Brief History
United College was founded in 1956 through the amalgamation of five colleges: Canton Overseas, Kwang Hsia, Wah Kiu, Wen Hua, and Ping Jing College of Accountancy. All five colleges were originally private universities in Canton and its vicinity, having close relations with Hong Kong. In 1957, United College was incorporated under an ordinance with a board of trustees as its governing body.
Dr F I Tseung was the first College President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees. With over 600 students, the main campus of the College was located at 147, Caine Road, Hong Kong.
United College and its forerunners made important contributions to society in providing alternative avenues for the increasing number of secondary school students to further their studies in Hong Kong. In 1957, the Chinese Colleges Joint Council was established with United College, Chung Chi College and New Asia College as members. Dr F I Tseung was the Chairman of the Council, and led the three colleges to strive for degree-awarding status and government financial support for the establishment of a Chinese university. In 1959, United College together with Chung Chi and New Asia, became recognised post-secondary colleges in preparation for the establishment of a new university.
In October 1963, The Chinese University of Hong Kong was inaugurated with United College as one of the three foundation colleges. Apart from resources allocated by the government, the College, with its mission for promoting academic development and serving Hong Kong, received great support from the Hong Kong community and established its own Endowment Fund in 1963. With this it could further develop in teaching, student services and research work, and create close links with renowned international academic institutes.
In December 1971, United College moved to its present campus in Shatin, soaring 7.7 hectares on a 140-metre high hill.
At present, the College has a student population of 2,931, distributed in eight faculties of the University: Arts, Business Administration, Education, Law, Engineering, Medicine, Science and Social Science.
United College will continue its founding commitment to meet the needs of Hong Kong, and to promote the interchange of Chinese and foreign cultures.
Please click here "the 50th Anniversary Logo" for more details about the history of United College.
College Mission
「明德新民」 "Ming De Xin Min"
In elaborating the College motto "Make One's Virtues Shine and Renew the People", United College strives to serve the people of Hong Kong and China and the world through integrative education, pastoral care as well as moral and spiritual enhancement of the young.
Here below would like to share some additional notes from Professor Fung Kwok-pui, the College Head :
" Unswerving in its mission, United College has successfully served our rapidly developing society in an ever-changing world. The College leadership has been instrumental in founding a number of pioneering departments in response to the needs of Hong Kong society. Shining examples include the Department of Social Work in 1964, the Department of Government and Public Administration and the Department of Electronic Engineering in 1970, and the Department of Biochemistry in 1971. Today, these departments continue to spearhead research and innovation in high impact areas like information sciences and biomedical sciences, which have been selected for strategic investment by The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
The theme "Together We Innovate, United We Advance", chosen for the College's 50th Anniversary celebration, reflects our aspirations. It will continue to be our driving force in forging ahead with fresh achievements in the years to come. We earnestly invite you to experience the United College spirit of making one's virtues shine and renewing the people, as a student, teacher, mentor, or a supporter and friend! "
