LONDON, July 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Hong Kong born entrepreneur Sir David Tang KBE has been awarded with an honorary degree by Middlesex University London, recognising his contribution to industries including fashion and hospitality.

     (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120723/545963 )

Two of the most notable achievements in Sir David's memorable career have included the founding of China Club in Hong Kong, Beijing and Singapore, and the launch of top fashion and lifestyle brand Shanghai Tang.

Other business ventures include opening restaurants such as Island Tang in Hong Kong, China Tang in London, and Cipriani in Hong Kong, London and New York.  This followed time spent working in oil and gold mining.

He was also advisor and director of a number of international companies such as Blackstone, the Savoy Group of Hotels, Asprey, Gerrard, Tommy Hilfiger, British Airways, and First Pacific.

Alongside his business interests Sir David has a passion for education and the arts, teaching philosophy at Peking University in the 1980s and holding key creative industries posts ranging from trustee of the Royal Academy of Arts to patron of the Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation. He is also known as an avid collector of contemporary Chinese art and lover of music.

Middlesex University Vice Chancellor Michael Driscoll said: "The talent and drive that Sir David Tang has displayed throughout his career is a true inspiration to the young people graduating this week.

"An entrepreneurial spirit is so important in our global economy and this is why it's fitting that Sir David receives this honorary award and passes on some of his experiences to people beginning their own career journey. As many of our students are from Hong Kong, China and beyond, it's no doubt a pleasure for them to hear from someone who has succeeded in regions throughout the world."

Sir David Tang, who said he was "flattered and thrilled", collected the honorary degree at a ceremony at the University's Hendon campus in north London on 20 July.  

Middlesex University has a strong links with China and Hong Kong, including welcoming many Chinese students to London every year and educational partnerships with a number of universities in the region.

The University has campuses in London, Dubai and Mauritius and around 40,000 students based at its campuses or with partner universities and colleges.

For more information or further high resolution photography please contact Sam Spindlow (London, UK) on +44-(0)20-8411-5505.

SOURCE Middlesex University