Yam Pak Building

Dr Pak Suet Sin

Dr Chan Shuk Leung, better known by her stage name Pak Suet Sin, is one of the most enduring and beloved stars in the history of Cantonese opera. Her journey began as a young novice, performing supporting roles with several renowned companies. In 1956, she co-founded the Sin Fung Ming Theatre Company (仙鳳鳴劇團) with her collaborator, Ms Yam Kim Fai, marking a transformative chapter in her artistic career.

Dr Pak’s legacy is a testament to the power of dedication and cultural stewardship. As a performer, she earned widespread acclaim for her artistry and grace. Yet her influence extends far beyond the stage — she has been a passionate mentor to younger generations, tirelessly advocating for the preservation and promotion of Chinese opera.

In the early 1990s, she founded the Yam-Pak Foundation to support the underprivileged, the elderly, and vital educational and medical services — HKU is proud to be among its beneficiaries.

Known for her generosity and dedication, Dr Pak continues to share her deep artistic wisdom with grace. Despite changing times, she remains confident that Cantonese drama, which flourished during her remarkable career, will continue to flourish in the twenty first century.

Nestled along Pokfulam Road at the western edge of the Main Campus stands a building that quietly tells a story of gratitude, artistry, and enduring legacy. Originally opened in 1970 as the Redmond Building (艾蒙樓)—named after Emeritus Professor F.A. Redmond, a distinguished figure in Civil Engineering. This five-storey structure has long served as a hub for the Faculty of Engineering, housing vital research facilities and supporting generations of innovation.

On November 29, 1996, the building was renamed Yam Pak Building (任白樓) in heartfelt recognition of a generous benefaction from the Yam Pak Foundation. The name “Yam Pak” carries deep cultural significance: “Yam” (任) and “Pak” (白) honor the legendary Cantonese opera artists Yam Kim Fai (任劍輝) and Pak Suet Sin (白雪仙). Adding a personal and artistic touch, the Chinese calligraphy of the building’s name was penned by Pak Suet Sin herself — making it a rare and meaningful emblem of heritage.

Today, Yam Pak Building stands opposite the Haking Wong Building and the Chow Yei Ching Building, quietly witnessing the evolution of engineering technology and academic excellence. It is more than just a physical space, it is a symbol of how generosity and cultural legacy can shape the future of education.