The building which was built with the financial assistance from Sir Paul Chater, Professor G. P. Jordan and others, was originally designed to house the student union. It was officially opened by the Governor, Sir Reginald Stubbs in February 1919. The building was temporarily used for administrative purpose after World War II but was later converted into the Senior Common Room in 1974. The building was named in honour of Mr. Hung Hing-ying in 1986 in recognition of his family's donations to the University.