Dr Patrick Poon Sun Cheong Appointed Chairman of the HKU Foundation

The Board of The University of Hong Kong Foundation for Educational Development and Research (HKU Foundation) has approved the appointment of Dr Patrick Poon Sun Cheong as its new Chairman, with effect from 1 September 2026. Dr Poon, previously Deputy Chairman of the HKU Foundation, succeeds Professor Lap-Chee Tsui, former Vice-Chancellor of HKU, as Chairman of the Board.

Professor Xiang Zhang, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKU, said, “Dr Poon is a distinguished alumnus of our Faculty of Science and has served for many years as Deputy Chairman of the HKU Foundation. Throughout his career, he has established himself as an accomplished business leader, a committed advocate for education and a dedicated philanthropist. Building on the strong groundwork laid by his predecessors, I believe his strategic vision will propel the University’s mission forward.”

Professor Zhang added, “Professor Tsui provided invaluable leadership during his tenure as Chairman of the Foundation, expanding its impact and deepening support for the University’s aspirations. On behalf of the HKU community, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for his outstanding contributions and steadfast commitment.” Upon stepping down, Professor Tsui assumed the role of Honorary Lifetime Chairman of the HKU Foundation.

Dr Poon is an alumnus of the University of Hong Kong and holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree. In 1975, he became the first Hong Kong-born individual to attain professional membership of the Institute of Actuaries in the United Kingdom. With more than 40 years of extensive experience in the actuarial profession, life insurance, and financial services sectors, Dr Poon has held senior management positions with multinational corporations across the Asia-Pacific region and Greater China.

A steadfast supporter of his alma mater, Dr Poon has contributed significantly to HKU's academic development, governance and institutional advancement. He previously served as a member of the University Court and Council and has advised several major University committees. His generous philanthropic support includes the establishment of the Patrick Poon Actuarial Science Lecture Series, two Patrick S C Poon Endowed Professorships—in Statistics and Actuarial Science, and in Analytics and Innovation—as well as the Patrick Poon Scholarship Programme. Furthermore, he joined hands with fellow alumni and friends to support the establishment of Lap-Chee College, holistically advancing the whole-person development of students. In recognition of his exceptional contributions, HKU conferred on him an Honorary University Fellowship in 2011 and an Honorary Doctor of Social Sciences degree in 2025.

The HKU Foundation brings together the shared commitment and generosity of its supporters to advance the University’s long-term development. Under Dr Poon’s leadership, HKU looks forward to working with the Foundation’s members to advance the University’s mission in education, research and service to society.