Centenary Gala Dinner in Hong Kong - Event Report

Alumni groups across the world are joining Imperial in celebrating its 100 years;the gala dinner hosted by the Imperial College Alumni Association of Hong Kong was one of the highlights of the year so far - 20 April 2007

Alumni groups across the world are joining Imperial College in its celebration of 100 years of living science; the gala dinner hosted by the Imperial College Alumni Association of Hong Kong (ICAAHK) in celebration of the College's centenary was one of the highlights of the year so far.

High-profile guests including Stephen Bradley, British Consul-General for Hong Kong, and Dr Richard Lee (Chemical Engineering 1960, PhD 1964), Director of Jardine Matheson Holdings and Chairman of Tal Apparel, were among the 250 guests that were entertained by a string trio during pre-dinner drinks, before a 12-course Chinese banquet in the exclusive Island Shangri-La Hotel, Hong Kong.

Fittingly the College's past, present and future were the topic of the Rector of Imperial College, Sir Richard Sykes' pre-dinner speech. He spoke of how individuals from across the College have made a significant impact on the world through outstanding achievements in science, engineering and medicine over the past century, and provided the basis for this to continue into the future. Sir Richard was among a delegation of Imperial College representatives that attended the event, which also included Tidu Maini, Pro-Rector for Development and Corporate Affairs.

The event, which took place on 20 April 2007, is just one of a series of special international alumni events under the College's new International Ambassadors Scheme, which sees renowned Imperial academics visiting alumni groups around the world. You can find out more about the Ambassadors Scheme at www.imperial.ac.uk/alumni/ambassadors.

The event also marked the launch of the ICAAHK's Endowment Fund, which provides scholarships for Hong Kong students that win a place to study at Imperial College. Alumnus Dr Richard Lee presented a cheque for $HK 5 million to Dr Harry Lee, Chairman of the Endowment Fund, and Professor Paul Cheung, Chairman of ICAAHK, which goes a long way to meeting the fundraising target of $HK 10 million.

For more information about the Imperial College Alumni Association of Hong Kong please visit www.icaahk.org.