Across Campuses, Across Generations: The Shaw Foundation’s Educational Footprint in Hong Kong

The Foundation’s contributions to local education date back to the 1970’s, a time when higher education in Hong Kong was limited and under-resourced. We prioritise higher education and the vital role this plays for national development. Over the decades, we have contributed to each of the major universities in Hong Kong.

The University of Hong Kong

The Shaw Foundation’s relationship with The University of Hong Kong began in 1979 and has flourished steadily over the past four decades. Among our most meaningful contributions is the Run Run Shaw Tower at the Centennial Campus — a modern, thoughtfully-designed building that opened in 2012 to house the Faculty of Arts. Nearby, the Run Run Shaw Heritage House accommodates the Hong Kong University Press and the Society of Fellows in the Humanities. Together with the Shaws Buildings on the Main Campus, these spaces reflect a shared commitment to education and culture. In 2014, in recognition of the Foundation’s ongoing support, the Faculty of Arts established the Run Run Shaw Scholarships.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

As a neighbour and partner in the Sai Kung district, the Foundation has been dedicated to supporting The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) since its inception. The architecturally stunning Shaw Auditorium and the adjacent Mona Shaw Plaza serve as cultural landmarks at HKUST, fostering a vibrant and dynamic arts scene on campus. More recently, the Foundation donated a piece of land in Clear Water Bay for campus extension and the promotion of STEAM education.

Hong Kong Baptist University

In the 1980’s, the Shaw Foundation made a donation to the Hong Kong Baptist College to support the development of Hong Kong’s first film school. As the college grew, the existing facilities became inadequate and a new campus was planned. The Foundation then also funded this development at Renfrew Road, Kowloon Tong — The Shaw Campus. The institution gained university status and was renamed Hong Kong Baptist University in 1994. Occupying approximately 16,385 square metres, the Shaw Campus features state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, and activity spaces designed to serve up to 4,000 students. Sir Run Run Shaw was appointed Honorary Trustee of the Hong Kong Baptist University Foundation in 2009.

City University of Hong Kong

In pursuing Hong Kong’s vision as Asia’s creative hub, the Shaw Foundation funded the construction of the Run Run Shaw Creative Media Centre at City University of Hong Kong, a striking architectural statement by celebrated architect Daniel Libeskind. The School is dedicated to nurturing future generations of creatives and professionals in new media.

The Run Run Shaw Library also plays a central role in academic life, offering around 2,700 seats and housing over 1 million printed books and more than 2 million e-books. The Library fosters a dynamic learning environment and provides seamless access to diverse, high-quality resources.

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

The Shaw Foundation funded the construction of two notable buildings on the campus in the 1980’s to provide students with access to amenities and sports facilities that would enhance their learning experience: Shaw Amenities Building and Shaw Sports Complex. In 2023, the Foundation took another step forward to initiate “Shaw STEAMS for Good” — a new programme designed to promote innovation, creativity, and critical thinking among students and empower teachers.

Hong Kong Shue Yan University

As the first private tertiary institution in Hong Kong, Shue Yan College (later renamed Hong Kong Shue Yan University) received strong support from the Shaw Foundation to enhance its development and provide more opportunities for students to access higher education. In 1974, a donation was made to fund the construction of the Lady Lily Shaw Hall, which has since served as a key venue for lectures and large-scale events. The Foundation has continued to support its maintenance and upgrades over the years, ensuring it remains a valuable asset to the University.