Hong Kong pop singer awarded honorary degree of Kingston University

Chinese pop star Eason Chan after he received an Honorary Degree from Kingston University for his extraordinary achievements in the music industry, at the Rose Theatre in Kingston-Upon-Thames, Surrey, Friday, Jan 24, 2014. Eason Chan left his architecture course at Kingston originally in 1995 to pursue his singing career after winning first place in Hong Kong 1995 New Talent Singing Awards competition. [Photo/Icpress]

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Eason Chan returned to Kingston almost 20 years later to collect his honorary degree from vice Chancellor Professor Julius Weinberg at a graduation ceremony held at Rose Theatre.

"When I first received the invitation, I was flattered but I didn't think I deserved it as I hadn't graduated from Kingston University," he said.

"The more I thought about it, the more I realized it was a wonderful honor and brilliant recognition of my achievement in music," said Eason.

Eason Chen entered Kingston University and studied architecture in 1993. He left his course in 1995 to pursue a recording career after winning a talent singing awards in Hong Kong.

"Eason's musical influence has gone beyond language boundaries and he has become an international phenomenon. He has formed a culture bridge between mainland China and Hong Kong and inspired millions of his fans across the world," said Heather Forland, director of Kingston International Development.

Julius Weinberg said the university was proud to honor Chan as he's so successful and looked forward to his successes in the future as a singer, a role model and an ambassador for culture.

"The world may have lost an architect but it has gained a performer of the highest caliber," he added.

Eason Chan will hold a personal concert in London in March, which is the third time for his shows in Britain. He was also the first Chinese singer performed at London O2 Arena.