‘More than a qualification’: University celebrates ten years in Hong Kong
張貼於： 2026-10-14
The University of the Built Environment has celebrated a decade of its regional presence in Hong Kong, bringing together alumni, students and industry leaders to mark the milestone at a glittering anniversary reception.
The University of the Built Environment has celebrated ten years of delivering education across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region with a special reception in Hong Kong, bringing together leading figures from industry, academia and professional bodies.
Around 70 guests attended the celebration at the Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers on 6 October, including alumni, students and longstanding supporters who have contributed to the University’s growth and development over the past decade.
For Honorary Associate Fellow Perry Ng, the occasion was a reminder that the value of education extends far beyond the classroom:
“For me, the University was never just a place to obtain a qualification. What stayed with me were the people I met, the conversations I had, and the different perspectives I was exposed to along the way. Ten years is an important milestone. As we celebrate tonight, it is also worth looking ahead.”
That sentiment captured the spirit of an evening celebrating the University’s achievements across the Asia-Pacific region, with its Hong Kong office at the heart of its regional operations, and looking towards the future with its flexible, online programmes.
Among those travelling from the UK to mark the occasion were Stephen Bartle, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Commercial); Tim Bennett, Dean (Academic Portfolio and International); Associate Professor Dr Claire Hookham, Head of School of Business and Law; and Professor Samer Bagaeen, Head of School of Planning and Real Estate.
A decade of growth and ambition
Addressing guests, Mr Bartle outlined the University’s ambitions for the region, with industry-focused education, sustainability, innovation and partnership central to its future plans.
“At the University, we believe that innovation in education is not only about technology or delivery methods. It is about how we listen, how we adapt, and how we ensure programmes are genuinely relevant to the places where we teach.”
The evening also offered an opportunity to pay tribute to Gabriel Lee, the University’s Hong Kong Ambassador, who is due to retire at the end of 2026.
With the anniversary reception marking his final major University event, Mr Bartle
thanked Mr Lee for his contribution over the years, as guests joined in recognising his service and wishing him well in retirement.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Ashley Wheaton, who was unable to attend in person, shared a special video message reflecting on the University’s achievements over the past decade. He thanked those who have supported its development and expressed optimism about its future in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.
Celebrating the people behind the milestone
The reception also brought together several of the University’s Honorary Fellows, including Nicholas Brooke GBS JP, Dr Stephen Lai JP, Dr Albert So and Dick Kwok MH, who joined the visiting UK delegation for photographs to commemorate the occasion.
A specially commissioned anniversary cake provided another highlight of the evening, with Mr Bartle joined for the ceremonial cutting by Chris Brooke, Independent Non-Executive Director of Link Asset Management Limited, and CK Lau JP, Managing Director of Colliers International (Hong Kong) Limited.
For many guests, the celebrations were also an opportunity to catch up with former classmates, colleagues and friends, share memories and reflect on the University’s development over the past ten years.
A photographic display charting the past decade, featuring archive images, news coverage and magazine articles, proved a particular talking point. Guests enjoyed revisiting key moments in the University’s history in Hong Kong, with some delighted to recognise themselves in photographs taken years earlier.
Looking ahead to the next decade
There is a well-known saying in Hong Kong: “How many decades are there in a lifetime?” It was a fitting reflection on an anniversary which celebrated both the achievements of the past and the possibilities of the future.
As the University looks towards its next chapter in Hong Kong and across the APAC region, it extends its thanks to the alumni, students, industry partners, professional bodies and supporters who have contributed to its success.
Their support has helped establish a strong foundation for the University’s continued development, with new opportunities for education, collaboration and professional advancement on the horizon.
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See more from the celebrations: Visit the University’s official Instagram, Facebook 及 LinkedIn channels for photographs from the anniversary reception.
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