Dr. Wu Yee Sun (伍宜孫博士), a staunch supporter of education and eminent philanthropist, was a benefactor of The Chinese University of Hong Kong and other local tertiary institutions for many years. In 1973, Dr. Wu and his brother donated to CUHK for the establishment of the Wing Lung Bank Chinese Culture Development Fund to support research and publication projects of the Institute of Chinese Studies. For some three decades since, CUHK has continued to receive generous donations from Dr. Wu, the Wu family and the Wu Yee Sun Charitable Foundation for its academic development, particularly in the field of medicine. In the true philanthropic spirit of Dr. and Mrs. Wu Yee Sun, the Wu Yee Sun Charitable Foundation made another major donation to CUHK for the establishment of Wu Yee Sun College.

A native of Shun Tak county in Guangdong, Dr. Wu was born in 1904 into a family of great renown. The times were however difficult and family duties made it necessary for him to forego school life at the tender age of 14. The young Wu Yee Sun abided by the motto that says 'Adversity breeds greatness'. Thanks to his diligence, immense courage and perseverance in the face of hardship, he was able to overcome many obstacles. In 1933, he and his friends managed to set up the Wing Lung Money Exchange, the predecessor of the present Wing Lung Bank. With a vision to 'progress with prudence and serve with devotion and integrity', the Bank went from strength to strength and became listed in 1980.

Dr. Wu upheld Confucian values and showed filial piety to his parents, loyalty to his friends, kindness to his younger kinsmen, and love for his country. He also spared no effort in serving the community and helping the needy. Inspired by his grandfather and father, Dr. Wu cultivated a keen interest in the art of penjing at an early age. He was especially captivated by the Lingnan style of doing penjing which emphasizes patience, concentration, flexibility and harmony with nature. His accomplishments in this art form won him the accolade of the Sage of Penjing. He applied the same principles and techniques of penjing to the running of his business, which brought him great success. He authored a book entitled Man Lung Penjing, featuring the masterpieces he had produced over the years. Some 10,000 copies of the book were sold for charity and all proceeds donated to support higher education.

In recognition of Dr. Wu's remarkable contributions to education, the socio-economic growth of Hong Kong, and the promotion of the art of penjing, numerous honours and awards were conferred upon him by both local and overseas institutions, including honorary doctorates and honorary citizenships. In 1997, the Purple Mountain Observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences named the Asteroid 3570 after him as the 'Wu Yee Sun Star'. Throughout his entire life, however, Dr. Wu firmly believed that fame and wealth were only transitory; what was far more important was leading a simple life, upholding one's principles, and maintaining a free spirit.