By Emily Senger
Respected Hong Kong entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr. Henry Fok Ying Tung passed away in Beijing last week.
Fok is well-known on the University of Calgary campus for his donation of $2 million this fall to construct a new residence building for international students and visiting scholars.
Fok’s philanthropy to the Dr. Fok Ying Tung International House is not isolated in Calgary. He has supported many projects around the city including the Chinese Cultural Centre, the Chinese Christian Wing Kei Care Centre, the Calgary Chinese Elderly Citizen’s Association and various Chinese/Canadian cultural exchanges based out of the U of C.
Fok hoped the international house would foster more exchanges and a greater understanding between students from around the world.
“[My father] was very impressed with Calgary, the fastest growing city in Calgary with tons of energy,” said Dr. Fok’s son Ian Fok at the international house groundbreaking ceremony in September. “[He] thought it was a good idea for more international housing to encourage more exchanges.”