For 45 years, HSUHK has been committed to erudition and perseverance. Throughout its journey from Hang Seng School of Commerce (HSSC), to Hang Seng Management College (HSMC) and finally to the present-day HSUHK, every document and manuscript serves as a testament to the University’s growth and development. To preserve and chronicle nearly half a century of the University’s history, the HSUHK Library established the University Archives and Special Collections Section in March 2024. Mr Michael Cheng, University Librarian, and Ms Alice Yue, University Archivist, are undertaking the crucial task of protecting HSUHK’s precious history.
Documents and historical records are stored in archives. Since the inception of HSUHK, countless documents — whether related to teaching and learning, administration or academic papers — have been produced. In preparation for the establishment of the University History Concourse, the University Archives and Special Collections Section plans to collect historical artifacts from the University’s beginning up to the present day for display purposes. However, manuscripts from the early years of HSSC were not systematically preserved, and their ownership is scattered across various stakeholders. Fortunately, through the University’s efforts and contributions from donors, some manuscripts from past years — such as curriculum guides, admission application forms, old photographs and government correspondence — can be displayed publicly.
Historical artifacts, records, and documents will continue to grow in number as the University continues to thrive. Which ones are worthy of long-term storage, and how should they be stored and managed? Mr Cheng explained that the University Archives prioritises digitalisation as the primary approach, to align with the University’s future development, and the current era is defined by digitalisation. “For example, some materials from the University History Concourse were already in digital format when they reached us. Additionally, the University consistently produces a large volume of administrative and academic documents. Therefore, digital management is the way forward,” he said. “We have also established a university archives policy with a framework to systematically manage the University’s historical records. This initiative supports teaching, learning, and research, as well as administrative work for the University’s future development.”
Chronicling the passion of our founders
Facets of bygone times shone through past manuscripts of HSUHK as they were sorted, and records showed the founders’ passion for education, touching the hearts of the duo most deeply. Mr Cheng said, “As we traced documents, we learned how the University founders conceived the idea of establishing an educational institution, put it into action, and implemented it from the 1960s to the 80s. Despite stock market crashes and turmoil in the banking industry at the time, they remained determined to bring a school to life. Such passion for education is inspiring.” Ms Yue added, “The HSSC curriculum guide showed that, besides business-related subjects, cross-disciplinary subjects such as Putonghua, computer studies and Asian studies were also included. From today’s perspective, the curriculum’s design was truly forward-looking and aligned with the University’s current ‘Liberal + Professional’ educational model.”
The University Archives and Special Collections Section and the Advancement and Alumni Affairs Office are collaborating to call for donations or sharing of memorabilia from alumni through various channels. Ms Yue said, “Some alumni responded with great enthusiasm when they learned about the initiative. They were eager to donate programmes from past graduation ceremonies or other cherished memorabilia from their collections. This demonstrates their strong emotional attachment to their alma mater and their sense of belonging. Since these memorabilia are part of their treasured memories, the best way to balance the need for display and preserving their collections, is to use technologies such as 3D scanning to create records for the University Archives.”
Preserving the University’s history
As part of HSUHK, the University Archives and Special Collections Section not only focuses on locating past records but also prepares for the future by teaching students the University’s history, how to use historical records and manuscripts, and related skills. From the 2025-26 academic year onwards, University History will be a part of the Common Core Curriculum for newly admitted students. The Library is supporting the curriculum with the aim to elevate students’ sense of belonging while boosting their information literacy and enabling them to appreciate the importance of primary data.