– Inspiring Josephians to “Honour the Mission, Forward with Courage”
(Hong Kong, January 20, 2025) Embracing its sesquicentenary, prestigious grant school St. Joseph’s College officially launched its 150th anniversary festivities amid a lively gathering of nearly five hundred guests, teachers, students, and alumni on 17th January. The inaugural ceremony ushered in a year of commemorative events that showcase the College’s long-standing heritage and its bright future ahead.
At the heart of the ceremony, Dr. SZE Chun-fai, Under Secretary for Education at the Education Bureau, joined hands with Brother Jeffrey CHAN Kwok-keung, Supervisor of St. Joseph’s College, for the unveiling of a commemorative plaque—symbolizing the seamless continuation of tradition and innovation. They then opened a time capsule first sealed in 2005, replenishing it with new items of significance to honour the past and envision the future.
A series of captivating performances followed, including a graceful Latin dance and a stirring choral showcase. Their grand finale — a dazzling light show — drew an exclamation point on an unforgettable opening to a year of jubilee.
Principal’s Message
In his welcoming remarks, College Principal KWOK Tik-man expressed his profound pride and gratitude:
“Our 150th anniversary represents a vital milestone in our history. We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us — dedicated brothers and educators, supportive parents, loyal alumni, and above all, our extraordinary students. Their collective efforts have sustained the College’s outstanding achievements throughout these 150 years, forging a lasting impact on society by cultivating generations of accomplished Josephians.”
Looking Ahead
Sharing his vision for the College, Dr. SZE Chun-fai stated: “As we commemorate this remarkable milestone, we reflect on the school’s journey while looking forward with determination. The anniversary theme, “Honour Our Mission, Forward with Courage”, perfectly embodies the core values of SJC, values that resonate deeply in today’s context. Indeed, in our rapidly changing world, we need courageous leaders who are grounded in strong values more than ever. This reality underscores our collective responsibility to prepare students to face challenges head-on, and equip them with the courage to uphold their principles in the midst of adversity. With this mission before us, I am confident that under the visionary leadership of the school management, supported by dedicated teachers and parents, SJC will continue to scale new heights in the years and decades to come.”
A Year of Grand Celebrations
To commemorate 150 years of excellence, St. Joseph’s College has planned a variety of events throughout the year. One highlight will be the 150th Anniversary Open Day on 23 February, where booths and exhibits across the campus will display students’ academic achievements and creative works, along
with exclusive student-designed souvenirs on sale. Meanwhile, the main stage will feature an exciting lineup of performances to let Josephians shine in their many talents.
Beyond the Open Day, the College will officially launch its 150th Anniversary Tram —designed by students and set to embark on Hong Kong Island from 7 February onwards— under the witness of the honourable guests, teachers, and students. In April, the College will host its second “St. Joseph’s Cup” International Chess Tournament, drawing master-level chess players from across the globe. Amidst a series of other celebratory events, Mathematics and Science forums, moderated by distinguished alumni experts, will also take place, giving current students opportunities to deepen their academic interest with esteemed professors and prominent scholars.
Bring to the climax as a close to the year of celebration, the 150th Anniversary Gala Dinner will host Josephians of all times for an unforgettable evening of camaraderie and nostalgia on 8 November at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
More details can be found on their celebratory website on 150.sjc.edu.hk and Instagram account @150sjc.
An Enduring Legacy
Established by six De La Salle Brothers in 1875, St. Joseph’s College moved to its current location at 7 Kennedy Road in 1918 and expanded to include an additional premise at 26 Kennedy Road in 2018. For the past 150 years, the College has been lauded as a leading school on Hong Kong’s Mid-Levels, boasting exceptional academic, athletic, and extracurricular achievements. Its illustrious alumni include luminaries such as Nobel Prize winner and “Father of Fiber Optics” Professor Charles K. Kao, and the current Vice-Chancellor of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Professor Lo Yuk-ming.
Today, St. Joseph’s remains in the educational spotlight — its sports teams garner championships, and its students excel in major examinations, highlighted by the emergence of its first-ever “super top scorer” in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE). These achievements solidify St. Joseph’s College as a stalwart of excellence, deeply trusted and admired by parents and the wider community alike.
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Download Photos of the 150th Anniversary Celebration Launch Event:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1XOrf6tVGKscBncCK8oGc5MxB3UDiWAq-?usp=sharing
About the school’s 150th Anniversary webpage: https://150.sjc.edu.hk/
St. Joseph’s College website: https://www.sjc.edu.hk/
Media Inquiries:
Mr. CY Tam, St. Joseph’s College 150th Anniversary Organising Committee
(Phone: 3652 4888 / Email: [email protected])