潘燊昌博士被稱為「保險教父」，不僅是擁有40多年經驗的行業先驅，也是香港大學的忠實支持者和策略領導者。
從學生時代到後來出任多個港大委員會的成員，他跟香港大學結下幾十載淵源。如今，身為香港大學基金的新任主席，他帶進建基於清晰的目標、信任和不懈追求卓越的領導理念，這跟港大最重要制度其一的價值觀契合。
深厚個人聯繫
潘博士決定擔任港大基金主席，是出於與大學的情誼和共同的願景。多年來，他對大學的支持不墜，先後慷慨捐贈設立「潘燊昌精算學講座系列」、兩個「潘燊昌基金教授席」（統計及精算學，數據科學與創新），以及「潘燊昌獎學金計劃」，並與校友及友好支持成立「立之學院」，推動學生全人發展。
回顧人生歷程，他憶念港大基金前主席黃乾亨博士多年前鼓勵他承擔這重任的一番話，深深觸動、促使他去年9月毅然接受了這項職務。他跟港大校長張翔教授的良好關係，更是進一步的激勵。
潘博士表示：「我與他的價值觀和願景高度契合。大家都認為香港大學不僅要在學術上取得卓越成就，更要積極回饋社會。」
他們都堅信香港大學必須透過創新、研究和人才培養，在影響社會方面發揮領導作用，這正是他支持張教授的基石。「當我看到張教授投入追求這些目標時，強烈感受到大家志同道合。」他說：「這種信任令我持續不斷的支持港大。」
清晰願景
潘博士領導理念的關鍵在於清晰的願景：「成功始於理解使命和願景」，一切努力都必須跟這些原則保持一致。香港大學長遠目標一直是成為本地及全球最好的大學，但他鼓勵大家思考一個根本問題：「『第一』究竟是什麼？」
潘博士設想香港大學成為前沿研究的先驅──深入探索新物料和健康科學等新興領域。
他說：「我們要拓展知識的邊界。今天可能未即時有應用價值的研究，明天或許就能帶來變革。這正是香港大學領先獨特之處。」
在教育、發展和研究三大使命的指引下，潘博士倡導各項擴大香港大學的社會貢獻的策略舉措，更認為所有舉措、包括為香港大學基金籌集資源，皆受這些核心使命導引。
策略重點
潘博士憑藉經商的豐富經驗，體驗到專注、嚴謹的營運和信任是成功的關鍵。「一旦目標明確，一切都必須以實現這個目標為圭臬。」潘博士指，「我們需要制定可持續且切實可行的策略。」
他強調領導力不僅在於遠見卓識，更在於嚴謹的執行，堅持「不能只領先一步，你需要領先兩、三步，並且每步都有清晰的計劃」。
同樣重要的是建立一支基於互信的團隊，潘博士說：「信任是基礎。 我們必須營造安全感和歸屬感──避免不必要的解僱，避免微觀管理。當團隊成員感到被重視和信任時，大家就能發揮最佳水平。」
他認為這種領導風格能加強韌性、鼓勵創新，並培養跟香港大學長遠目標一致的凝聚文化。
把握機遇
儘管深懷遠大志向，潘博士對未來挑戰仍保持務實的態度。他深明香港大學基金的首要職責是籌集資源──為香港大學的研究、教育和貢獻社會的舉措和計劃籌集資金。他指出「最大的挑戰是在競爭激烈的環境中維持並增加我們的資源，此中建立一個值得捐贈者信賴的品牌至關重要。」
他提倡創新的籌款策略──結合傳統活動與吸引年輕捐贈者、以及企業合作夥伴的現代互動形式。
他解釋說：「現今的捐贈者追求影響力、透明度和有意義的貢獻。我們必須證明他們的支持能帶來切實的變化。」
此外，潘博士認為支持香港大學的前沿研究具有巨大潛力，尤其是在健康、可持續發展和新興技術領域。他強調：「基金必須靈活且具有戰略性，投資於符合港大使命的高影響力項目將塑造未來。」
「這關乎創建一個可持續的生態系統，令香港大學能夠在尖端知識和社會影響方面處於領先地位。」
由內而外領導力
潘博士的領導理念植根於透徹瞭解港大清晰的目標、信任、策略遠見與社會貢獻。他從校友到服務各委員會，至今領導香港大學基金，其個人經歷充分體現了他對大學使命的終身奉獻。「領導力始於內心──理解核心目標，並圍繞它發揮力量。」
他總結道：「真正的領導者是能夠深刻理解使命，並引導他人也做到這一點的人。」
Endless Dedication: Dr. Patrick Poon's Lifelong Commitment to HKU
Dr Patrick Poon Sun Cheong, sometimes known as the “Godfather of Insurance,” is not only a pioneer with over 40 years of experience in his field, but also a dedicated supporter and strategic leader of The University of Hong Kong.
His relationship with HKU spans decades – from his time on campus as a student to serving on multiple councils and committees. Now, as the new Chairman of the HKU Foundation, he's bringing a leadership philosophy rooted in clarity of purpose, trust, and relentless pursuit of excellence aligned with core values to one of the University's most important institutions.
A Personal Connection
Dr Poon's decision to serve as HKU Foundation Chairman was driven by personal relationships and shared aspirations. His support for the university has been steadfast: His generous philanthropic donations include the establishment of the Patrick Poon Actuarial Science Lecture Series, two Patrick S C Poon Endowed Professorships – in Statistics and Actuarial Science, and in Analytics and Innovation – as well as the Patrick Poon Scholarship Programme.
Furthermore, he joined hands with fellow alumni and friends to support the establishment of Lap-Chee College, holistically advancing the whole-person development of students.
Reflecting on his journey, he recalls the words of Dr Philip Wong, HKU Foundation's former chairman, who years ago encouraged him to take on the role.
Those words resonated deeply, inspiring him to embrace the role last September. His bond with HKU's current President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Xiang Zhang, offered further incentive.
“I feel a strong alignment with his values and vision,” Dr Poon says. “We both believe HKU should be a university that not only excels academically but also actively contributes to society.”
Their shared conviction that HKU must lead in societal impact through innovation, research, and talent development forms the cornerstone of his support. “When I see how Professor Zhang is committed to these goals, I feel we are on the same page,” he says. “That trust is core to my ongoing commitment.”
Clarity of Vision
At the core of Dr Poon's leadership philosophy is a crystal-clear vision. “Success begins with understanding the mission and vision,” he says. Every effort must be aligned with these principles. HKU's longstanding goal has been to be the best university, both locally and globally. But he challenges its community to ask a fundamental question: “What exactly does ‘Number One' mean?”
Dr Poon envisions HKU as a pioneer in frontier research – delving into emerging fields such as new materials and health sciences.
“We need to push the boundaries of knowledge,” he says. “Research that may not have immediate application today could be transformative tomorrow. That's what sets HKU apart.”
Guided by its core missions – education, development, and research – he advocates for strategic initiatives that amplify HKU's societal contributions. He insists that understanding HKU's core mission must guide all strategic initiatives, including HKU Foundation's resource mobilisation efforts.
Strategic Focus
From his extensive experience in the commercial sector, Dr Poon learned that focus, operational discipline, and trust are vital for success. “Once the mission is clear, everything else must serve that purpose,” he states. “We need to work on tactics that are sustainable and concrete.”
Leadership, he emphasises, is not just about vision but also about disciplined execution. “You can't just be one step ahead; you need to be two or three steps ahead, with a clear plan for each,” he insists.
Equally important is building a team based on mutual trust. “Trust is the foundation,” Dr Poon says. “We must create a sense of security and belonging –no unnecessary firing, no micromanagement. When people feel valued and trusted, they perform at their best.”
This leadership style, he believes, fosters resilience, encourages innovation, and cultivates a cohesive culture aligned with HKU's long-term goals.
Seizing Opportunities
While ambitious, Dr Poon remains pragmatic about the hurdles ahead. He recognises that the HKU Foundation's primary role is resource mobilisation—raising funds to support HKU's research, education, and societal initiatives. “The biggest challenge is sustaining and growing our resources in a competitive environment,” he notes. “Building a trusted brand that donors believe in is crucial.”
He advocates for innovative fundraising strategies – blending traditional events with modern, engaging formats that appeal to younger donors and corporate partners.
“Donors today seek impact, transparency, and meaningful contributions,” he explains. “We must demonstrate how their support makes a tangible difference.”
Furthermore, Dr Poon sees vast potential in supporting HKU's frontier research – especially in health, sustainability, and emerging technologies. “The Foundation must be agile and strategic,” he asserts. “Investing in high-impact projects that align with HKU's mission will shape the future.”
“It's about creating a sustainable ecosystem that enables HKU to lead in frontier knowledge and societal impact,” he says.
Leading from Within
Dr Poon's leadership philosophy is rooted in an inside-out understanding – clarity of purpose, trust, strategic foresight, and societal contribution. His personal journey, from being an alumnus to a committee lead in various councils and committees to leading HKU Foundation now, exemplifies a lifelong commitment to the university's mission. “Leadership begins from within – by understanding the core purpose and aligning every effort to serve that mission,” he says.
“A true leader is someone who understands deeply from the inside and guides others to do the same,” he concludes.
原文刊於The HKU Lead網站，本社獲授權翻譯及轉載。
