Mr Fung Ping-Shan and Fung Family
Mr Fung Ping-Shan was a renowned philanthropist and entrepreneur, best known as a co-founder of the Bank of East Asia. The Fung family shares a profound connection with HKU that goes beyond physical structures; it is deeply woven into the University's history.
Two of Mr Fung’s sons—Sir Kenneth Fung Ping Fan (馮秉芬) and Mr Fung Ping Wah (馮秉華), are proud alumni of our Faculty of Arts. Sir Kenneth, in particular, left an indelible mark on the University’s history as a long-serving member of the University’s Court. His unwavering dedication to community service, especially in the areas of education, arts, music, and cultural development, earned him an honorary doctorate in social sciences from HKU in 1969.
Adding to the family's rich legacy with the university, a biographical book titled Fung Ping Shan – The Man, His Life, and His Library was launched in 2012. The book launch event, held in Loke Yew Hall, carried special significance as it marked both the 80th anniversary of the Fung Ping Shan Library and HKU’s centenary celebrations. It served as a powerful reminder of the enduring bond between the Fung family and the university, celebrating their shared history of contribution, dedication, and legacy.
Declared Monument
FUNG PING SHAN BUILDING
FUNG PING SHAN BUILDING
The legacy of this historic building could trace back to 1929, when Mr Fung Ping-Shan (馮平山), a renowned philanthropist, distinguished entrepreneur in the banking industry, and passionate advocate for Chinese education, wrote a letter to Sir William Hornell (康寧爵士), the fourth Vice-Chancellor of HKU.
In his letter, Mr Fung expressed his interest in donating HK$ 100,000 to establish a library dedicated to Chinese book collections, aimed at supporting the research needs of the newly established School of Chinese. Construction began in 1931; however, Mr Fung passed away in the same year and unable to see his vision realised. In honor of his generosity and dedication to supporting Chinese studies, the building was named Fung Ping Shan Library (馮平山圖書館), and was officially opened its doors on December 14, 1932.
In 1953, the University established the Museum of Chinese Art and Archaeology, with exhibitions held within the Fung Ping Shan Library. When a new library building was opened in 1962, the collections housed in the Fung Ping Shan Library were integrated into the main library. The Fung Ping Shan Library was then transformed into the Fung Ping Shan Museum.
On November 8, 1996, the Fung Ping Shan Building, adjoining its neighbor—the T. T. Tsui Building (徐展堂樓), became the home of the University Museum and Art Gallery (UMAG). Today, UMAG stands as Hong Kong’s oldest institution of its kind, continuing its mission to preserve and celebrate art and culture.
