On 9 February 2010, the University of Macau Development Foundation (UMDF) received from Wu Yee Sun Charitable Foundation Ltd a donation of HK$150 million, the largest single benefaction since UMDF’s inception in December last year. In recognition of this magnificent contribution, with endorsement of the Chief Executive of the Macao SAR and University Chancellor Dr. Chui Sai On and the University Council, the central library on the University’s new campus will be named after Dr. Wu Yee Sun. In the cheque presentation ceremony held at the Government headquarters, Dr. Chui Sai On received the donation from the director of the charitable foundation Mr. Lui Pui Ying on behalf of UMDF. Dr. Chui Sai On expressed his appreciation for the donor’s commitment to higher education in Macao. He said that as a higher education institution, UM has an important role to play in the community. On 20 December 2009, President Hu Jintao officiated at the groundbreaking ceremony of UM’s new campus, which demonstrated the support of the Central Government for UM. With the dedicated effort of both the central authorities and local community, the University has embarked on a new era of development. Present at the ceremony were Dr. Michael Wu Po Ko and Mr. Norman Wu Po Kung, directors of Wu Yee Sun Charitable Foundation, Mr. Arthur Wu and Mr. Samuel Wu, members of the Wu family, Dr. Tse Chi Wai, Mr. Wong Chong Fat and Mr. Lam Kam Seng, founding members of UMDF, Mr. Lei Pui Lam, University Council First-Vice-Chair, Prof. Wei Zhao, UM Rector and Dr. Lai Iat Long, UM Vice Rector. Following the ceremony, Dr. Chui Sai On offered a lunch to thank Wu Yee Sun Charitable Foundation for its generous offering. Established in 1982, Wu Yee Sun Charitable Foundation Ltd has been dedicated to philanthropic causes. This donation was made in memory of Dr. Wu Yee Sun, who had carried out business in Macao. Through this donation, Wu Yee Sun Charitable Foundation wishes to contribute to higher education and nurturing of talents in Macao. UMDF is a non-profit organization, aiming to support the University of Macau to attain its academic goals and improve its competiveness. Since its establishment, it has attracted enormous attention and support from community leaders and alumni. The library bearing the name of Dr. Wu Yee Sun will be a landmark on UM’s new site on Hengqin Island. The groundbreaking ceremony of the new campus was presided over by the President of the People’s Republic of China Mr. Hu Jintao on 20 December 2009 and the construction is expected to be completed within 3 years’ time.
