Presidential Society

The TIRF Presidential Society recognizes individuals who generously commit $100,000 in support of the Foundation’s work. Donors at this level are named TIRF Presidential Society Fellows, joining a distinguished group of supporters whose vision and generosity help advance language education worldwide.

TIRF is pleased to welcome its newest Fellow, Mr. Raymond Ung, a sophomore at the School of Accountancy at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (SUFE). Born and raised in Macau—a city shaped by the blending of Chinese and Portuguese cultures—Raymond brings with him a global outlook and a strong commitment to building a meaningful future.

Passionate about basketball and Cantonese pop music, Raymond is equally dedicated to his academic and professional journey. Influenced by his father, a businessman, he is pursuing a degree in Financial Management with aspirations of becoming an entrepreneur. Raymond has chosen SUFE for its strong reputation and Shanghai for its diverse, international environment, where he is building the foundation for his career. Looking ahead, he plans to return to Macau to contribute to his community, pursue opportunities in business, and continue his personal growth.

In reflecting on his goals, Raymond shared that he no longer sees success as surpassing others, but as striving to be the best version of himself—fulfilling his responsibilities, sharing positivity, and working to make a meaningful impact on society and beyond.

Raymond’s generosity as a TIRF Presidential Society Fellow will directly support the Foundation’s mission of advancing English language education through research, knowledge-sharing, and capacity-building initiatives around the world. His commitment not only strengthens TIRF’s efforts but also serves as an inspiring example of how young leaders can invest in education to help shape a brighter future.

We, the TIRF Board of Trustees and staff members, extend our sincere appreciation to Raymond for his support and vision. TIRF is honored to welcome him as our newest Presidential Society Fellow.

My name is Charles. Even though I’m not very confident with all the things I do, I always try my best to achieve something great. I have succeeded from time to time, but mostly I have failed. However, what motivates me to achieve more is remembering I could always improve by revising my unsuccessful attempts. I don’t like to fail when completing a task, but I know that failure is the essence of what makes people successful, and that’s why I embrace the process of doing new things.

I have many interests, but what I like the most is golf, 3D designing, and programming. I’m still trying to figure out new interests that would better suit me. I learned many different sports before, including equestrian, golf, and swimming, but in the end, I chose golf.

I first touched a golf club way back in the summer of 2012. For eight years, I enjoyed golf for fun with my brother without any focused training; however, starting from 2020, I joined training camps with professional coaches and so my handicap reached around 6 (average score of 78). I participated in tournaments in mainland China and Macau and won a few awards.

In addition, in my first year in secondary school, I joined the underwater robotics club. It is the first time I could use the things I learned in my class to create something and I loved it. My favorite part about school especially includes the STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) subjects and how I could learn new knowledge and apply it to something in the real world, solving problems and exploring new topics along the way.

Studying abroad might be an intimidating idea for many as they would need to leave their home country to somewhere new, somewhere entirely different and unfamiliar, but I liked it very much. I want opportunities to improve on what I do and learn new things. After staying in Macau for over 11 years, I realized that there is a limit to how much knowledge a person could discover. Yes, a person could check on the internet or ask their teachers or professors questions, but everything is limited to only a few topics, a few professors. What I want is an opportunity: an opportunity to meet with different people with different skills and knowledge and to learn from them. This desire is the reason why I want to study abroad.

My short-term goal is to go to a good university with excellent engineering or science courses. However, my long-term aspirations are to discover the world, travel to different countries, and experience various cultures, food, and lifestyles. If possible, I also want to use the knowledge I gain in university or in my career to contribute something back to the world.

Mr. Hung’s decision to join the TIRF Presidential Society reflects his strong dedication to educational opportunity, social inclusion, and international cooperation. His generous support will enhance TIRF’s efforts to advance research, foster knowledge exchange, and build capacity in English language education worldwide. The TIRF Board of Trustees and staff express our profound gratitude for his vision and support. We are honored to welcome Mr. Hung as a Presidential Society Fellow and look forward to collaborating with him to expand impact for learners and communities across the globe.

Dr. Mark Jiapeng Wang is a remarkable leader whose life story and professional journey exemplify perseverance, vision, and service. As the founder and Chairman of the Board of United World Colleges (UWC) Changshu China and the China World Academy (CWA), Dr. Wang has made extraordinary contributions to international education and intercultural understanding. He also serves on the UWC International Council, is Vice Chairman of the Chairs’ Committee, and leads the UWC China National Committee, among many other leadership roles across education, civic service, and social advocacy.

Dr. Wang’s personal story has inspired countless people. Having survived an air crash at age 12, he spent five years in rehabilitation, teaching himself to keep pace with classmates. He went on to become the first student from mainland China to attend the Red Cross Nordic UWC in Norway on a scholarship established by Her Majesty Queen Sonja. While there, he earned recognition as a courageous athlete, winning gold medals at the Disabled Ski Championship in 1999 and competing in both the Beijing and New York marathons. His autobiography, later adapted into a popular TV series and stage production, continues to motivate audiences across China and beyond.

Driven by his belief in the transformative power of education, Dr. Wang devoted more than a decade to making UWC Changshu China a reality. Since opening its doors in 2015, the school has welcomed over 2,200 students from more than 130 countries, becoming a vibrant community where global citizenship and Chinese cultural heritage are celebrated side by side. Through initiatives like the UWC+ Innovation platform and the founding of CWA, Dr. Wang has expanded opportunities for international education, talent development, and community engagement in China.

In addition to his achievements in education, Dr. Wang has been recognized for his public service and legislative work as a deputy to the 13th and 14th National People’s Congress, where he has advocated for accessibility, education, and talent development. His efforts contributed to the passage of China’s first accessibility law in 2023, marking a milestone in disability rights.

Dr. Wang’s decision to join the TIRF Presidential Society reflects his enduring commitment to education, equity, and global collaboration. His generosity will help strengthen TIRF’s efforts to promote research, knowledge sharing, and capacity building in English language education worldwide. The TIRF Board of Trustees and staff extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Wang for his leadership and support. We are honored to welcome him as a TIRF Presidential Society Fellow and look forward to working together to advance education for learners communities around the world.