Media

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) today (August 29) officially welcomed its new students to the HKU family at the annual Inauguration Ceremony. The University has enrolled over 2,850 new students in various programmes this academic year.

The ceremony, officiated by HKU Vice-Chancellor Professor Lap-Chee Tsui, was the first formal University event attended by the new students. Its purpose was to highlight different aspects of university life to the new students, as well as to introduce them to members of the University community including teachers, administrators, senior schoolmates and alumni.

Present at the ceremony were Dean of Student Affairs Dr Albert Chau, Deans of all ten faculties, the Registrar Mr Henry Wai, Acting Chairman of Convocation Mr Choi Sau Yuk and President of the Students' Union Mr Wan Hon San.  Addressing the ceremony as Guest of Honour was Mr Joseph Yam, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and a HKU alumnus.

In his inauguration address, Professor Tsui welcomed the new students as important members of the HKU family, a community that has always placed great importance on academic excellence and service to society.

He encouraged them to make the most of all the unique opportunities the University had to offer, and to uphold the HKU tradition of producing "leaders who make changes for the betterment of Hong Kong and the world".

"At HKU, we will present you with a wide range of experiences, both inside and outside of class, and, allow you to discover more about yourself, expand your talents and explore all the world has to offer," said Professor Tsui, while encouraging students to embrace change and to "raise the bar" by facing challenges.

He expected that the internationalized campus of HKU would also help develop a student worldview that respects diversity of all kinds. The University has a culturally diverse student population of nearly 3,000 international students from over 58 countries, while more than half of its over 2,000 academics and nearly 900 professoriate staff are international faculty.

Echoing Professor Tsui in his views of an enriching university life, Mr Joseph Yam advised students that other than studying hard, they should not "miss out on the other advantages and opportunities university has to offer".

Mr Yam, who started his studies at HKU 40 years ago, shared his wisdom with freshmen on how to make the best use of their undergraduate years. He said students should develop a passion for their chosen subjects, explore other fields of study, never be afraid to ask questions, and have fun by participating in creative activities in campus. Moreover, they should also keep in touch with their families and friends, as well as get involved in the world outside of university, through community service or part-time jobs.

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