Dr Stephen Hui Sze-Fun
Dr Stephen Hui was a distinguished consulting geologist and mining engineer who dedicated his life to advancing the fields of geology and earth sciences, both in Hong Kong and around the world. His unwavering commitment and expertise left an indelible mark on the scientific community. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the mining industry in Hong Kong and his support of research and teaching in geology, he was conferred the degree of Doctor of Laws honoris causa in 1980.
After Dr Hui’s passing in 1989, his wife, Madam Anna Hui, together with their sons, Mr Richard Hui (Honorary University Fellow, 2010) and Mr William Hui, carried on his legacy by continuing to support earth sciences education in Hong Kong. A significant milestone in their efforts was the establishment of Stephen Hui Geological Museum (許士芬地質博物館) at the University. Opened in January 2009, the museum is the first and only geological museum in Hong Kong, proudly housing a world-class collection of minerals, rocks, and fossils. During the inauguration ceremony, William expressed his profound joy at seeing his late father’s dream come to fruition, celebrating a lasting tribute to his father’s passion and contributions to the field.
HUI OI CHOW SCIENCE BUILDING
HUI OI CHOW SCIENCE BUILDING
The Hui Oi Chow Science Building (許愛周科學館), which opened its doors on December 10, 1981, stands as a testament to the generosity of Dr Stephen Hui Sze-Fun (許士芬), a distinguished consulting geologist and mining engineer, who played a vital role in advancing the Department’s educational mission.
Named in loving memory of Mr Hui Oi-Chow (許愛周), Dr Stephen Hui’s father, this six-story building was thoughtfully designed to accommodate a diverse array of equipment and facilities. Its infrastructure reflected the leading trends in geographical research at the time, nurturing an environment where innovation and discovery could flourish. In addition, Dr Stephen Hui generously donated an extensive collection of mineral and rock specimens for teaching, which greatly enriched the department’s resources, inspired both students and faculty.
During the opening ceremony, Dr Hui spoke passionately about the urgent need to conserve the world's dwindling mineral resources, and underscored the important responsibilities of future geologists and geological engineers in the search for new resources.
Today, the Hui Oi Chow Science Building remains a vibrant center of scientific exploration, housing the facilities of the Departments of Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Sciences, as well as the newest addition — the Tam Wing Fan Innovation Wing.
Its legacy endures, continuing to inspire generations of scholars and researchers.
