A Gift That Keeps on Giving – Your Legacy Continues

Have you ever imagined becoming a philanthropist beyond your lifetime? With legacy giving, that dream is closer than you think. It costs nothing today, yet it creates a future filled with hope and opportunity. Legacy giving is more than a donation — it’s a legacy that reflects your values and belief in education, shaping lives for generations to come.

On September 30, 2025, HKU Foundation together with social enterprise ForeverGift (遺善最樂) hosted a seminar “人生護身符 —「平安三寶」深度遊” on how legacy giving can make a lasting difference. The session also introduced the Three Instruments of Peace (IOP) — the Will (遺囑), the Enduring Power of Attorney (持久授權書), and the Advance Medical Directive (預設醫療指示). These “three treasures” safeguard loved ones, preserve dignity, and allow your values to live on through thoughtful legacy giving.

Ryanne Lai (黎曉洋), our HKU Law alumna and now the co-founder and Executive Director of Hong Kong’s only legacy-giving social enterprise, ForeverGift, has dedicated her work to helping people turn their values into lasting impact. Through her organisation, she offers will-writing services to the public and champions the mission of promoting legacy giving — because she believes that every story deserves to live on.

At ForeverGift, Ryanne witnesses every moment when individuals sign their wills and listens to the stories behind them. These experiences have shown her the profound importance of having “Three Instruments of Peace” in place. Drawing from real-life cases, she shared heartfelt insights during the seminar.

Dr Patrick Poon, Deputy Chairman of HKU Foundation, shared the profound importance of having the “Three Instruments of Peace” (平安三寶), drawing from his personal experience. He recalled making these arrangements nearly 50 years ago — a decision prompted by a major surgical operation that left him feeling anxious and uncertain about the future. “There’s a saying, he reflected, — The operation is successful, but the patient dies. There is always risk. We often think there’s still time to prepare, but suddenly there isn’t. When serious health conditions strike, the worry can be overwhelming.”

Completing the IOP gave him peace of mind. “You can sleep soundly every night, knowing you and your family are safe.” With that assurance, he found himself living more fully and joyfully, free from the burden of worry.

Professor Yang Wang, HKU Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Institutional Advancement) shared that planned giving is truly a gift that keeps on giving. It empowers anyone to support the University’s future without changing their lifestyle today, and everyone can be a philanthropist.

“It is a powerful way to leave a lasting legacy — one that reflects your belief in education and your connection to the University, ensuring that future generations have the resources to learn, discover, and tackle tomorrow’s challenges.”

Through generosity, each of us can shape lives, ignite dreams, and create a brighter future—long after today.

To make a difference and support HKU via legacy giving, please visit: https://www.forevergift.hk/hku