Latest News

THE FIRST FUNDRAISING GALA DINNER BY SPC FOUNDATION WAS HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL IN BRINGING TOGETHER THE UNIVERSE OF THE SPC COMMUNITY FOR AN EVENT THAT COULD BECOME AN ANNUAL OCCURRENCE

Held on March 11, 2024 at the M+ Museum at the Kowloon Harborfront, the SPC Foundation Gala Dinner was attended by more than 140 SPC alumni and their VIP guests for an evening of enjoyment and raised more than HK$3 million towards the School Enhancement Project.

EXQUISITE VENUE & CULTURAL ENTERTAINMENT

Attendees arriving at the M+ atrium were serenaded by our talented SPC String Quartet accompanied by served drinks before being guided to an exclusive private viewing of the special “Madame Song: Pioneering Art & Fashion in China” and other beautifully curated exhibits at the museum.

RECEPTION & WELCOME SPEECH BY DR. IAN CHAN YAU NAM ‘67

Alumni and guests mingled at the cocktail reception and posed for photographs with long-time friends, former teachers and school dignitaries. At the start of the dinner, Dr. Ian Chan ’67, Vice-Chairman of the Foundation and Convenor of the Fundraising Committee, gave an uplifting speech regarding the role of SPC Foundation in supporting the school’s education services and facilities.  He envisaged that this Gala Dinner will be the inaugural event intended to become an annual tradition to raise funds to support the future development of the school. Dr. Chan then introduced the SPC brand video which highlighted the SPC spirit of pioneering and inclusiveness, and that we nurture our students to serve and lead to make a difference in the world.

SUMPTIOUS DINNER & CREATIVE MENU

Fourteen tables of attendees (comprising two Grand Sponsorships and twelve VIP Sponsorships) enjoyed a sumptuous 6-course dinner with a creative menu combining Chinese, Western & Japanese signature dishes from the renowned chefs and restaurants of the Grand Hyatt Hotel. Many guests praised the high quality and impressive mix of delicious food which was complemented by a selection of fine wines.

EXCITING GAMES STIRRED ROUSING PARTICIPATION

Part way through the dinner, there was a game of “stone, paper, scissors” in which all attendees participated. The game continued for multiple rounds among the guests seated at each table, resulting in the emergence of a winner who advanced to the stage to compete for the championship.  There were a lot of excited shouts and clapping, tinged with a bit of confusion and chaos. But there was plenty of laughter and everyone had a good time, and HK$50,000 was raised!

SINGING PERFORMANCES BY SPECIAL GUESTS

Another highlight of the evening was singing performances by special guests sponsored by donations from the attendees. The first to sing was Louise Kwong, a famous soprano and recipient of the Ten Outstanding Young Persons Award in 2019. She gave a soaring rendition of "Mio Babbino Caro" and won enthusiastic applause from attendees.

Next in line was a rare performance of Cantonese opera "禪院鐘聲" by the Honourable Mr. Tsang Yok Sing '63 who was the ex-President of Legislative Council. Before he sang, he recounted how he struggled to choose a sad song sung by a monk over a sad song sung by a beggar, which evoked from the audience some laughter as well as appreciation for his efforts to contribute to the evening.

The third singer was Richard Pang ‘72, who gave a powerful performance of “You Raise Me Up” and “中國夢” . He was sponsored by his classmates from those who attended the dinner and overseas, showing the true spirit of years of brotherhood.

Together, the three performances raised a total of HK$345,000 and will undoubtedly become an important element of future gala dinners by the Foundation.

AUCTION OF DONATED ITEMS RECEIVED ENTHUSIASTIC BIDDING

Led on by two lively MC’s (an alumnus, Chris Chan ’05, and Jacqueline Pang, wife of a ’78 alumnus), the auction of unique items donated by alumnus, Mr. Samuel Wan ‘69, and a former teacher, Mr. Chan Kai Hung, as well as the school, generated thrilling rounds of bidding and kept the attendees in anticipation, suspense and cheering. Several scrolls of calligraphy by Mr. Chan Kai Hung and a bottle of Whisky from Ms. Lau Kwai Ming Josephine were hotly contested by bidders, no doubt an indication of the fond memories of the students who studied under him.

The climax of the auction was for the framed rubbing of the original plaque of “聖保羅書院” from our early campus at Glenealy in 1870s. Our principal Mr. Dennis Yuen gave a short explanation of the history of the plaque and the meticulous rubbing made by a trained preservationist who was the parent of a student. The bidding for this artefact went up quickly from a starting price of HK$80,000 to a surprise final winning bid of HK$300,000 by Mrs. Angela Yeung. It was an emotional moment for everyone when she presented the framed rubbing to The Rt Revd Matthias Der to honour his grandfather, 謝伯昌 (year of 1920). 

Thanks to the donors of the auctioned items, the skillful MC’s and the generous bidders, the auction was a great success in raising more than HK$500,000 setting a high bar for this event in future years.

MOVING CLOSING OF EVENT WITH APPRECIATION SPEECH BY PRINCIPAL DENNIS YUEN AND SINGING OF SCHOOL SONG LED BY ALUMNI CHOIR

Principal Dennis Yuen gave a closing speech thanking all donors, sponsors, workers and attendees, and looked forward to even greater participation by all SPC constituents for this annual event for years to come.

The Alumni Choir then took the stage and led the singing of the School Song for a moving close of the Gala Dinner. 

As we all stood up and sang and came to “All for each and each for all”, there was palpable emotion among the attendees feeling the pride in our heritage and bonds of brotherhood over the years. 

GALA DINNER ORGANISING COMMITTEE

SPC Foundation Vice Chairman
Dr. Chan Yau Nam, Ian, Class of 1967

SPC Foundation Event Committee Convenor
Prof. Lau Chun Hon, Anthony, Class of 1978

SPC Foundation Capital & Endowment Gift Committee
Mr. Lau Man Fong, Julian, Class of 1975
Dr. Yuen Wai Key, Class of 1975
Dr. Cua Tin Yin, Simon, Class of 1980
Mr. Chan Hang Chak, Chris, Class of 2005

SPC Foundation PR & Communication Committee
Dr. Fung Shing Kwong, Class of 1963

VIDEO OF EVENING HIGHLIGHTS 

(Click on link t