A Legacy of Light: Honouring an Extraordinary Ordinary Woman – Madam Mok Sau King
- katerina027
- 12 minutes ago
- 2 min read
On November 3, 2025, The University of Hong Kong (HKU) came together in a moment of reflection and gratitude to honour the late Madam Mok Sau-King (BA 1956; DipEd 1957), whose legacy continues to illuminate the path of education and discovery.
Madam Mok was, in many ways, an “ordinary” woman — modesty, diligence, prudence, filial piety, and quietly devoted to the values she held dear. Yet her impact was extraordinary. Through a generous legacy gift of HK$46.8 million, she has transformed the learning landscape at HKU, leaving behind not just physical facilities, but a living testament to her belief in the power of education.
In recognition of her gift, a teaching facility at the Centennial Campus now bears her name: the Mok Sau King Lecture Hall 莫秀琼講堂. Her generosity also enabled the creation of the Library Innovation Centre, a state-of-the-art space designed to enrich teaching and learning through advanced video recording studios, interactive classrooms, and cutting-edge production equipment. Two named professorships further extend her legacy, supporting academic excellence for generations to come.
Her gift arrived during the uncertain days of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021—a time when resilience and support were needed most. As Professor Yang Wang, HKU Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Institutional Advancement), shared: “Her generosity speaks volumes about her love for education and her enduring connection to HKU.”
Speaking on behalf of the family, Ms Barbara Mok, co-executor of the Estate of Madam Mok Sau King, offered a moving reflection on the true purpose of education. She reminded us that learning is not confined to the transmission of facts, but is rooted in critical thinking, open debate, and the fearless pursuit of truth.
More about Madam Mok Sau-King: https://giving.hku.hk/post/an-extraordinary-ordinary-woman-ms-mok-sau-king
The unveiling of the commemorative plaque was more than a ceremonial gesture—it was a moment of remembrance. A moment to honour a woman whose quiet strength and unwavering belief in education will continue to inspire all who walk these halls.
Following the ceremony, Professor Xin He, Mok Sau King Professor in Law and Chair Professor of Law and Society delivered a distinguished lecture titled “Pressure Versus Punishment: A Model of Tortured Confessions from Evidence in China.”
