(25 September 2024)

Sunwah – On the evening of 25 September 2024, Dr. Jonathan Choi, Chairman of Sunwah Group, Chairman of the Sunwah Foundation, and Chairman of the Jonathan KS Choi Foundation, hosted the 10th Anniversary celebration dinner for the Sunwah Global Young Leaders Network in Hong Kong. Among the attendees were Hong Kong’s Under Secretary for Education Mr. Jeff Sze, Vietnamese Consul General in Hong Kong and Macau Ms. Le Duc Hanh, Sunwah Group’s Legal Director Mrs. Janice Choi, Sunwah Group Director and President of Sunwah Group in Greater Bay Area and Southwest Region, and Chairman of the Nansha Sunwah Global Youth Innovation Center Mr Jason Choi, Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) President Prof. Teng Jin-guang, PolyU Knowledge Transfer Committee Chairman Ir. Arthur Lee, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) Prof. Christopher Chao, Director of the China Institute at the University of Alberta Prof Philippe Rheault and representatives from the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Cyberport, City University of Hong Kong, University of Macau, together with members from Sunwah Global Young Leaders Network chapters around the world.

Dr Jonathan Choi, Chairman of Sunwah Group, Chairman of the Sunwah Foundation, and Chairman of the Jonathan KS Choi Foundation and distinguished guests together with Sunwah GYLN members from various Chapters at the Sunwah GYLN’s 10th Anniversary Dinner in Hong Kong

During the dinner, Mr Jason Choi delivered a welcoming speech, emphasizing that: “Since its establishment in 2014, the Sunwah Global Young Leaders Network has been dedicated to providing an international platform for young leaders around the world to broaden their global outlook, enhance their leadership skills, and strengthen their commitment to public service. Sunwah’s collaboration with numerous universities globally has enabled us to select top students from partner institutions to participate in the Sunwah GYLN. Additionally, we have established the Jonathan KS Choi Cultural Centers and Sunwah Innovation Centers worldwide to empower these young leaders with the resources necessary to foster cultural exchange, innovation, and international connections. With 11 Chapters spanning Hong Kong, Macao, mainland China, Vietnam, Cambodia, the USA, the UK, Canada, Japan, and more to come, the network continues to expand and thrive”. The network has always been committed to encouraging youth innovation. Last year, Sunwah invited all 11 chapters to participate in an innovation competition, a global challenge calling for breakthrough ideas through innovation and entrepreneurship to address urgent social issues. This dinner coincided with the innovation journey of the top 5 winning teams, who visited Hong Kong on September 24 and 25 and will travel to Seoul, South Korea, from 26 to 28 September. During the visit, they will meet and learn from innovation and entrepreneurship experts, mentors, and startups, gaining more knowledge and training in the field of innovation. 

Mr Jason Choi, Regional Director of Sunwah Group in Greater Bay Area and Southwest China, and Chairman of the Nansha Sunwah Global Youth Innovation Center, delivered the opening speech

In his speech at the dinner, Prof. Philippe Rheault, Dean of the China Institute at the University of Alberta, highly praised Sunwah and the Sunwah Foundation for their contributions to education, innovation, and youth development. He also emphasized the longstanding partnership between Sunwah and the University of Alberta, which has successfully implemented meaningful projects such as the establishment of the Jonathan KS Choi Cultural Centre in Canada, youth leadership training, and environmental education. He expressed confidence that both parties will deepen their cooperation across broader fields in the future.

Prof. Philippe Rheault, Director of the China Institute at the University of Alberta, spoke at the Dinner

During the dinner, Sunwah Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hong Kong Polytechnic University to further foster cooperation in education, innovation, technology, startups, research, and knowledge transfer in the Greater Bay Area, Vietnam, and Southeast Asia. PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) Prof. Christopher Chao emphasized in his speech that the MoU is not just a document but a testament to our shared vision and common interests. Both of us are deeply invested in promoting education, innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship. By leveraging Sunwah Group’s extensive network and PolyU’s academic resources, we are setting the stage for a transformative partnership that will benefit PolyU students, faculty, startups, and the broader community.

Prof. Christopher Chao, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) delivered his speech at the Dinner

MOU Signing Ceremony between Sunwah Innovations and Hong Kong PolyU

Representatives from Sunwah Global Young Leaders Network chapters worldwide, including Chang Shuai, Chairman of the China Chapter, Ryoya Iwata from the Japan Chapter, and Sharon Ho, Chairwoman of the Hong Kong Chapter, expressed their deep gratitude to Sunwah Group and Dr. Jonathan Choi in their speeches. The Sunwah Global Young Leaders Network not only trains young leaders and nurtures outstanding young people worldwide to become successful professionals in various fields – ranging from government officials, professors, entrepreneurs, lawyers, accountants, and educators to social workers – but also builds lifelong friendships that transcend nations and cultures. These young leaders will carry the Sunwah spirit and shine in their respective fields, contributing to a better future. 

Chang Shuai, Chairman of the China Chapter of the Global Young Leaders Network presented Dr. Jonathan Choi with a replica of the congratulatory letter written by Academician Qian Weichang 

Chang Shuai, Chairman of the China Chapter of the Global Young Leaders Network, who also works in academic research, presented Dr. Jonathan Choi with a replica of the congratulatory letter written by Academician Qian Weichang during the first Chinese Academy of Sciences Honorary Awards Ceremony in 1995. Dr. Choi was deeply moved and shared a nearly 30-year-old story. In 1995, after witnessing the challenging conditions of the elderly scientists, he donated to establish the Chinese Academy of Sciences Honorary Foundation to support academicians over the age of 80. Qian Weichang, the youngest academician to receive the Award present at the time, sent this congratulatory letter, marking the beginning of a profound friendship with Dr. Choi. Dr. Choi also expressed high hopes for the young leaders, encouraging them to continue to demonstrate the courage and innovation of youth and to realize more meaningful projects.

Dr Jonathan Choi and member of Sunwah GYLN from various countries and regions