Dr Yip Wai-Hong (Honorary Chairman)

Dr Yip Wai-Hong (Honorary Chairman)

A dedicated educationist, academic and researcher, Dr Yip Wai-hong was on the faculty of the Hong Kong Baptist University for almost 30 years, beginning in 1963. He founded the Music and Fine Arts Department in 1973, was its Head for 20 years, became Dean of the Faculty of Arts for four years and served on the University Council between 1993 and 1999. As a composer, his oeuvre covers symphony, concerto, instrumental music, oratorio, choral music and arrangements of Chinese folk songs. His four-movement Symphony in “E” was premiered in 1990 to critical acclaim. Dr Yip founded the Hong Kong Children’s Choir in 1969, helped to organise other children’s choirs in Hong Kong; founded the Pan Asia Symphony Orchestra in 1976, and has been its Music Director and conductor ever since; founded Yip’s Children’s Choir in 1983; founded the Hong Kong Children’s Symphony Orchestra in 1996. The honours and accolades bestowed upon Dr Yip during his illustrious career include Honorary Citizenship of Fort Worth, Dallas and Tuscon; The Golden Key of Avon Lake, Florida; Colonel of the State of Kentucky, United States; and Hong Kong Art Educator of the Year in 1990. In 2003, he was presented the Medal of Honour by the Hong Kong Special Administration Region. He was conferred an Honorary Fellowship by the Hong Kong Baptist University in 2006, and a Fellowship by the Wells Cathedral Education Trust of England in 2008. On 1 July 2011, Dr Yip was awarded the Bronze Bauhinia Star (BBS) for his outstanding service over a long period of time in Hong Kong.