Passing on the Torch Together

On the 19th of December 1984, the government of China and UK government signed The Sino-British Joint Declaration. Mr. YK Pao was invited to witness this historic event at the Great Hall of the People. On the same day, Mr. Pao signed the 'discussion minutes' regarding the donation to establish Ningbo University. “The reason behind my initiative to establish Ningbo University is to commemorate the day of Hong Kong's return to the motherland,” he said. “I aspire for advancements in science, technology, and the economy of my hometown."

The statue of Deng Xiaoping shaking hands with YK Pao in Ningbobang Culture Park

Mr. YK Pao believed that the development of education forms the bedrock of a strong nation. Driven by his vision of leveraging education for the nation's benefit, he spared no effort in supporting educational advancements in his homeland. He generously donated funds towards constructing schools, establishing scholarships, and funding the creation of libraries and swimming pools.

Upon learning that Ningbo lacked a comprehensive university, he donated 20 million US dollars (equivalent to 50 million RMB at the time) to establish Ningbo University. “For the realization of the four modernizations, education stands paramount,” he said. “Without competent talent, development remains elusive.”

Mr. YK Pao’s contribution to the founding of Ningbo University was applauded by Deng Xiaoping, who commended his “patriotism, hometown devotion, and foresight,” and deemed the investment “a commendable endeavor."

Mr. YK Pao (first left) and his wife Madam Huang Su Ying (second right), Minister of Tourism Lu Xuzhang and Acting Prime Minister Wan Li at the groundbreaking ceremony of Ningbo University in 1985.

On the 29th of October 1985, at the groundbreaking ceremony for Ningbo University, Mr. YK Pao delivered an impassioned speech. “Sixty-seven years ago, I was born here,” he said. “Today, with my family by my side, I return to my hometown for the groundbreaking ceremony of Ningbo University. This momentous occasion fills me with great joy and gratitude that will forever be etched in my memory. Although I reside in Hong Kong, I am a son of Ningbo, committed to contributing significantly to the city's development and progress.”

Ningbo University opened its door to the inaugurating class of students in October 1986， successfully realizing YK Pao’s proposed goal of 'construction in the first year, enrollment in the second year' as envisioned by YK Pao. Deng Xiaoping inscribed the name of Ningbo University in Chinese characters “Ning Bo Da Xue” to express his best wishes for the new-born university. Ningbo University set a precedent for overseas Chinese to financially support the establishment of new higher education institutions in the China's reform and opening up era. Ningbo’s first comprehensive university played a pioneering role in the city's ‘reform and opening up’ initiatives.

Mr. YK Pao, his wife Madam Huang Su Ying and Acting Prime Minister Wan Li at the Opening Ceremony of Ningbo University. 1986

Between October 1985 and October 1989, YK Pao made five visits to Ningbo University. During these visits, he took keen interest in the university’s progress,  engaging with faculty, students, and participated in meetings focused on curriculum development.  During this time, he further donated 5 million Hong Kong dollars for the construction of Ningbo University Sports Centre and an additional 6.3 million RMB towards the establishment of the Ningbo University Library.

YK Pao's message to Ningbo University's first graduates - 'Strive for the glory of the country.’ Summer 1990.

Nowadays, Ningbo University, with 23 schools, 10 research institutes and 5 direct affiliated hospitals, is a key university of Zhejiang, China, and a Double First-Class Initiative institution*, enjoying joint support from the provincial government of Zhejiang, the Ministry of Education (MOE). Over forty thousand students currently study at Ningbo University in 18 disciplinary fields, ranging from economics, law, education, science, engineering, agriculture to medicine. Among these, Mechanics has been rated as a “Double First-class” initiative discipline.

* The Double First-Class Initiative refers to fostering ‘world-class universities’ and ‘world-class discipline’ and was conceived in 2015 to provide new impetus for the development of China's higher education sector.

Aerial view of Ningbo University

While generously donating to support educational endeavors, Mr. YK Pao maintained a humble lifestyle. At the Ningbo University Museum, visitors can view the simple bathrobe he wore, adorned with several mending patches. One visitor remarked: “I never imagined that the benefactor behind Ningbo University wore a well-worn bathrobe. This is a testament to his motto of ‘Exercise persistently, work diligently, use sparingly’.”

YK Pao’s calligraphy ‘Exercise persistently, work diligently, use sparingly.’ Gift to Ningbo University.

Based on YK Pao’s proposal, the State Council set up the Ningbo Economic Development Coordination Group in 1985. In a face to face discussion with Deng Xiaoping, YK Pao also proposed to list Ningbo as a "specifically designated city in the state plan".  These special policy initiatives  helped to lay the foundations for Ningbo’s future growth.

In 1986, YK Pao suggested the construction of a steel plant in Ningbo, and he travelled all over Europe, America and Asia to seek potential partners. Although the project was not brought to completion, these efforts enabled Ningbo to further expand its international influence, preparing the way for the current Ningbo Steel Plant to be brought into successful operation.

YK Pao’s calligraphy ‘Develop Ningbo, Revitalize China"

Since 2017, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has released eight batches of ‘Niche Champions’ listings, selecting top Chinese manufacturers with world-leading technologies or market shares. Relying on its solid industrial foundation, Ningbo has been awarded 104 of these ‘Niche Champions’ listings to date, maintaining the number one ranking in total numbers for seven consecutive years. In the first half of 2024, Ningbo's gross domestic product (GDP) reached 399 billion RMB, ranking 11th in China. At the same time, Ningbo Zhoushan Port's cargo throughput was ranked #1 globally, for 14th consecutive year.

Mr. YK Pao called for all members of the 'Ningbo Gang' to join hands in the development of Ningbo University. “The success of Ningbo University hinges on our collective efforts,” he said. “I simply took the first step.” Although Mr. YK Pao passed away in 1991, his legacy has inspired numerous Hong Kong entrepreneurs from the 'Ningbo Gang' to contribute their own funds to the development of education in China.

On September 30, 1992, Ningbo University commemorated the inauguration of the YK Pao Library and Sports Centre with the unveiling of a bronze statue of YK Pao. Speaking on behalf of the Pao family, Professor Anna Sohmen Pao, the eldest daughter of Mr. YK Pao, said: “Ningbo University holds a special place in the hearts of our family. It represents a significant initiative stemming from our late father's dedication to advancing education in our homeland. As descendants of the Pao family, we are committed to upholding our father's legacy and supporting Ningbo University in its journey towards greater excellence.”

Since the founding of Ningbo University, Professor Anna Sohmen Pao has made numerous additional donations, including teachers‘ funds, teaching buildings, and International Visiting Professors’ Funds. Inspired by Mr. YK Pao’s donations, the ‘Ningbo Gang’ has extended the Ningbo University donor support network from one family to the whole overseas Chinese community, and from generation to generation. In 1996, at the 10th anniversary celebration of the university, Professor Anna Sohmen Pao said: “Running a university is not something that can be done in a year or ten years, nor can it be built by one or two people. What my father left behind is only a foundation, which also relies on the guidance of the policy of the Party Central Committee, and the leadership of the central government, provincial and municipal leaders, the management of university professors and the support of global overseas Chinese.” So far, more than 70 ‘Ningbo Gang’ members have donated to support the development of the university, setting up nearly 200 endowment projects, and donating nearly 800 million RMB.

Pao Yushu Science Building, Ningbo University

The four sisters of the Pao family pictured at Ningbo University

Mr. Pao Yushu, the elder brother of Mr. YK Pao, along with Professor Anna Sohmen Pao, donate to build Building 4 of Ningbo University in 1998.

The four sisters of the Pao family donate to build Building 5 of Ningbo University.1998

Professor Anna Sohmen Pao donates to build the ‘Ningbo University YK Pao Runway’ in 2018

At the opening ceremony of the South Gate of Ningbo University on October 29, 2023, Mr. Philip Sohmen delivered a heartfelt speech, stating: "Ningbo University embodies my grandfather's profound love and enduring aspirations, representing his genuine affection for his hometown. The words 'to run a university in Ningbo, we must make it a first-class university' encapsulate his sincere desires. If my grandfather could witness the transformation of Ningbo University today, he would undoubtedly be filled with a sense of contentment."

In 2016, Professor Anna Sohmen Pao and Mr. Philip Sohmen generously donated RMB 8 million to establish the 'YK Pao Ningbo University Youth Exchange Fund.' This fund aims to support exceptional students at the university in pursuing training opportunities at prestigious foreign universities and other institutions, fostering international exchanges and collaborations. In 2021, Mr. Philip Sohmen contributed an additional 5 million RMB towards the construction of the Ningbo University YK Pao Park.

Casa Bauhinia Launch Ceremony, November 2023.

In recent years, in order to accelerate the development of Ningbo, Professor Sohmen Pao and other members of the 'Ningbo Gang' have established the Casa Bauhinia at the Bauhinia Gateway in Ningbo. This initiative aims to enhance international exchanges and cooperation between Hong Kong, Macau, and Ningbo in various sectors such as high-tech industries, technology innovation, trade, finance, culture, art, and education. Through deepening collaboration in the region, Casa Bauhinia hopes to contribute to Ningbo development as 'A New Chapter of the Modern Maritime Silk Road', as well as enhancing business connectivity between Hong Kong, Macau, and Ningbo.

As the grandson of YK Pao, Philip Sohmen has always shown a deep interest in the progress of his hometown. He is a member of the Standing Committee of the Ningbo CPPCC, Vice Chairman of the Ningbo Youth Federation, and also an honorary citizen of Ningbo. In 2017, he advocated the establishment of the Ningbo Overseas Young Talents Innovation and Entrepreneurship Committee. These young talents, mostly born in the 1980s and 1990s, include descendants of the 'Ningbo Gang' as well as local entrepreneurs in Ningbo. They share a common background of overseas education and a collective aspiration to serve the nation through manufacturing, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The committee currently has over 100 members.

Philip Sohmen in the 19th Asian Games torch relay. Hangzhou 2023 

In 2017 Philip Sohmen co-founded the ChinaOne.Ningbo Sailing Team, to promote sailing in China as well as to raise the global awareness of Ningbo. The ChinaOne.Ningbo Sailing Team is among the most successful professional speed sailing teams in China. It has won the world's top sailing championships five times, the M32 Catamaran World Championship twice, and the World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) championship. In the M32 European Championship, held in July this year, the ChinaOne.Ningbo Sailing Team finished as the overall championship of the European Series, after three highly competitive racing days.

With the successful hosting of the sailing events of the 19th Asian Games in Ningbo, the team relocated to a new sailing base in May this year—the Ningbo Xiangshan Asia Sailing Center. It plans to establish a sailing base there focusing on international exchanges, sailing promotion, and training.

Source: Xinhua News Agency, CCTV and the official website of the Ningbo Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and Ningbo University.