The Hong Kong Polytechnic University conferred the title of University Fellowships upon 13 distinguished personalities in Hong Kong Monday.

At the conferment ceremony, the University showed its appreciation and recognition of the awardees' significant contributions to the university and the community.

York Chow Yat-ngok, Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food of Hong Kong was one of the awardees for his community and voluntary work.

Chow also served as a member of the University Council from 1998 to 2004 and he has offered valuable insights towards the university's development.

Addressing the ceremony, Chairman of the university council Victor Lo Chung-wing said, "Sharing the university's vision and a common concern for the grooming of talents to serve the community,the Fellows have rendered strong support to our University in different capacities."

Lo also paid special tribute to the late Lim Por-yen who passedaway earlier this month. Lim Por-yen, a well-known industrialist, as well as Managing Director and founder of the Lai Sun Group, wasposthumously conferred the title of University Fellowships.

Other awardees include Sister Helen Marie Kenny, a nursing professional who has fervently promoted hospice care in Hong Kong;Dr Tin Ka-ping, a respected industrialist and founder of K.P. Tin Foundation Limited, who is an ardent supporter of education and other charitable causes etc.

Since its introduction in 2000, the university has conferred University Fellowships on a total of 20 individuals.