In memory of his father Hui Oi Chow, Dr Stephen Hui Sze-fun (HonLLD 1980) made a generous donation and officiated the opening of the building on December 10, 1981. His father Dr Hui Oi Chow had worked tirelessly to support and promote the development of earth sciences in Hong Kong and overseas throughout his life. Dr Stephen Hui was a mining and geological engineer who also stressed the importance of managing the world’s mineral resources before they ran out.
The Building is situated above the pedestrian concourse behind the Main Library, and is a major link between the Main Campus and Haking Wong Building to the west, and houses the Faculty of Education.