Mr Tam Wing-Fan and Mrs May Tam
“Edmund always treasured his experience at HKU. What he learnt at his alma mater; he carried all through his life. He wanted future generations to have the same privileges. The Innovation Wing will be wonderful, and he will always be proud of it.”
Mrs May Tam
Dedication Ceremony of Tam Wing Fan Innovation Wing
(April 27, 2018)
Mr Tam Wing-fan Edmund (譚榮芬) was among the first cohort admitted in 1950 to the newly established Department of Architecture, then part of the Faculty of Engineering. Following his graduation, his vision, dedication, and enthusiasm propelled him to great success in both the architectural profession and business ventures. He founded Edmund Wing-Fan Tam Architects and became a member of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects in 1974, shortly after its formal establishment in 1972.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Mr Tam was committed to community service. He served on the Board of Directors of the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, advocated for welfare initiatives such as free medication, education, dignified burial for the underprivileged, and disaster relief. Throughout the years, his wife May supported his efforts. Together, they initiated philanthropic projects to support education, with the hope that future students will be inspired as he was during his time at HKU.
TAM WING FAN INNOVATION WING
TAM WING FAN INNOVATION WING
Opened in December 2020, the Tam Wing Fan Innovation Wing (譚榮芬創科翼) has swiftly become a vibrant hub for creativity and innovation in engineering. Its establishment was made possible through the generous support of HKU architecture alumnus Mr Tam Wing-fan, Edmund (譚榮芬), and his wife, Mrs May Tam (譚麥美燕). At the opening ceremony, Mrs Tam shared her heartfelt aspirations for the space:
“The Innovation Wing is a place for students to pursue their dreams, to turn ideas into reality, to meet with peers with common interests and work hard together, to perform outreach and serve people in need, to nurture our students, to learn about responsibilities, to build awareness and to bring a positive impact to the society and the world. I look forward to seeing it filled with people who will make a difference.”
Located on the ground and lower ground floors of the Hui Oi Chow Building, the two-storey facility spans over 2,400 square metres. As one of the most advanced integrated makerspaces in Hong Kong and Asia, it offers comprehensive prototyping facilities that support all branches of engineering under one roof.
The Innovation Wing features a spacious assembly area that accommodates over 100 students working simultaneously. Its workshops are equipped with state-of-the-art digital tools, including 3D printers, laser cutters, waterjet machines, precision measuring instruments, and specialised electronic workbenches. These facilities also enable academic staff to showcase cutting-edge research in areas such as healthcare technology, advanced materials, and smart living solutions.
The Tam Wing Fan Innovation Wing stands as a testament to HKU’s commitment to empowering students, fostering ingenuity, and cultivating the innovators of tomorrow.
