HKU Receives HK$16 Million from Tigillus Foundation in Support of Research on Chinese History through the Establishment of an Endowed Professorship and an Academic Fund
17 September 2024 (Tuesday)
HKU Receives HK$16 Million from Tigillus Foundation in Support of Research on Chinese History through the Establishment of an Endowed Professorship and an Academic Fund
Cheque presentation (from right): Professor Xiang Zhang, President and Vice-Chancellor, HKU; Mr David Chang, Founder, Tigillus Foundation Limited, and Mr Derek Gobel, Director, Tigillus Foundation Limited
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is pleased to announce the receipt of a significant HK$16 million donation from Tigillus Foundation Limited. Through the establishment of an Endowed Professorship and an Academic Fund, the contribution is intended to support academic research in Chinese History at the Faculty of Arts.
A cheque presentation and signing ceremony was held yesterday (September 16). The ceremony was graced by distinguished guests including Mr David Chang, Founder and Mr Derek Gobel, Director of the Tigillus Foundation Limited, as well as Professor Xiang Zhang, President and Vice-Chancellor, HKU.
During the welcome address, Professor Xiang Zhang expressed his gratitude for the philanthropic support from the Tigillus Foundation Limited. He stated “We really benefit from this gift, not only to support us in advancing our studies in Chinese history but also to prepare the next generation of students to learn. It also signifies that HKU is at the forefront and cutting edge of Chinese history studies.” Professor Zhang believes history is essential for human civilization and for people to move forward, “If you don’t learn things from the past, you cannot look into the future.”. He concluded that the generosity from Mr Chang will allow the holder of this Endowed Professorship to magnify this gift to benefit the students, community and mankind.
Mr David Chang, the Founder of the Tigillus Foundation Limited, is Chinese-born and Western-educated. He read Computer Science and Financial Mathematics at Stanford University. He is interested in history and culture, and is also passionate about art and education. His career and entrepreneurship led him to work and own businesses in the financial industry. In his remarks, he shared that, "Too long have we travelled abroad to seek higher learning. I hope within my lifetime, our home-grown institutions will become the beacons of learning and attract the brightest young minds from home and abroad. This journey towards self-determination and self-reliance, however, starts with taking the right step forward.”
Mr Chang also highlighted, “We must explore and understand not only our own history but also the history of nations around us and how we interacted with them. We must learn from our past mistakes to ensure history does not repeat itself. Thus, I want to make this contribution to the University of Hong Kong in the field of Chinese history to plant the seed for a brighter future— for it is my city, my country, and my duty."
The event was successfully held at the HKU Foundation Chamber, fostering engaging discussions among the participants following the ceremony.
About Tigillus Foundation Limited
Tigillus Foundation Limited works regionally and globally to foster better understanding for Chinese cultural heritage through soft powers drawn from its rich history and vibrant culture and is committed to elevating the world’s understanding of Chinese cultural heritage through arts, culture, and education. To learn more about Tigillus Foundation Limited, please visit: https://tigillus.org/
About HKU Endowed Professorship
The University is committed to recognising exemplary academic excellence, nurturing rising stars and young talents and honouring acclaimed scholars. The donation will form a permanent endowment at the University to support the incumbent’s research and academic activities in the endowed area. Endowed Professorships and Outstanding Young Professorships will bring recognition and prestige to candidates as well as benefactors. To learn more about Giving to HKU, please visit: https://giving.hku.hk/
For media enquiry, please contact:
Development & Alumni Affairs Office, HKU
Ms Melody Tang, Senior Manager (Development)
Tel: 3917 1747
Email: melodytang@hku.hk
Tigillus Foundation Limited
Email: admin@tigillus.com
For the online press release and photos, please visit: https://www.hku.hk/press/news_detail_27729.html