The HKBU Foundation records with deepest sorrow the passing of Dr. the Hon. Robin Chan Yau Hing, GBM, GBS, JP, Honorary University Fellow (2010) and Honorary President of the HKBU Foundation, on 18 April 2022. He was 90 years old.

A scion of a prominent Thai-Chinese family, Dr. Chan came to Hong Kong on his own in his early 20s to help his family’s business make inroads into the market. In 1990, he established Asia Financial Holdings Limited as the Chairman and led its successful listing in Hong Kong. As a regionally renowned financial and business magnate, he also served as the Vice-Chairman of The People’s Insurance Company of China (Hong Kong) Limited, Director of Chong Hing Bank Limited, and Director of K. Wah International Holdings Limited.

Dr. Chan was a patriot who devoted his life to serving the country and the city through holding various public service roles, including Hong Kong delegate to the National People’s Congress for multiple terms, Advisor to the HKSAR Basic Law Consultative Committee, Vice-Chairman of the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, Chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, and Founding President and Chairman of the Hong Kong Federation of Overseas Chinese Associations. His extraordinary achievements in fostering the development of Hong Kong and the Mainland, strengthening exchanges and ties with overseas compatriots as well as promoting Chinese culture earned him the Gold Bauhinia Star and the Grand Bauhinia Medal from the HKSAR Government.

Dr. Chan was also a renowned philanthropist. Under his leadership, his conglomerate was actively involved in charitable causes, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare. Among other things, he was a committed supporter of HKBU, and made numerous donations to the University since 1993, benefiting thousands of students through his contributions to scholarships and University’s advancement.

The Foundation conveys its heartfelt condolences to Dr. Chan’s family at this time of bereavement. He will always be remembered for his remarkable contributions to the University, Hong Kong and the country at large.