Hong Kong Shue Yan University (HKSYU or SYU), founded in 1971 as Hong Kong Shue Yan College, is an educational institute that refers to itself as the "first private liberal arts university" in Hong Kong. The university offers 4-year degree programmes in Hong Kong. SYU was unilaterally recognized as the first and only private university in Hong Kong by the order of the Chief Executive on 19 December 2006, bypassing consultation with the Legislative Council.