Businessman and philanthropist awarded honorary degree

A successful businessman, philanthropist and civic leader has been awarded an honorary degree in recognition of his significant contribution to business, commitment to the Manchester Chinese community, and support of education and cultural exchange.

Dr Lee Kai Hung CBE DL received an honorary award of Doctor of Letters from Manchester Metropolitan University, today (July 27), during a graduation ceremony at the Bridgewater Hall. 

Honorary degrees are awarded to those who have made major contributions to the academic work of the University, or who have earned distinction for services to their sector. 

Now a retired businessman, Dr Lee was born and educated in Hong Kong, coming to Manchester in 1979 to explore business opportunities in the region.

Since then, he has made significant contributions to the lives of individuals and communities in both China and Manchester.

His entrepreneurial spirt and successes are rightly celebrated, but his generous philanthropy, particularly to the benefit of the people of Manchester, will have a lasting legacy.

The Lee Kai Hung Foundation, founded in 1992, has provided a range of support to Chinese students studying in the UK, including providing English language skills, welfare, and pastoral support.

The Foundation also supports educational projects that strengthen ties between Greater Manchester and China.  

Dr Lee was also one of the first supporters of the Manchester Metropolitan University First Generation programme – a programme that supports young people from the North West who are among the first in their family to progress to university.

It provides support, training and scholarships to young people, ensuring they prosper in their studies and beyond.

His support for Manchester Met has also enabled Chinese students to study in the city and he has provided bursaries for 20 postgraduate UK students to undertake projects around Chinese culture and history – helping to enrich the student community and further develop international exchange.

On top of being a passionate promoter of education, Dr Lee is an active voice for the Chinese community in the UK and was the first elected chairman of the North West China Council, representing the 30,000 Chinese residents who live in the area.  

In 2003, he was made a Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, and in 2022, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours for services to Education and Cultural Exchange between the UK and China.

Professor Jenny Watling, Pro-Vice Chancellor for International at Manchester Metropolitan University, said during the ceremony: “Dr Lee found in Manchester a second home that would become close to his heart.

“His entrepreneurial spirt and successes are rightly celebrated, but his generous philanthropy, particularly to the benefit of the people of Manchester, will have a lasting legacy.

“There can be few who have given more generously than he has.

“Supporting young people from less advantaged backgrounds is of particular importance to Dr Lee, and he was one of the earliest supporters of Manchester Metropolitan’s First Generation programme.

“Today, Dr Lee, it is our privilege to honour you. You are an accomplished entrepreneur, an inspiring philanthropist and a true friend to the University and our students.”