The Honorable Li Fook Wo (center) was conferred an honorary degree of Doctor of Social Science by CUHK in 1980. He was photographed after the ceremony with Professor Yau Shing Tung (left) and Sir Murray MacLehose, the then Governor of Hong Kong (right).

Dr. Li Fook Wo (1916–2014) was born in Hong Kong. He received his early education at Queen’s College and St. Joseph’s College. He then enrolled in Boston University in the United States and majored in Business Administration. After graduation, he pursued further studies at New York University and obtained a Master of Science degree in Commerce. In 1940, Dr. Li returned to Hong Kong and joined the Bank of East Asia, where he worked for more than six decades, establishing himself as a distinguished figure in the banking sector through taking up various leadership roles, including Deputy General Manager, General Manager and Chairman. He also served as a director of numerous large companies, such as Hutchison Whampoa and Watson Group. His esteemed reputation earned him great respect within the local business community.

In addition to managing the banking business, Dr. Li was also enthusiastic about serving the church and the community. He was a member of the Standing Committee and the Honorary Treasurer of the Diocese of Hong Kong and Macau of Sheng Kung Hui (Anglican Church), Vice-President of the Hong Kong Society for the Protection of Children, Vice-Patron of the Community Chest of Hong Kong, Steward and Deputy Chairman of the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club. Dr. Li was also frequently entrusted with public appointments, such as a member of the Public Service Commission and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. He was appointed Unofficial Member of the Legislative Council in 1973, and Unofficial Member of the Executive Council and Chairman of the Hong Kong Industrial Estates Corporation in 1978. His distinguished contributions to Hong Kong society have earned him the title of Justice of Peace, and was successively the OBE, the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal and the CBE. The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) specially conferred upon him an honorary doctorate of social science in recognition of his outstanding achievements.

Dr. Li was deeply passionate about education and served as a board member for several schools and institutions, such as St. Michael’s Primary School, St. Paul’s Co-educational College, CUHK, Chung Chi College and United College. Among these, his connection with Chung Chi College was particularly profound. His father, Mr. Li Tse Fong (1891–1953), was a member of the first Board of Governors of the College. Dr. Li himself started his service in the Board from 1961, served as Honorary Treasurer in 1964, and Board Chairman from 1970 to 1976. His son, Mr. Li Kwok Sing Aubrey, has also been serving as a Board member since 1991, offering valuable insights to the College. In recent years, the Li family generously funded the construction of the Student Development Complex to enrich cultural exchange and artistic life on campus. As an acknowledgement, the College named the theatre in the Complex as “Fook Wo and Laura Jee Li Theatre”. The selfless dedication of three generations of the Li family to Chung Chi is truly admirable and deeply respected.