Heading beyond boundaries

Amid the challenges of the pandemic, CityU has continued to soar. In particular, ground-breaking research and entrepreneurship initiatives have received tremendous support and widespread recognition. Together with the University’s academic excellence and on-going campus development, CityU offers students a premier learning environment in testing times.

President Kuo led celebrations at the inaugural University Day (U-Day) on 18 March 2022 to thank the CityU community for collaborative efforts that have successfully extended the University’s standing. U-Day is a new annual event for sharing news about our achievements.

A new CityU video series on diversity, intercultural learning and global vision was among the highlights at U-Day. In Beyond Boundaries: Dialogue with Presidents of World’s Leading Educational Institutions, President Kuo discusses contemporary education issues from a global perspective with leaders of renowned international universities in South Africa, India, Germany, Japan, and mainland China, plus a secondary school principal in Hong Kong.

"Universities are not only places for awarding degrees,” President Kuo noted. “They should lead society, train creativity, and benefit people. Ultimately, we should give back to society through learning and scientific research activities."

Innovation and entrepreneurship

Research and social impact have been advancing at full speed over the past year with the launch of HK Tech 300. This HK$500 million flagship programme comprehensively supports budding CityU entrepreneurs among students, alumni and young researchers to establish start-ups. HK Tech 300 is drawing significant interest from industry, tech companies and business mentors.

The excellence of faculty members’ research helps to create a highly innovative ambience on campus. We are ranked top among local universities for the fifth consecutive year in the Top 100 Worldwide Universities Granted US Utility Patents, with a global ranking at #51, the University’s highest position yet, and #7 in the Nature Index 2021 Young Universities. Meanwhile, metrics compiled by Stanford University show that over 170 CityU faculty members are listed among the top 2% of the world's most highly cited scientists.

“CityU is committed to applying knowledge for social and economic advancement and contributing excellent research for the benefit of society,” said President Kuo, reiterating the need for the “integration of teaching and research” to align CityU with other world-class universities.

Nurturing future leaders

Our all-round student development programmes also add to the innovative spirit at CityU. HK TECH Tiger launched in July 2021 offers a suite of highly interdisciplinary and technologically enriched learning programmes for exceptionally talented students. “HK TECH Tiger offers the most outstanding students challenging learning experiences, preparing them to be future leaders in science and innovation through our high-quality curriculum and engagement in pioneering research under the expert guidance of our world-class faculty,” President Kuo explained.

Additionally, our new University Mascot, inspired by the wise, vital, vigorous, strong and proactive character of the tiger, was unveiled at the inaugural U-Day, while our students continue to demonstrate the spirit of "excellence in both academics and sports” in keeping with the One Health principle championed at CityU. Alumna Ms Grace Lau Mo-sheung, a bronze medallist in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics’ women’s karate kata, is one such role model. "CityU will continue to nurture outstanding young people who are well-versed in academics, sport, and global perspectives,” said President Kuo.

Building an international campus

Several milestone projects for enhancing the campus have debuted recently. Following the start of construction for the pioneering veterinary teaching farm in Lam Tsuen, Tai Po, superstructure work for the Jockey Club One Health Tower commenced in March 2021. The Tower will provide first-rate teaching and research facilities, also under the One Health concept. “As the Covid-19 pandemic continues, our first-class research teams at CityU will continue to lead the academic community in solving fundamental problems under the One Health concept, enabling us to become a leading university in veterinary medicine and life sciences,” President Kuo said. In addition, construction for the HK Tech International Centre and the fifth phase of the Student Hostel project at Whitehead, Ma On Shan, is now underway.

Many of the University’s trailblazing projects were boosted by support from the CityU community, including alumni groups such as the statutory alumni body Convocation, senior alumni association Eminence Society, and local and non-local alumni networks, all of which demonstrate unity, caring and the giving spirit. For example, last year, the Student Career Centre was renamed the Judith and Gary Cheng Student Career Centre in appreciation of alumnus Dr Gary Cheng Faat-ting’s long-standing support for, and generous donation to, CityU.

This collaborative spirit was further illustrated by the University Anthem. Part 1 themed “Beyond Boundaries” debuted last year with lyrics by President Kuo capturing CityU’s culturally diverse and intellectually harmonious environment as well as the University’s determination to advance beyond boundaries. A year on, CityU has continued to scale new heights leading to the recent launch of the Anthem (Part 2) with new lyrics penned by President Kuo on the theme “Knowledge and Wisdom”.

“I hope the Anthem can manifest our aspirations to integrate teaching and research and our determination to stay focused on education,” he said.