Media

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) hosted the Unveiling Ceremony of the Memorial Plaque of Dr Kan Lai Bing on 29 July, paying tribute to her remarkable legacy and lifelong contributions to HKU Libraries and the education sector in Hong Kong. The event also celebrated the generous donation of HKD 10 million by Dr Kan’s family, which will support the Fung Ping Shan Library Centenary Development Plan.

The ceremony was officiated by Ms Flora Ng, CIO and University Librarian of HKU; Professor Rosie Young, Honorary Lifetime Chairperson, HKU Foundation and Emeritus Professor of Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, HKU; Dr Aline Wong, Representative of the Kan Family; and attended by distinguished guests including Mr Thomas Tso, Advisor of Our Hong Kong Foundation and Council Member of the Academy of Chinese Studies. Following the unveiling of the memorial plaque was an introduction to the Fung Ping Shan Library Centenary Development Plan, which included the development of an intelligent interdisciplinary search platform for digitised special collections, the integration of special collections into innovative teaching and learning activities, the publication of rare books catalogs, and the creation of collection-based cultural and creative products.

“Dr Kan’s interdisciplinary expertise—spanning natural sciences, library science, and the humanities—is highly valued in academia. This unique background enabled her to address diverse academic resource needs and advance library services across both scientific and humanities fields. On behalf of HKU, I express sincere gratitude to Dr Kan for her outstanding career contributions and to her family for their generous donation to the Fung Ping Shan Library Centenary Development Plan. The University will honour Dr Kan’s vision by enriching resources of our libraries and championing the enduring legacy of Chinese culture. Dr Kan’s contributions transcend innovations in architecture, collections, and technology. She redefined libraries as ‘dynamic learning centres’ and pioneered the concept of information commons in the 1990s. Her user-centric philosophy profoundly influenced the evolution of local libraries. Today’s unveiling of this commemorative plaque serves as a tribute to her legacy, inspiring us to continue advancing in the pursuit of knowledge and service,” said Ms Flora Ng.

Professor Rosie Young recalled her collaboration and friendship with Dr Kan Lai Bing for almost half a century. She praised Dr Kan as a visionary leader of exceptional calibre whose contributions significantly enriched HKU Libraries and the broader academic community. Her family’s donation will further advance the Fung Ping Shan Library’s mission to preserve knowledge and inspire future generations.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Esther Woo
Director of Library Services / Fung Ping Shan Librarian The University of Hong Kong Libraries
Email: esther.woo@hku.hk


About Dr Kan Lai Bing
Dr Kan Lai Bing (1933–2024) was a pioneering figure in Hong Kong’s librarianship, whose six-decade career profoundly shaped academic libraries and library education. Serving as University Librarian at both the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the University of Hong Kong, Dr Kan led transformative modernisation efforts and pioneered formal library training programmes, including the first Certificate Course for Library Assistants in 1964. Honoured with accolades such as the HKSAR Medal of Honour, Dr Kan’s visionary contributions remain foundational to Hong Kong’s library services and education.