After 12.5 years of dedicated leadership, Professor Simon S M Ho, President of HSUHK since 2014, will be retiring at the end of August 2026. During his tenure, President Ho spearheaded the University’s successful retitling efforts and raised substantial funds for major campus expansion.

Yet beyond these tangible achievements, it is his heartfelt interactions with students and the deep trust he placed in colleagues that have made his tenure truly unforgettable.

From its days as the Hang Seng Management College (HSMC) to its evolution into HSUHK, President Ho has consistently championed a “people-first” philosophy. He embodies this value every day by nurturing strong bonds between teachers and students, and by fostering genuine trust within teams — ultimately shaping a distinctive and warm campus culture.

Candour beyond the classroom 

Apart from significantly raising teaching and research standards and developing a number of innovative degree programmes, President Ho places great importance on students’ learning experiences. Since taking office, he introduced a number of major initiatives, including the University’s unique “Liberal + Professional” education model, the Residential College system, the Honours Academy nurturing future public leaders, the “One-Student-One-Internship” scheme, and the Institute for Youth Sustainability Leadership, etc.

He fondly recalls that, for many years, he would personally stand at the campus entrance or student gathering points on the first class day of each new academic year to warmly welcome new freshmen, shaking their hands and greeting them. “I believe that on their very first class day on campus, students should feel like they are the protagonists — that this is a university that truly cares about them,” he says.

Even today, many alumni still approach him — whether on campus or at external events — and say, “I still remember my first class day on campus — you spoke to me and offered words of encouragement.” These close interactions have been his source of motivation throughout his years of service.

President Ho believes that the most meaningful interactions between teachers and students often take place outside the classroom. Since 2015, he has been organising the “Along with the President” series, taking students out of the classroom and into nature every year for casual conversations while hiking and cycling.

He recalls a 20-kilometre cycling trip from campus to Tai Mei Tuk via Tai Po: “I assumed the students would be fitter than me, but as soon as we reached the reservoir dam, some were already expressing tiredness. I encouraged them to persevere and complete the round trip along the dam road. Although not everyone completed the full distance, the most important thing was inspiring them to have the courage to try.”

The time he spent sitting by the dam with students, waiting for their teammates and chatting in the sea breeze, remains one of his fondest memories.

He recalls, “In such outdoor settings, students are more willing to open up. They shared their challenges with part-time jobs, family concerns, future plans, and even gave me their honest feedback on the school canteen, course selections, and teaching arrangements. Such exchanges bring students and me closer.”

Student initiatives and community integration

President Ho always encourages students to take initiatives and lead. For example, the Students’ Union (HSUSU) organises an annual dinner — a grand feast with dozens of tables along The Way on campus, serving “poon choi” alongside performances by students and pop singers. He attends every year to show his support.

“The students devote significant time and energy to organising this event. They also invite representatives from the nearby Siu Lek Yuen Village and Kwong Yuen Estate to join us. With this spirit of community, the campus becomes more than just a place of learning — it is an integral part of the local community.”

He recalls one year when heavy rain fell during the dinner, yet the students handled the situation admirably. Everyone put on transparent raincoats and continued enjoying the night. The campus was abuzz with energy, making it an unforgettable occasion.

He notes that the HSUSU and the University administration have maintained good communication and cooperations over the years, resulting in close interactions.

He remarks, “This is truly invaluable. I have established a strong relationship of trust with every HSUSU President. They are very mature — they always consider the University’s overall perspective and are willing to communicate sincerely with the management to resolve issues together.” Because of this mutual trust, the University is happy to grant the HSUSU greater autonomy and scope to organise campus activities and manage student affairs.

Understanding and trust

President Ho believes that the “small yet exquisite” culture of HSUHK is built not only on the close relationship between faculty and students, but also on the strong mutual trust among colleagues, which serves as the cornerstone of the University’s smooth operation.

“Whenever I am available, colleagues and students are welcome to drop by my office to discuss work difficulties or personal matters,” he says. “I firmly believe that a liberal arts university thrives on trust and must be given the freedom and space to grow.”

The campus anecdotes President Ho shared at this year’s Chinese New Year Staff Party vividly illustrate the dedication of his colleagues. For instance, on a Saturday when a No. 8 typhoon signal was hoisted, a tree on campus fell. Early the next morning, colleagues from the Campus Development and Management Office had already arrived to clear the debris. They reassured him, “Rest assured that this will be taken care of properly. Students returning for classes tomorrow will not be affected.”

Another cleaning staff member shared, “My son is a student here. He often says the University is so nice, and I am very happy working here.”

These heartfelt words reinforced President Ho’s belief that HSUHK is not merely a workplace, but a big family brimming with warmth and humanity.

Scaling new heights, with a difference

On 30 October 2018, HSMC was officially retitled HSUHK — a defining milestone in the University’s journey. President Ho still recalls that day with great clarity. “When the Government announced the news, colleagues and students gathered near the Lion Rocks on the campus, united in anticipation of the results. The moment the announcement was made, cheers erupted, wave after wave. Some were so overcome with emotion that they embraced one another in tears.” 

For President Ho, the retitling was never the end destination. It remains a powerful source of encouragement — a call for the entire university community to keep raising the bar in academic development, and to continue breaking new ground with purpose and distinction.

President Ho emphasises that his deep connection with HSUHK will not end with his retirement, which is approaching. He will continue to care and support the University’s development in other ways.

He encapsulates his fruitful 12.5-year journey in one powerful sentence: “With faith, we create something uncommon; though difficulties, we continually scale new heights.” To staff and students, he offers heartfelt advice: “Put your heart into everything you do and cherish every person who walks this journey with you.”

He hopes that academics will continue to pursuing excellence in teaching and research, while students will actively learn, engage, and contribute — always upholding the beliefs and core values that define HSUHK.