Ts'o Seen Wan

Ts'o Seen Wan (1868-1953)

Dr. Ts'o Seen Wan, C.B.E., L.L.D., J.P., was born in Macau November 10 1868. He was the son of Mr.Ts'o Wai Chuen, a well known merchant of that city who was the first Chinese in Macau decorated by the King of Portugal with the Insignia of "Commenda De Nossa Senhoro Da Conceicao"",who also received the Honorary title of the 2nd Degree with the Red Button and Peacock's Feather conferred on him by the Emperor of China, Kwang Hsu in 1880.

After finishing his studies in Macau, Dr. Ts'o went to Shanghai where he received higher Chinese education. He went to England in 1886 and entered Cheltenham College. In due time he passed his law examinations and was connected with well known law firms and was enrolled as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of Judicature of England before returning to Hong Kong in 1897 where he set up his own law practice. He was joined by Mr. P.M. Hodgson in 1927 under the firm name of Messrs. Ts'o and Hodgson. Through his association with two leading members of the Chinese community Sirs Ho Kai and Wei Yuk he soon became a leader in the public affairs of the Colony of Hong Kong. His chief interest was in educational and medical work among the Chinese. His services had been many and varied:

(1). St.Stephen's Boys' College and St.Stephen's Girls' College in Hong Kong - Dr. Ts'o was one of the founder of the colleges and a member of the college councils.

(2). Munsang College - Dr. Ts'o was one of the founder of the College and served as the chairman of the college council, starting from 1926 to his death.

(3). Hong Kong University - When the then governor Sir Fredick Lugard announced the establishment of a university in Hong Kong in 1908 ,Sir Ho Kai was elected as the Chairman and Ts'o as the Hon. Secretary of the Chinese sub-committee to raise the Endowment Fund.

(4). Dr. Ts'o had been an active member to the University Court, Council and different Commissions of the University of Hong Kong. He was also a member of the Board of Control of both St.John's Hall and Morrison Hall, the University Hostels.

(5). Board of Education of Hong Kong - Dr. Ts'o had been a member of the board since it was instituted in April 1920.

(6). Dr. Ts'o took great interest in medical work and has served on committees and in various ways : Alice Memorial and Affiliated Hospitals, Maternity Hospital and institute for Training of Nurses in Hong Kong, the Tsun Yuk Hospital, the Chinese Public Dispensaries and Sanitary Board.

(7). Dr. Ts'o had served as a Justice of Peace, the president of the Rotary Club and was made an officer of the Order of the British Empire by His Majesty King George V and later also as the Commander of the Order.

(8). In 1937 Dr. Ts'o was invited by the government of Hong Kong to represent the Chinese of Hong Kong at the Coronation of His Majesty King George VI on 12 May.

References

Munsang College News (Vol.II, 1937 April), No. 3