The University of Nottingham

In what was a historic first for The University of Nottingham, a special ceremony was held in China to admit Hong Kong-born entrepreneur, property developer and philanthropist Dr Chen Tseng Tao OBE to the College of Benefactors.

Dr Chen and his wife, Eva, established the Si Yuan Foundation in 1997 to support projects in scientific research and education.  They have supported a significant number of scholarships at the University of Nottingham, Ningbo, benefiting many students.

The Foundation has also donated £1m to allow the University to build a home for the growing School of Contemporary Chinese Studies, The China Policy Institute and The Nottingham Confucius Institute. The new building will be known as the Si Yuan Centre for Contemporary Chinese Studies.

“Dr Chen has given so much to the economic success of Hong Kong and is a generous supporter of research, development and higher education. He is committed to supporting work to advance the built and social environment, contributing to the advancement of academic and research development,” said Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Internationalisation Professor Christine Ennew.

Image: This photo has been added retrospectively and shows the Si Yuan Centre for Contemporary Chinese Studies at Jubilee Campus.