Setting the foundations for corporate law

"I think I have reached a stage in life where it is necessary to reflect and thank those individuals and organisations that have supported me over the years. This would of course include my parents, who have contributed enormously, not only financially, but also with their time and dedication in nurturing me," he said.

"I also wish to thank ANU for the opportunities and the wealth of knowledge it has provided me. I am grateful for the fantastic and high-calibre education that I received at ANU."

Jack established the Peggy and Stephen Tsang Prize for Takeovers and Securities Industry Law at ANU to recognise his parents and to encourage students to lay foundations for successful careers as corporate lawyers.

"Takeovers and securities is a practice area that is close to my heart, as it is the core of my practice in Hong Kong," he said.

"It is an area of the law whose practice requires energy, pragmatism, and a double dose of intellect.

"It is often an area that isn't comprehensively taught at undergraduate level and most corporate lawyers pick it up in the workplace. I am impressed that this subject is taught to a high standard at ANU.

"This Prize will hopefully serve as motivation for future generations of ANU students to aspire towards a solid foundation in the subject, which will in turn lay good foundations for future practice as a corporate lawyer."

Jack, who moved to Australia at the age of three, has returned to Hong Kong to pursue a career as a corporate lawyer for one of the five "Magic Circle" international law firms, Slaughter and May.

Reflecting on his education and choice to donate to ANU he said that he gained a lot from opportunities in Australia and hopes he can contribute to future generations of students.

"My family are great believers in education and I have benefited tremendously from the opportunities that Australia has given me – including the opportunity to study at a premier institution like ANU," he said.

"Starting in a small way, I hope that I will contribute further to ANU in the future – both through donations and by sharing my experiences with successive generations of ANU graduates."

Jack's wish to contribute has already made an impact on inaugural prize-winner David Zanon.

"I was delighted to receive the Prize and I felt even better because I didn't expect to win it. I am thankful to the donor who has gone out of his way to provide the Prize," said David.

David found the subject of Takeovers and Securities Industry Law just as important as Jack.

"I found the subject really useful and very applicable to actual situations. The applications of the content and the utility of the course stood out for me and have given me plenty to ponder.

"I got out of this course an extensive and practical understanding of the securities industry as a whole, which has greatly helped my understanding of the operation of the industry and many useful tips regarding problem solving techniques," he said.

With a firm foundation in law supporting him, David plans to explore his options after graduation.

"At the moment I am considering several options. I want to work in the financial services industry as a consultant or a lawyer but at the same time I would like to work in another country, probably the UK.

"I think it best to have a rough plan of what you want to do but I will see what options are available when graduation looms closer and things become clearer."