Page 8 - HKSYU Prospectus 2023-24

Shue Yan University Prospectus 2023-24

the colleges restructure their 4-year programmes to accommodate a 2-2-1 system, i.e. a two-
year course at the sixth form level, leading to the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination
(required for entry to the University of Hong Kong), followed by a two-year Post-Form-Seven
course and a further year of intensive study for students to gain professional or vocational
qualifications. Following the publication of the White Paper, the students and staff of the
College held a series of forums and over 94 percent of them opposed restructuring the four-
year programme of studies which the College had been running with success and which helped
to fulfil the aspirations of young people for university level education. The College therefore
declined the offer of funding.

The foundation stone of the current Braemar Hill campus was laid by the late Governor
of Hong Kong, Sir Edward Youde, G.C.M.G., M.B.E., on 8th April 1983. The entire building was
completed in 1985 and formally opened by Sir Edward Youde on 24th January 1986.

The 19-storey Library Complex was completed in 1995. At the Opening Ceremony on
15th November 1995, the Governor of Hong Kong, the Rt. Hon. Christopher Patten, expressed
his admiration for “the growth and achievements over the years (that) attest to the contribution
that private initiative and personal commitment are making in the field of higher education in
Hong Kong.”

The Chairman of the State Language Commission of China, Professor Xu Jia Lu, visited
the College on 19th April 1996. He facilitated the establishment of a Centre for Training and
Testing Putonghua Teachers and Speakers ( 普通話測試中心 ) at Shue Yan College.

The College's long track record of educating young people to make a contribution to
society is well respected locally. In July 2000, the Hong Kong SAR Government awarded the
Gold Bauhinia Star to Principal and Vice-President, Dr. Chung Chi Yung, in recognition of her
contribution to higher education in Hong Kong.

The College celebrated its 30th anniversary on 7- 9th December 2001 with a series of
activities, including the Foundation Stone-Laying Ceremony for a new Residential and
Amenities Complex at the Braemar Hill campus. The first Chief Executive of the HKSAR, the
Hon. Tung Chee-Hwa presided over the Foundation Stone-Laying Ceremony. The Hon. Leung
Chun-Ying, G.B.S., J.P., then Convenor of the Executive Council, officiated at the Grand 30th
Anniversary Banquet, which was attended by over 1,000 distinguished guests, alumni, teaching
staff and student representatives.

The Hon. Professor Arthur K.C. Li, G.B.S., J.P., Secretary for Education & Manpower,
HKSAR, officiated at the Topping-Out Ceremony of the new Residential and Amenities
Complex on 10th May 2004 and on 5th November 2005 Professor Li officially opened the
Complex amidst much fanfare.

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