HKU establishes compassion-based College with HK$100 million donation from The D. H. Chen Foundation

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) will establish a student residential college dedicated to sharing compassionate-based values and philosophy rooted in Buddhism with a generous donation of HK$100M from The D. H. Chen Foundation (the Foundation). Both the University and the Foundation are excited about this new endeavour of the D. H. Chen College (陳廷驊學院), the first of its kind on the HKU campus.

Embracing the Foundation’s aim of building a compassionate society and promoting compassion-based values, this College will create a focal point for young people to explore and experience the Buddhist values of compassion, selflessness, peace and mindfulness.

The College is scheduled to open in September 2023, providing 300 hostel places for local as well as international undergraduate students. Special features include a college hall for high tables and large scale events, a meditation room and outdoor gardens with serene zen spaces for quiet and mindfulness activities. The College will be one of the four student residences at a new Student Village in Wong Chuk Hang.

The President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Xiang Zhang said, “The University is most grateful for the Foundation’s partnership in establishing the D.H. Chen College. The emphasis on compassion will have a unique place in the University’s residential education, as different halls and colleges all are marked with their distinct styles, traditions and goals. The University’s Centre of Buddhist Studies was established more than 20 years ago and is known for its academic excellence. Now the College will amplify this community impact by sharing the practices of the Buddhist philosophy with younger generations.”

A special event will be organised in late June, 2022 to celebrate the establishment of the College.