The Wu Jieh Yee Arboriculture Education and Research Centre Opening Ceremony cum Establishment of Professor Li Ning Hon Memorial Endowment Fund was held on 10 September at the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi). This ceremony marks a significant milestone in the Institution’s commitment to advancing education and research in both arboriculture and Chinese medicine. The ceremony was attended by the Governors of the Wu Jieh Yee Charitable Foundation, including Mr Jason WU, Mr Victor CHAN, Ms Monica WU, and Ms Tansy LAU.
First lndoor Arboriculture Centre in Hong Kong’s Tertiary Institutions
Dr YIP Chung Yin, Daniel, BBS, JP, Vice Chairman of THEi Board of Governors; Ms NGAN Shuk Yin, Winnie, Deputy Executive Director, VTC; along with Prof LAU Kin Tak, Alan, President of THEi, expressed their gratitude for the generous donation from the Wu Jieh Yee Charitable Foundation. This donation will support the establishment of the “Arboricultural Research Base for Learning and Exploration (ARBLE)” project, which features the first indoor education and research centre for arboriculture among Hong Kong’s tertiary institutions. The Centre, named the “Wu Jieh Yee Arboriculture Education and Research Centre,” is located at THEi’s Chai Wan Campus. It features a 10-meter-tall artificial tree constructed from over 50 meters of steel and covered with camphor solid wood. The team integrated elements of architectural aesthetics and structural safety, ensuring that the climbing experience is realistic and compliant with local building regulations. In addition, the Centre is equipped with AR/VR learning tools and safety devices, providing comprehensive training facilities for THEi students and industry professionals.
Prof Alan LAU, President of THEi, stated that the Hong Kong SAR Government (the Government) is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Trees, as urban carbon sinks, are crucial for sustainable development. As the first and only institution in Hong Kong offering a locally accredited Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Horticulture, Arboriculture and Landscape Management, he believes that the new facility will help cultivate interdisciplinary talents to address climate change and promote urban forestry and tree management.
Mr Jason WU, Governor of the Wu Jieh Yee Charitable Foundation, stated that by supporting THEi’s vocational and professional education and training, including arboriculture and traditional Chinese medicine development, they nurture young students who aspire to excel in these fields. He emphasised that this support promotes innovation and progress in vocational education, encouraging students to become talented individuals with both professional skills and a practical spirit.
In addition, the Centre will emphasise public education and conduct research on arboriculture and tree climbing. This research will focus on accident prevention, climbing techniques, and aerial rescue, all aimed at enhancing the expertise and skills of professionals in the field. Furthermore, green scholarships with be established to recognise exceptional students in relevant programmes who aspire to pursue careers in the industry.
Cultivating Arboriculture Professionals to Address Extreme Weather
The frequency of tree collapses has increased due to extreme weather and typhoons, underscoring the growing need for systematic tree management and planning. According to the Government data from 2024, around 1,550 tree management personnel are responsible for caring for nearly 1.6 million trees across Hong Kong.
Dr ZHANG Hao, Allen, Programme Leader for the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Horticulture, Arboriculture and Landscape Management, believes that graduates can help meet the increasing demand for professionals such as arborists and tree risk assessors, ensuring both public safety and the sustainable management of urban trees.
Establishment of Scholarships for the Bachelor of Chinese Medicine Pharmacy: Promoting Chinese Medicine Research and Development
Additionally, with support from the Wu Jieh Yee Charitable Foundation, the Institution held a ceremony for the establishment of Professor Li Ning Hon Memorial Endowment Fund on the same day. This fund provides donations to THEi for setting up scholarships for the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Chinese Medicinal Pharmacy and for conducting research projects in traditional Chinese medicine. The fund honours the late Professor Li Ning Hon for his significant contributions, including his influence on academic research, the establishment of a legal framework for Chinese medicine, and talent cultivation. It aims to inspire a new generation of students to uphold his principles of rigorous academic approach and benevolence, encouraging them to actively engage in the field and foster innovation, thereby preserving the culture of Chinese medicine.
Prof AU Ching Tung, Dawn, Li Ning Hon Endowed Professor in Chinese Medicine and Programme Leader for the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Chinese Medicine Pharmacy, stated that students will have the opportunity to participate in the Chinese medicinal plant research programmes held in the mainland or overseas through this funding. This initiative aims to nurture the next generation of professionals and promote international development in the discipline.
Photo Caption: Group photo of plaque unveiling ceremony for Wu Jieh Yee Arboriculture Education & Research Centre. (From left) Prof Paul TSANG Wai-kei, Vice President (Academic), THEi; Ms NGAN Shuk Yin, Winnie, Deputy Executive Director, VTC; Mr Brian CHENG, Chairman of HK Greening Contractors Association, Dr NG Tsz Kwun, Kathy, Head of Greening, Landscape and Tree Management Section, Development Bureau; Prof LAU Kin Tak, Alan, THEi President; Mr Jason WU, Mr Victor CHAN, Ms Tansy LAU and Ms Monica WU, Governors of the Wu Jieh Yee Charitable Foundation; Mr CHU Lok Sang, Antonio, VIP Guest.
