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(October 7, 2007 - HONG KONG) The University of Western Ontario (UWO) awards Ken Chu, Vice Chairman of Mission Hills Golf Club, a major player on the world抯 golf stage, Doctor of Laws, honoris causa (LL.D.), as UWO celebrates its third annual convocation in Hong Kong today. Ken Chu is the youngest person being awarded this doctorate in the UWO抯 129 year history; past recipients of the honorary degree include former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and WHO Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Dr. Margaret Chan.
Ken Chu from graduating the UWO in 1996 has actively invested and supported the development of Hong Kong and China抯 sports and recreational industries. Today抯 award recognizes these actions for the significant and far-reaching contributions they have on the social and economic betterment of the region.
Ken Chu currently serves as the Vice Chairman of Mission Hills Group and Mission Hills Golf Club, not to mention his executive commitments as vice chairman and executive director to many China, Hong Kong and other international companies. Over the past 12 years, he has helped Mission Hills Group Chairman, Dr. David Chu in fostering good business relationships between China and Hong Kong by engaging and sharing the dynamic growth of China抯 economy, catalyzing the interaction and collaboration between Hong Kong and Chinese leaders.
From a wasteland, he has created a 216 hole golf club, acclaimed by the Guinness Book of World Records as the World抯 Largest Golf Club, Asia抯 largest Country Club, featuring 51 tennis courts, luxury hotels, international convention and exhibition centre, Best Club Spa, Best Golf and Spa Destination, international residential community as well as other world-class supporting amenities, such as golf academies by the World抯 No.1 men and women抯 golf instructors. Over the years, Ken Chu has assisted Dr. David Chu in every step of this phenomenal development, including the hosting over 50 international events, such as staging the first Tiger Woods visit to China in 2001, to most recently being appointed the home of the Omega Mission Hills World Cup, the 揙lympics of Golf?for an unprecedented 12 years through to 2018 ?rewriting the world history of golf. Following the 10 years reunification of Hong Kong with China, Mission Hills Group has emerged as the leading Hong Kong Corporation, which has made the most successful inroads into China, particularly in the areas of sports and recreation.
A student leader whilst at Western, Ken Chu was the President of the Chinese Students?Association and helped organize many social events. Presently, he is the member of All-China Youth Federation; Vice Chairman of Hong Kong United Youth Exchange Foundation Ltd, as well as Hong Kong United Youth Association. He was also the 25th Anniversary President for the Rotary Club of Hong Kong Northwest and Director for the Tung Wah Group of hospitals 1999/2000. This evidently shows his strong charitable conviction towards social betterment in Hong Kong and China.
During the convocation ceremony, Chancellor Arthur Labatt noted the tremendous opportunity arising from Asia, particularly China. Being an outstanding leader at the UWO, Ken Chu has achieved tremendous success in China. The UWO is aiming to be a global leader in education, and continuously promotes the interaction and collaboration between the East and West. The Chancellor strongly believes that Ken Chu抯 vast experience and international exposure will help to catalyze this exchange.
Over 40 Executive Masters of Business Administration (EMBA), Masters of Business Administration (MBA) graduates from The Richard Ivey School of Business and 30 additional undergraduates from The University of Western Ontario, London Campus received their degrees at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre today at 3 p.m.
The international component of Western抯 290th Convocation will be attended by the University抯
Chancellor Arthur Labatt and President Paul Davenport.
Founded in 1878 by Bishop Isaac Hellmuth and the Anglican Diocese of Huron, The University of
Western Ontario is one of Canada抯 oldest and best universities. The first students graduated in arts and medicine in 1883.
Today, The University of Western Ontario is a vibrant centre of learning with 1,164 faculty members and approximately 33,000 undergraduate and graduate students. With 12 Faculties and Schools, and three affiliated University Colleges, Western offers more than 400 specializations, majors and minors at the undergraduate level. Last year, Dr. Margaret Chan also received this award from Western.
The University is located on 155 hectares of land along the banks of the Thames River in London,
Canada ?a thriving city of more than 400,000 people, 200 kilometres west of Toront |