms. Maria Lee Tseng Chiu-kwan – who, despite adversity, demonstrated great benevolence;
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Ms. Li Kwai-tin – a keen advocate of the rights of the elderly;
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Ms. Chow Mun-yuk -- founder of Hong Kong’s first organisation caring for heart disease patients;
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Mr. Cheung King-fung -- a creative and prolific inventor at age 92;
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Ms. Dorothy Kwok Chi-tat – for devotion to hospice service the very next day she retired from her nursing career;
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Mr. Yip Pang-wai – for dedication to promoting the U3A Network in Hong Kong;
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Mr. Lai Cheong-yin – who regularly provides free consultation and medication of traditional Chinese herbal medicine to those in need;
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Ms. Kitty Siu Sze To-kit -- for encouraging lifelong learning among the elderly and playing an active role in community services; and
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Mr. Chung Po-yang -- a retired CEO who continues to contribute much to the economic and arts development of Hong Kong.
Group Managing Director of HK Electric, Mr. Tso Kai-sum, was extremely pleased the first ever scheme attracted 122 very high quality nominations. “This shows that many retirees share the same vision of lifelong learning and serving the community,” he said. “In fact, many of them have made exceptional achievements in these aspects, benefiting society and proving they are invaluable assets.”
Mr. Tso added: “I am happy to see their contributions are acknowledged and hope their example can encourage more to emulate.”
HKCSS Chief Executive, Ms. Christine Fang, was also glad the scheme was well received. “It demonstrates that despite individual backgrounds, commitment to learn and contribute to society will be recognised.” She encouraged retirees to make good use of their knowledge and experience, for both their own development and the sake of society. All awardees will be invited to join the U3A Network and share their success stories with U3A students. (For details on the awardees, please refer to the brief introduction.)
Today’s ceremony also marked the completion of the U3A Network for 2008-2009 when student representatives received certificates from Vice-chancellor of The University of Hong Kong, Professor Tsui Lap-chee. Over the past year, 240 classes were held with nearly 3,400 students attending. Student representatives performed a song to share how their retired life has been enriched by U3A activities.
Six more agencies will join in 2009-2010, bringing the U3A network to a total of 25 self learning centres across Hong Kong.
About 400 U3A students and guests attended today’s ceremony. Guests of honour presenting the awards included Chairman of the Elderly Commission, Dr. Leong Che-hung; Prof. Tsui Lap-chee; Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr. Andrew Wong Ho-yuen; Chairperson, Women’s Commission, Ms. Sophia Kao Ching-chi; Mr. Tso Kai-sum and Ms. Christine Fang.
The U3A project is sponsored by the HK Electric Centenary Trust and coordinated by HKCSS. Each year, elderly service agencies receive funding to set up self-learning centres providing courses conducted by the elderly for the elderly. The Network, launched in 2006, has organised more than 600 classes for over 9,000 students. For details, please visit the U3A website www.u3a.org.hk or call HKCSS at 2876 2446.
Brief Biographies of 12 Awardees