Having experienced the turmoil of war in his youth and entering society at an early age, Mr. Li Ka-shing understands the importance of medical care and the power of knowledge. He also believes that nothing is more meaningful than helping the needy and that the strength of a nation is dependent on the quality of its education and healthcare. Hoping to contribute to his adopted home and his motherland, Mr. Li spent more and more time and resources on charitable projects that benefit education and healthcare in Hong Kong and the mainland as his business prospered. In 1980, Mr. Li set up the Li Ka Shing Foundation as a way to distribute donation funds to charities more systematically. Since then, over HK$4.5 billion have been donated.
Education is pivotal to a nation's development. The only way to maintain long-term economic growth and social progress is to strengthen education and develop new technologies. The lion's share of the Foundation's funds goes toward improving education. Major programs and projects include:
Founded in 1981, Shantou University is the only general university in the Chaozhou-Shantou area, which boasts a population of 10 million. The University, with 7,000 registered students, its own medical college and five affiliated teaching hospitals, is a key project for the Foundation. The University has been short-listed as a candidate for China's "Project 211", whose goal is to identify 100 key Chinese universities for the 21st century. Permission to conduct doctoral programs was granted in 1998. Donation amount: HK$2 billion.
In support of the Chinese Government's objective to promote national prosperity through science and education, the Foundation established The Cheung Kong Scholars Programme in collaboration with China's Ministry of Education. The Programme's two main initiative--The Cheung Kong Achievement Award and the engagement of specially appointed professors--recognize outstanding Chinese scholars and encourage them to return to China. Donation amount: HK$70 million
With the Foundation's financing, this Research Centre will become the focal point of information technology development in China and also help raise the country's IT competitiveness in the 21st century. The Internet 2 will have broad applications in areas such as medical care, national security, distance learning, and crisis management. Donation amount: US$10 million
In support of the Chinese Government's call to develop northwestern China, the Foundation has joined hands with the Ministry of Education to train local talents and to promote education with the help of advanced technology. Particularly noteworthy are a project named STAND-Satellite Transmission Advance Network for Distance learning, and a project that connects tertiary institutions in these provinces through a central server and gives them access to the China Education and Research Network. Donation amount: HK$300 million
The Foundation is a keen supporter of HKU, the oldest tertiary institution in Hong Kong. The most significant of these contributions are the Chong Yuet Ming Buildings, dedicated to the memory of Mr. Li's late beloved wife. The Buildings constitute one of the largest of the University's developments. Donation amount: HK$35 million.
It was founded as one of the first prevocational schools in Hong Kong. It became a secondary school after its redevelopment and is now equipped with a language learning centre and an IT learning centre.
The Foundation helped finance the purchase of a 33,286 sq. ft. office space at Shun Tak Centre to expand OUHK's facilities on Hong Kong Island. Up to 22% of OUHK's space needs for tutorials and lectures are met by this project alone. Donation amount: HK$44 million.
The Foundation donated HK$100 million to support the University's further development. This donation, which is the largest personal donation ever received by Hong Kong Polytechnic University, will also support PolyU's efforts to provide better quality service support to the private sector, including training, research and development, and professional consultation.
The Foundation sponsored 1,000 local students to travel in small groups to the mainland, Southeast Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia to experience different cultures and customs. The Tours focused on environmental protection and new technologies. Donation amount: HK$10 million
As the most prominent architecture on campus, the Technology Building is 56 metres tall and boasts a total floor area of 31,000 sq. m. This project is one of 50 major developments in Beijing and is destined to become the centre for scientific research at Beijing Polytechnic University.
Medical care is not just a basic necessity; improving the quality of healthcare services provides a foundation for social progress. Major projects in this area supported by the Foundation include:
With four affiliated hospitals and a total of 1,700 sickbeds, the STUMC boasts 1,500 students and a complement of medical equipment that meets international standards. The STUMC is the focal point of the Foundation's drive toward improving medical and healthcare services in the mainland. Besides training medical professionals and providing healthcare services for the region, the STUMC has pioneered hospice services, large-scale medical aid for the poor, established a Joint Eye Centre with the Chinese University of Hong Kong. The STUMC continues to work with other mainland, Hong Kong and overseas medical institutions in the hope of achieving a breakthrough in medical research.
The Foundation donated over HK$200 million helping 1 million cataract sufferers to receive treatment for their condition. The donation also helped 30 provinces and autonomous regions build facilities for handicapped persons and to provide prevention, treatment and rehabilitation services for mentally handicapped and polio patients. Other projects to provide artificial limbs for 70,000 labourers, training for teachers of hearing-impaired children, and schooling for blind children in western China.
Supports the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College in providing medical aid for the poor and hospice services since 1998. Promotes hospice services at 20 major hospitals around the country beginning in 2001. Donation Amount: HK$20 million per year.
The Foundation has contributed HK$137 million to finance the construction of five homes for the elderly in Hong Kong:
As the teaching hospital of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Prince of Wales Hospital serves the public with advanced medical facilities. The LKS Specialists Clinics boasts the latest equipment and is dedicated to serving the growing population in the New Territories. Donation amount: HK$51 million.
Co-organized by the Hong Kong Hospital Authority, this programme aims to increase the public’s awareness of Hong Kong’s six biggest killer diseases by offering free clinical testing and holding special exhibitions and outreach programmes, thereby minimizing their prevalence and lowering the death rate that results from these illnesses. Our goal is to raise society’s health awareness through outreach programmes, strategic promotions, and community resources so that everyone can benefit from a healthier life. Donation amount: HK$10 million.
The Foundation also supports the promotion of Chinese culture, the preservation and restoration of cultural relics, cultural exchanges, as well as the arts and sport.
Mainland China Hong Kong
When major floods and other natural disasters hit the mainland, the Foundation is always ready to contribute to relief efforts. The Foundation offers direct funding for meaningful and innovative projects as well as sponsorship of events and activities held by community, business, and environmental protection groups.
Mainland China Hong Kong