Welcome to the 65th edition of CUHK in Focus.
It was my tremendous honour to be installed as the ninth Vice-Chancellor and President of The Chinese University of Hong Kong at Sir Run Run Shaw Hall on 20 May 2025. I was extremely privileged to have distinguished dignitaries from various sectors in attendance and truly blessed to share this significant milestone in my life with so many important people who have been staunchly supporting my education and professional journey. From my beloved mother and family, my cherished teachers and classmates from St. Joseph’s College, and my mentors and collaborators at the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford, to scholars, innovators, partners and donors, who have inspired me throughout the years, as well as esteemed members of the CUHK community, including my predecessors, Council members, colleagues, alumni and students. Your presence made this occasion even more meaningful. Once again, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the trust the University and its stakeholders have kindly bestowed upon me.
Over the past 62 years, CUHK has been redefining the landscape of learning, making continuous breakthroughs to benefit the wider community. In education, we are proud to be the pioneer of the collegiate system in Hong Kong, offering students a holistic learning experience that fosters whole-person development. Generation after generation, the talent we have nurtured has excelled across diverse professions and geographies around the world, amplifying the impact of the University on a global scale. In research and innovation, we have been cultivating a dynamic and enriching ecosystem with a dual focus on the humanities and the sciences. Our vibrant entrepreneurial culture opens gateways for research outcomes to transition into practical solutions that benefit the well-being of society. Behind such a rich legacy of excellence across all our pursuits are the collective contributions of each member of the University, playing a pivotal role in CUHK’s inception and perpetuation.
As I mentioned in my speech at the Installation Ceremony, we are sailing through a storm of change, one that is fuelled by the complexities of unpredictable environmental challenges. Universities, as hubs of knowledge and cradles of talent, are more compelled than ever to focus on our goals, and are required to demonstrate admirable resilience and adaptability to weather the storm. As the Vice-Chancellor and President of CUHK, I stand ready to chart a bold path forward for the University. I am eager to embark on this rewarding journey with all CUHK stakeholders, guided by the University motto, “Through Learning and Temperance to Virtue”, and driven by our unwavering commitment to social responsibility. I sincerely call for your earnest support and active participation in our quest for a brighter future for all.
Engaging with global partners
Last week also marked a significant milestone in CUHK’s global engagement as we proudly hosted the Worldwide Universities Network Annual General Meeting (WUN AGM) from 21 to 23 May 2025. This high-level global event gathered over 100 university leaders, researchers and administrators from six continents to exchange insights on global collaboration — particularly with the Global South — research and innovation, and how universities can collectively generate greater societal impact. Besides the three-day AGM, which featured strategic planning and governance meetings, thematic discussions and research showcases, we were delighted to host the WUN Presidents Forum on the first day, in collaboration with the ASEAN University Network, in which participants discussed how to address challenges facing leaders of research universities. It gave me great pleasure to share my views on the crucial roles of innovation and interdisciplinary approaches in achieving these objectives.
With global engagement being a key priority, CUHK attaches great importance to fostering multidisciplinary partnerships with academic institutions and industries around the world. Since joining WUN in 2011, CUHK has participated in nearly 100 projects and initiatives supported by the Network focusing on vital topics such as climate change, public health, cultures higher education, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals — over 20 of which have been led by CUHK scholars. The University is also actively involved in WUN’s working groups on early career development, campus sustainability, student mental health and artificial intelligence, among others. We were delighted to welcome distinguished delegates from around the globe to CUHK at the WUN AGM, which enabled us to embrace a precious opportunity to connect with our peers, strengthen relations with the world, build impactful collaborations, and cultivate talent for tomorrow in support of Hong Kong’s development as a global hub for education and innovation.
Sharing the joy of graduation
The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen) organised the Graduation Ceremony for Bachelor Degree Graduates on 18 May 2025. I was delighted to address the Class of 2025 on this important occasion, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their personal growth. Throughout the years, CUHK and CUHK-Shenzhen have been working closely together under the “One brand, two campuses” framework to support our country’s development by launching multiple initiatives that promote the sharing of knowledge and resources, the nurturing of future-ready talents, as well as the generation of impactful research and innovation outcomes. We are happy to celebrate the graduation of another cohort of outstanding students who have been well equipped with critical insights, problem-solving skills and a strong sense of social responsibility that will enable them to cope with challenges of the ever-changing world and contribute to society. I would like to extend my heartiest congratulations to all the graduating students and hope that the knowledge and experiences they have gained at CUHK-Shenzhen will lead them towards even higher levels of achievements in their careers and future goals in life.
I look forward to sharing more stories with you in our next edition.
Best wishes,
Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming
Vice-Chancellor and President
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
