Welcome to the 79th edition of CUHK in Focus.
The 3rd Hong Kong World Youth Science Conference and the Xiangjiang Nobel Forum took place during Hong Kong’s Business of Innovation and Technology Week. The event gathered Nobel Laureates, academicians, distinguished scientists and academic leaders from around the world to share insights on cutting-edge scientific and technological advancements and foster global cooperation on emerging future industries. I had the honour to join as one of the keynote speakers to share my experience in advancing biomedical research. I look forward to future opportunities for CUHK to participate in such impactful events, enabling vibrant knowledge sharing across disciplines and borders to deliver greater societal value.
20 Years in the Greater Bay Area (GBA)
This year marks the 20th anniversary of CUHK’s venture into the GBA since the founding of the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, in collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Shenzhen Municipal Government, in 2006. It also coincides with the year we embark on the National 15th Five-Year Plan. The CUHK Business School seized this timely opportunity to organise the inaugural GBA CEO Forum on 29 April to foster high-impact dialogue among senior executives, policymakers and thought leaders to explore strategies to shape the GBA’s future. We were honoured to have The Honourable Paul Chan Mo-po, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR, as the guest of honour. The Forum featured a keynote address, panel discussions on business strategies, innovation and digital transformation for GBA growth, as well as the premiere presentation of a proprietary study conducted by the CUHK Business School, offering unique insights into the region’s development.
A superconnector between east and west
While CUHK is actively engaged in the industry–academia–research development in the GBA, we are appreciative of the growing importance of Hong Kong’s role as a superconnector between East and West.
CUHK had the honour of hosting the China–America Frontiers of Engineering Symposium in mid-April 2026. Held in Hong Kong for the first time, this event was jointly organised by the Chinese Academy of Engineering and the US National Academy of Engineering. The event gathered outstanding young engineering experts from China and the United States for in-depth exchanges across a range of cutting-edge fields to foster interdisciplinary collaboration in the face of global challenges. While science and research should see no borders in advancing humanity, many issues that we address today require global cooperation, such as climate change, energy crisis and food security. Looking ahead, CUHK’s five-year strategic plan will strategise expanding our global reach. We will strengthen global academic ties to build a vibrant and international network to promote solution-oriented dialogue and collaboration on shared challenges.
Our determination to amplify the University’s impact on the global community is also evident in our participation in international events. I was delighted to speak at a panel discussion on reimagining the campus, curriculum and credentials for the university in 2030 at the Times Higher Education (THE) Asia Universities Summit 2026 hosted by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) in late April. The event provides a platform for university presidents, policymakers and industry experts from across the continent to build connections, exchange strategic knowledge and foster collaborations.
Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship
It was a pleasure for me to present awards to the winners of the Vice-Chancellor’s Cup of Student Entrepreneurship (VCCE) 2025–2026 at a ceremony on 28 April. The annual competition, co-organised by the Knowledge Transfer Office and the Centre for Entrepreneurship, fosters entrepreneurship among CUHK students through activities that build understanding of entrepreneurship, challenge their creativity and perseverance. For two decades, VCCE has nurtured more than 300 teams from all Faculties, producing innovative, cross-disciplinary entrepreneurial ideas with business and social impact. Congratulations to the five project teams! I hope your passion, creativity and teamwork will continue to shine and guide the next steps of your entrepreneurial journey.
The culture of giving
With the generous sponsorship from Dr Li Dak-sum, GBM, JP, a renowned Hong Kong-based entrepreneur and philanthropist, CUHK, HKUST and The University of Hong Kong each administers a perpetual endowment fund entitled the “Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin Kenneth Li Education Fund” to award outstanding graduates from Ning Po College and Ning Po No. 2 College who have been admitted by the three universities and continued to excel academically and exhibit good conduct. A presentation ceremony was held on the CUHK campus in late April, acknowledging the hard work of 87 students, while commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Scholarship. I would like to convey our deepest gratitude to the Li family for their generosity and commitment to education.
The 18th CUHK Golf Day took place on 30 April at the Eden Course of the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all alumni and friends of CUHK for their passionate support. Their enthusiastic participation and generous donations reflected the spirit of unity and sense of belonging to CUHK and helped to raise funds in support of the development of the University and Colleges, as well as enriching the CUHK Golf Day Scholarship, which was set up to recognise first-year undergraduates who excel in academic pursuit, voluntary services and sports activities.
I was delighted to celebrate the remarkable achievement of the 263 colleagues who were acknowledged at the Long Service Awards Presentation Ceremony 2025 for their loyal service at the University spanning 15, 25 and 35 years. Each of them has fulfilled their duties with the highest standards of professionalism. They are the cornerstone of CUHK, whose knowledge and commitment have driven the University’s growth across generations. I would like to extend my gratitude to all colleagues for your effort in fostering a harmonious and positive working environment. Your support enables each of us to do our best in celebration of teamwork and mutual success as we strive to fulfill the University’s mission.
Against the backdrop of global competition, talent attraction and development have been key priorities for the University. In the years ahead, we will align with the national goal of pursuing integrated development of education, science and technology, and talent. Through implementing a proactive strategy, we will attract talent from around the world, promote staff professional development, strengthen team cohesion and foster a culture of diversity and inclusion. At the same time, we will enhance staff capabilities in the application of AI to build a sustainable and future-oriented talent ecosystem. I look forward to working with every member of Team CUHK. Let us take the University to new heights as one.
I look forward to sharing more stories with you in our next edition.
Dennis Lo Yuk-ming
Vice-Chancellor and President
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
