On Saturday 21 March, Professor Peter Edwards, Principal & Vice-Chancellor, and Clare Livingston, Interim Director of Advancement, were delighted to be part of the Aberdeen University Hong Kong Association’s Scottish Evening where two alumni were recognised for their support and personal commitment.
Jean Hamilton and Edward Lam were presented with Benefactor to the University awards which recognise exceptional individuals or organisations that have given significant philanthropic, or long‑standing personal contributions, service, or support to the University.
Jean graduated in 1958 and became one of our most dedicated ambassadors in Hong Kong during the many years she spent there. She was founding President of the University of Aberdeen Hong Kong Association and played a central role in creating scholarships that brought talented Hong Kong students to Aberdeen. Back in Aberdeen, Jean and her late husband Sandy became “Scottish parents” to many of those students, offering warmth, guidance, and a sense of home - support that helped build the ‘Granite Pearl’ community and has strengthened our long‑standing ties with Hong Kong. The active and caring role Jean has played reflects the importance she attached to giving back to Hong Kong, which her family had been connected with over a number of generations.
Jean has also been a generous supporter of initiatives across the University, contributing to the library project, the organ appeal, women’s health research, cancer research, vasculitis and renal research - along with the Hamilton Scholarship for Medicine, which supports Hong Kong students studying MBChB.
She has remained an active, loyal and valued friend to Aberdeen, and we are honoured to recognise the lasting impact of her commitment and generosity with the award of ‘Benefactor to the University’.
Edward has been one of Aberdeen’s most dedicated international ambassadors for nearly forty years. As another founding member, and today Chairman, of the Aberdeen University Hong Kong Association, he has ensured the Association remains a place of purpose, opportunity and service. His leadership was central to establishing the Aberdeen University Hong Kong Scholarship Fund in 1988, which has supported countless postgraduate students - the “Granite Pearls” - in partnership with the Swire Educational Trust and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office.
Over the years Edward has nurtured alumni connections, mentored students, organised celebrations - including the Quincentenary events - all while building a distinguished career as a Senior Environmental Protection Officer in the Hong Kong Government.
Jean and Edward have upheld a long and meaningful connection with the University, which we value immensely. We are delighted to recognise their dedication to strengthening the bond between Aberdeen and Hong Kong in ways that will continue for generations.
