U.S. Consulate General Press Releases (2007)

INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION CELEBRATES ITS 40^th ANNIVERSARY IN HONG KONG

News Release
March 20, 2007
Tuesday

Hong Kong, China — The Institute of International Education (IIE) celebrated the 40^th anniversary of its Hong Kong office with a private reception hosted by U.S. Consul General James B. Cunningham on March 15, 2007.

Many friends and colleagues of IIE and international education shared the special occasion to celebrate the 40^th anniversary of our Hong Kong office, as well as to honor two members of the IIE/Hong Kong Advisory Committee: the Reverend Raymond C. Lee, Chairman, Oasis Airlines; and Dr. Rosanna Wong, DBE, JP, Executive Director, Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, for their significant contribution to and support of international education.

Consul General Cunningham noted, "In partnership with the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong, IIE's services send an important message to the Hong Kong and South China community that America actively welcomes international students and scholars to come to our country to pursue their educational dreams."

Dr. Allan E. Goodman, IIE's President and Chief Executive Officer, also remarked: "The Institute's office here has been a steady part of Hong Kong's engagement with the world. Begun as a small volunteer operation – initially aided by the Reverend Lee's mother – to help students find scholarships in America, we have touched the lives of many of your leaders in commerce, academia, and public administration." He also added: "I would like to thank all here who serve and have served in our office and in our partnership with the Public Affairs Section [of the U.S. Consulate General]. The American brand of international education is especially about giving people chances and about the diversity of the open doors that our higher education represents." Katherine Fung-Surya, Director of the IIE Hong Kong office, also acknowledged the achievements of past IIE scholarship recipients, who had received awards to study in American universities. Among the several IIE scholarship alumni present was Prof. KC Chan, Dean and Chair Professor of Finance, Hong Kong University of Science & Technology - Business School (1975 scholarship to Wesleyan University), who stressed the importance of liberal arts education and the influence his own experience at Wesleyan had on his own life.

Other highlights of the reception included a musical performance by three talented artists with special ties to the U.S.: violinist Ms. Chui Tan Lee and pianist Ms. Souhon Cheung (both alumnae of the Juilliard School), as well as 10-year-old violinist Ms. Yumi Chan, who is due to begin her studies at the New England Conservatory in Boston this fall.

IIE's office in Hong Kong, established in 1967 with support from the U.S. State Department, has provided Hong Kong students with information about study opportunities in the United States for 40 years. It administers awards, scholarships and training programs for foundations and corporations, as well as providing education advising services to students and advising centers in Macau and throughout mainland China.

For more information, please contact:
Maria Luk, Program Officer
Tel: 2603 5771 ext. 105
E-mail: mluk@iiehongkong.org

Photos of the event

About the Institute of International Education

Founded in 1919 as an independent, non-profit organization, IIE is a trusted resource for educators and institutions worldwide. Its mission is to:

• promote closer educational relations between the people of the United States and other countries; increase the number of students, scholars and professionals who have the opportunity to study, teach, and conduct research outside of their own country;
• strengthen and internationalize institutions of higher learning throughout the world;
• rescue scholars and promote academic freedom around the world;
• foster sustainable development through training programs in energy, environment, business management, and leadership development;
• partner with corporations, foundations, and governments in finding and developing people able to think and work on a global basis.
• Sponsors of IIE's 250 programs worldwide include the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the World Bank, major philanthropic foundations, private and public corporations, several foreign governments, and individuals. Nearly 4,000 men and women from the United States and 14,000 from 175 countries study, conduct research, receive practical training, or provide technical assistance through these programs.

For more information, please visit www.iie.org and www.iiehongkong.org.

Photo Gallery

Hong Kong-America Center Director Dr. Glenn Shive and IIE Hong Kong Director Katherine Fung-Surya in discussion at the IIE Hong Kong 40th Anniversary Reception.

U.S. Consul General James B. Cunningham welcomes IIE Direct Placement Scholarship Program alumni Angelina Au, Jenna Ko and Betty Chiu to his residence.

IIE President and CEO Allan E. Goodman visits with guests, including American Chamber of Commerce President Jack Maisano.

Violinists Chui Tan Lee and Yumi Chan perform for guests at the IIE Hong Kong 40th Anniversary Reception.

Photo of IIE Direct Placement Scholarship Program alumni (from left to right): • Ms. Betty Chiu, Financial Controller, Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd. (1976 awardee, Randolph-Macon Woman’s College) • Prof. Stephen Chan, Dept. of Computing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University (1975 awardee, University of Rochester) • Dr. Angelina Au, Senior Music Officer (Musicianship/Training Support), Music Office, Leisure & Cultural Services Department, HKSAR (1976 awardee, Hollins College) • Dr/Prof. Wallace Leung, Chair Professor of Innovative Products & Technologies, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering and Director of Research Institute of Innovative Products and Technologies, Hong Kong Polytechnic University (1974 awardee, Cornell University) • Ms. Jenna Ko, Vice President--Investments, Fortis Wealth Management Hong Kong Ltd. (1978 awardee, Hamilton College) • Dr. Allan E. Goodman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Institute of International Education • Consul General James B. Cunningham, Consul General of the United States of America • Ms. Katherine Fung-Surya, Director, Institute of International Education/Hong Kong • Dr. Terry Au, Chair Professor of Psychology, the University of Hong Kong (1978 awardee, Harvard-Radcliffe College) • Prof. KC Chan, JP, Dean and Chair Professor of Finance, Hong Kong University of Science & Technology -- Business School (1975 awardee, Wesleyan University)