YC Gala Day: Honour our roots, grow the legacy

April 7, 2023 Education

28 MarchThe YC Gala Day

was celebrated in grand style

at the Hong Kong Palace Museum.

Bringing together parents, students, teachers, and alumni, the event was a celebration of our unwavering commitment to education.

In her opening remarks at the Opening Ceremony in the morning, Dr Betty Chan Po-king, CEO and School Supervisor of YCYW Education Network; Chairperson of YCCECE Board of Governors, fondly recalled the days when her mother, Madam Tsang Chor-hang started the first Yew Chung School in Hong Kong amid the turbulent times of 1930s. Dr Chan said,
“At just 21 years old, she was determined to use education as a means to save the country during a time of great poverty and conflict. Thus, the name Yew Chung, which means to glorify China, was born. She also held great admiration for our national father, Dr. Sun Yat-sen, whom she referred to as ‘uncle’, a very distant relative. Her vision was for Yew Chung to honour Dr. Sun Yat-sen.””I recall my mother often looking at school buildings and saying longingly, ‘It would be wonderful if one day Yew Chung could have a purposefully designed school building.'”

“With over 90 years since the founding of the Yew Chung Yew Wah Education Network, there are countless milestones, historical events, and educational development in Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland, the US; and the UK that are worth remembering; so that is why we have put together a very special 90th anniversary book gathering all these mementoes,” said Dr Chan.

In his speech at the Opening Ceremony, Prof. Paul Yip Kwok-wah, Chairman of YCYW, said, “In the coming decade, YCYW will continue to move forward—and towards our centenary, in the same pace with our motherland, becoming part of the development of humanity.”

Nine exemplary educators who have long served in our schools were formally honoured as Distinguished Yew Chung Educators at the Opening Ceremony. They embody the core qualities of a true YCYW educator and provide strong motivation, as we move forward during the next 90 years and beyond.

Awarding ceremony of Distinguished Yew Chung Educators

Dr Esther Chan (2nd from the right), YCYW Deputy CEO (K-12 Education) and Dr Lydia Chan (1st from the right), YCYW Deputy CEO (Tertiary Education) and Member of YCCECE Board of Governors introduce Distinguished Yew Chung Educators

The event featured a full day of festivities and excitement. Student performances, including the inaugural performance from our Mengxue Institute and excerpts from the “Mother’s Legacy” musical, displayed the talent and creativity of our students, and demonstrated our unique educational pedigree that combines the best of Chinese and Western cultures.

At the Gala Dinner, an auction would be held to raise funds for future educators at our Yew Chung College of Early Childhood Education, an indispensable backbone of our education system.

“This celebration would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of our school community – our staff, parents, and alumni, both past and present. I express my deepest gratitude to our donors and partners for your unwavering support and to all those who helped make today’s event possible,” said Dr Chan.

The Hong Kong Palace Museum, a cultural landmark in Hong Kong, promotes the study and appreciation of Chinese art and culture, and fosters dialogue between world civilisations. Dr Rocco Yim, the architect of the museum, designed the YCIS HK Secondary campus and Hong Kong Yew Wah School in Tin Shui Wai.

At his speech during the Charity Lunch, Dr Louis Ng, Museum Director of Hong Kong Palace Museum, spoke highly of Yew Chung as a pioneer in education. He said, “Both Hong Kong Palace Museum and Yew Chung share the same vision–being a global institution, dedicated to the promotion of cross-cultural understanding and global citizenships for our city and the world.”

“The museum showcases the rich heritage and culture of our Motherland and echoes our school’s profound history and deep roots in the community,” said Dr Chan.