In 1955, a fledgling young man started his journey of academic pursuit in Hong Kong. He came back, 33 years later, with immense erudition and a determination to contribute to this community.

It was during the years of turmoil and frustration in Hong Kong when he crossed the Rubicon and returned to Hong Kong. He created, from a blueprint, a high-standard university with lofty aspirations: the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. As the founding President of this promising educational institution, he worked a miracle. Rapidly, HKUST blazed its way to the list of top universities of the world.

His dedication ranges wide. In addition to education, he was elected to the Selection Committee of the HKSAR and was Chairman of the Committee on Hong Kong-Mainland Technological Collaboration. He also served as a Hong Kong Affairs Advisor to the Chinese Government and as a member of the CPPCC. Holding Honorary Professorships at Fudan University and Beijing University, he also received the title of Senior Advisor to the Municipal Government of Shenzhen.

His honors are global. He was appointed as an honorary CBE by Queen Elizabeth II. In 2000, he was awarded the Gold Bauhinia Star by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. In 2001, he was awarded Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur by the President of the Republic of France. He received the Golden Key of the City of San Francisco, and was named an Honorary Citizen of Shenzhen. But none of these suffice to honor his contributions.

Following the example of San Francisco, MUST declares a day “Woo Chia Wei Day”. A venerable alumnus: Honorary Doctor Woo Chia Wei.