Endless Dedication: Dr. Patrick Poon’s Lifelong Commitment to HKU

Dr Patrick Poon Sun Cheong, sometimes known as the “Godfather of Insurance,” is not only a pioneer with over 40 years of experience in his field, but also a dedicated supporter and strategic leader of The University of Hong Kong. 

His relationship with HKU spans decades – from his time on campus as a student to serving on multiple councils and committees. Now, as the new Chairman of the HKU Foundation, he’s bringing a leadership philosophy rooted in clarity of purpose, trust, and relentless pursuit of excellence aligned with core values to one of the University’s most important institutions.

A Personal Connection

Dr Poon’s decision to serve as HKU Foundation Chairman was driven by personal relationships and shared aspirations. His support for the university has been steadfast: His generous philanthropic donations include the establishment of the Patrick Poon Actuarial Science Lecture Series, two Patrick S C Poon Endowed Professorships – in Statistics and Actuarial Science, and in Analytics and Innovation – as well as the Patrick Poon Scholarship Programme. 

Furthermore, he joined hands with fellow alumni and friends to support the establishment of Lap-Chee College, holistically advancing the whole-person development of students. 

Reflecting on his journey, he recalls the words of Dr Philip Wong, HKU Foundation’s former chairman, who years ago encouraged him to take on the role. 

Those words resonated deeply, inspiring him to embrace the role last September. His bond with HKU’s current President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Xiang Zhang, offered further incentive. 

“I feel a strong alignment with his values and vision,” Dr Poon says. “We both believe HKU should be a university that not only excels academically but also actively contributes to society.” 

Their shared conviction that HKU must lead in societal impact through innovation, research, and talent development forms the cornerstone of his support. “When I see how Professor Zhang is committed to these goals, I feel we are on the same page,” he says. “That trust is core to my ongoing commitment.”

Clarity of Vision

At the core of D. Poon’s leadership philosophy is a crystal-clear vision. “Success begins with understanding the mission and vision,” he says. Every effort must be aligned with these principles. HKU’s longstanding goal has been to be the best university, both locally and globally. But he challenges its community to ask a fundamental question: “What exactly does ‘Number One’ mean?”

Dr Poon envisions HKU as a pioneer in frontier research – delving into emerging fields such as new materials and health sciences. 

“We need to push the boundaries of knowledge,” he says. “Research that may not have immediate application today could be transformative tomorrow. That’s what sets HKU apart.” 

Guided by its core missions – education, development, and research – he advocates for strategic initiatives that amplify HKU’s societal contributions.  He insists that understanding HKU’s core mission must guide all strategic initiatives, including HKU Foundation’s resource mobilisation efforts.

Strategic Focus

From his extensive experience in the commercial sector, Dr Poon learned that focus, operational discipline, and trust are vital for success. “Once the mission is clear, everything else must serve that purpose,” he states. “We need to work on tactics that are sustainable and concrete.”

Leadership, he emphasises, is not just about vision but also about disciplined execution. “You can’t just be one step ahead; you need to be two or three steps ahead, with a clear plan for each,” he insists. 

Equally important is building a team based on mutual trust. “Trust is the foundation,” Dr Poon says. “We must create a sense of security and belonging –no unnecessary firing, no micromanagement. When people feel valued and trusted, they perform at their best.” 

This leadership style, he believes, fosters resilience, encourages innovation, and cultivates a cohesive culture aligned with HKU’s long-term goals. 

Seizing Opportunities

While ambitious, Dr Poon remains pragmatic about the hurdles ahead. He recognises that the HKU Foundation’s primary role is resource mobilisation—raising funds to support HKU’s research, education, and societal initiatives. “The biggest challenge is sustaining and growing our resources in a competitive environment,” he notes. “Building a trusted brand that donors believe in is crucial.”

He advocates for innovative fundraising strategies – blending traditional events with modern, engaging formats that appeal to younger donors and corporate partners. 

“Donors today seek impact, transparency, and meaningful contributions,” he explains. “We must demonstrate how their support makes a tangible difference.”

Furthermore, Dr Poon sees vast potential in supporting HKU’s frontier research – especially in health, sustainability, and emerging technologies. “The Foundation must be agile and strategic,” he asserts. “Investing in high-impact projects that align with HKU’s mission will shape the future.”

“It’s about creating a sustainable ecosystem that enables HKU to lead in frontier knowledge and societal impact,” he says. 

Leading from Within

Dr Poon’s leadership philosophy is rooted in an inside-out understanding – clarity of purpose, trust, strategic foresight, and societal contribution. His personal journey, from being an alumnus to a committee lead in various councils and committees to leading HKU Foundation now, exemplifies a lifelong commitment to the university’s mission. “Leadership begins from within – by understanding the core purpose and aligning every effort to serve that mission,” he says.

“A true leader is someone who understands deeply from the inside and guides others to do the same,” he concludes.