Behind Stanley Ho’s successful career is a story of ordeals and adventures, and a philosophy of life that will inspire everyone. It is a story of both success and loss. Stanley Ho was born into a wealthy family in Hong Kong on November 25, 1921. His grandfather Ho Fok was the younger brother of Sir Robert Hotung, an influential figure in Hong Kong’s political and commercial circles. Ho Fok was a household name in Hong Kong in the 1930s and 1940s. He was a comprador of Jardine Matheson Company Limited and a member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong. His father, Ho Sai Kwong ,was a master player in business made great fortunes, and Stanley Ho was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. In his childhood,Stanly Ho led a golden life.However,in 1934 when he was 13, a calamity changed his life completely. Ho Sai Kwong, due to a failure in speculation in the stock market, lost all his fortunes overnight. Stanley Ho was transformed all of a sudden from a rich master to a poor boy, and began to suffer from poverty and the inconstancy of human relationships. Stanley Ho grew up overnight. No longer mischievous, he buried himself in books . The bitter experience pushed Stanley to improve himself. To his mother, who was often tearful, Stanley Ho swore, “I will devote myself to studies and make all the way up to be head and shoulders above others. I will earn a fortune to make you lead a happy life.” The vow he made in his youth has urged Stanley Ho to work hard all his life. Whenever he was engaged in a new trade, Stanley Ho would read extensively to enrich his knowledge. “One must study hard. Nothing is better than a good education,” said Dr. Ho. “Fortunes may not follow you a lifetime, only knowledge will.” Upon success in career, Stanley Ho has paid special attention to the development of education in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, including sponsoring the Guangzhou Educational Fund, and funding various research and educational programs. A member of the Court of the University of Macau, Stanley Ho offered financial assistance to the construction of its new academic building and International Library. In 1984, the University of Macau conferred upon him an Honorary Doctorate in Social Sciences. In recognition of his contributions to the Hong Kong economy and to the promotion of education, The University of Hong Kong conferred upon him an Honorary Doctorate in Social Sciences in 1987. Though he is called the “Casino King” Dr. Ho shows little interest in gambling. What he is interested in, however, is sports. To him, there is no secret in keeping fit except for playing sports all the year round. Swimming is a “must” for him.