Media

HKU holds Inauguration Ceremony for New Students 2016

26 Aug 2016

 

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) today (August 26) held an inauguration ceremony to welcome its new students. HKU President Professor Peter Mathieson welcomed and congratulated students for earning themselves the opportunity to study at HKU. He referred to the fierce competition among students for places at the University: over 40,000 people applied, more than 10 applications for every available place. For those from the Mainland, the competition was even stiffer at 25 applications for every place available.

Professor Mathieson reminded students of the core values and principles upheld by HKU. He said: “The University is committed to the core principles of One Country, Two Systems, which include protection of freedom of speech, one of the cornerstones of our University along with institutional autonomy and academic freedom. Freedom of expression must include sensitive and/or controversial issues. This must be a place where different opinions can be debated and respected. It must be a place of reason, liberty and diversity. However, freedoms come with responsibilities. There is no place in the University for hatred, offensive language or behaviour, or violence. Members of the University should respect the law and should understand and accept the consequences of their actions. Within these parameters, debate on complex issues is healthy.”

(For the speech of Professor Mathieson at the ceremony, please click here.)

Senior Advisor to the Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women and Head of the HeForShe Initiative Ms Elizabeth Nyamayaro was the Guest of Honour. Other HKU members at the ceremony were Acting Dean of Student Affairs Dr Eugenie Leung, Chairman of Convocation Mr John Wan Chung-on and President of the Hong Kong University Students' Union Ms Althea Suen.

For media enquiries, please contact Communications and Public Affairs Office) Ms Trinni Choy tel: 2859 2606 email: pychoy@hku.hk ; or Ms Rhea Leung (tel: 2857 8555 / email: rhea.leung@hku.hk).