CityU Pride
Pursuing excellence
One of the world’s fastest-growing universities over the past decade, CityU is recognised as a hub for innovation in research and professional education and for the vision driving it to become a leading-edge global higher education institution.
#4 [QS] Top 50 under 50 in 2021
#53
[QS] World University Rankings 2022
in HK
Citations per Faculty in QS World University Ranking averaged over a 5-year period from 2017 to 2021
CityU was ranked No.7 worldwide according to the Nature Index 2021 Young Universities, organised by leading academic publisher Springer Nature. The ranking reaffirms CityU’s strengths are recognised internationally.
Championing community-oriented engagement
CityU announced that University Day (U-Day) would be held on the third Friday of March annually to spotlight its success in professional education and problem-driven research, and to let the wider community know about the University’s advances in recent years and the accolades it has received for its innovative strategic direction. The inaugural U-Day 2022 virtual ceremony was held on 18 March 2022.
Council Chairman Mr Lester Huang (left) said U-Day would serve as a platform for CityU to herald the achievements of its hard-working students, world-class researchers, and dedicated supporters, while President Professor Way Kuo (right) said U-Day aimed to communicate to the community more about CityU’s distinctive brand and to share and celebrate the University’s remarkable accomplishments.
The University has unveiled a new mascot on the U-Day. The mascot was inspired by the character of the tiger: wise, vital, vigorous, strong and proactive. These traits echo the University’s aspirations to venture beyond boundaries, to overcome challenges, as well as its commitment to connect with the community and let the world know more about CityU’s achievements.
Fresh version of University Anthem
The CityU Anthem (Part 2) was launched at the U-Day celebrations. The song focuses on the theme of “Knowledge and Wisdom”, encapsulating the University’s goal to integrate teaching and research, and its determination to stay focused on education. The lyrics for both Part 1 and 2 versions of the anthem were written by President Professor Way Kuo, with the score composed by Mr Joe Lei.
Dialogue with Presidents video series
The CityU video series, Beyond Boundaries: Dialogue with Presidents of World’s Leading Educational Institutions, was launched in March 2022. In these programmes, President Professor Way Kuo discusses education issues and challenges from a global perspective and explores future educational directions with the presidents of renowned universities in South Africa, India, Germany, Japan and mainland China, plus a secondary school head from Hong Kong.
Pioneering and creative initiatives
Since its launch in 2021, HK Tech 300 has nurtured around 300 start-up teams as of April 2022. In addition to HK$100,000 in seed funding for each team, the programme provides support ranging from entrepreneurship training to business networking, with start-up teams also guided by a mentorship scheme.
CityU signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Resources Enterprise during the HK Tech 300 Seed Fund Presentation Ceremony in July 2021 to establish a science and technology innovation investment platform, with an initial investment of HK$100 million equally contributed by the two signees. The platform encourages the commercialisation of start-up projects under HK Tech 300 and nurtures unicorn start-ups.
In November 2021, another MoU was signed by CityU and Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) to launch collaborative programmes in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area and promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. HKSTP will provide seed funding and other support for start-up teams selected by both parties through the IDEATION programme and incubation programme. Investment funding support from both parties will be provided to HK Tech 300 start-up projects.
HK TECH Tiger was launched in July 2021 to enable high-flying students to pursue excellence, develop their potential, and take courses taught by world-class Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) professors. To cater to elite students, and enhance their competitiveness, the programme offers a customised curriculum in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, English language and other fundamental courses. Students can also pursue a master's degree at the University or at a renowned overseas university through CityU’s bachelor’s and master’s combined option.
Some 200 HK TECH Tiger students were welcomed to the programme at a ceremony held both on campus and online in September 2021.
Adding to internationalisation
A ground-breaking ceremony was held at CityU for the HK Tech International Building in November 2021. This unique building demonstrates CityU's vision to develop as a modern campus where students from around the world can meet in a convenient and comfortable environment.
Council Chairman Mr Lester Huang and President Professor Way Kuo (fifth and sixth left) officiate at the ground-breaking ceremony, together with Council members and University management.
Hostel building gets underway
Construction work for the fifth phase of CityU’s Student Hostel project at Whitehead, Ma On Shan, officially commenced in March 2022. The project is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2026, providing more than 2,000 bed-spaces for CityU undergraduates and postgraduates.
Council Chairman Mr Lester Huang (left) and President Professor Way Kuo officiate at the Whitehead student hostel ground-breaking, which was held online.
Council Chairman Mr Lester Huang and President Professor Way Kuo (fifth and sixth left) officiate at the ground-breaking ceremony, together with Council members and University management.
Faculty accomplishments
Professor Christine Huang, Chair Professor of Communication and Media and Associate Dean (Faculty and Research), College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, has been elected a Fellow of the International Communication Association in recognition of her distinguished scholarly achievements.
Professor Kuo Tei-wei, Lee Shau Kee Chair Professor of Information Engineering and Dean of the College of Engineering, has been elected a Member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts in the Natural Sciences class. He was also awarded the Humboldt Research Award from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in recognition of his pioneering achievements in non-volatile memory system and software designs.
Professor Dirk Pfeiffer, Chow Tak Fung Chair Professor of One Health and Director of CityU’s Centre for Applied One Health Research and Policy Advice, has received the Calvin W. Schwabe Award from the Association for Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine for his lifetime achievement in the field.
Professor Andrey Rogach, Chair Professor of Department of Materials Science and Engineering, and Professor Wang Jun, Chair Professor, School of Data Science and Department of Computer Science, have been elected Foreign Members of the Academia Europaea in 2021. Both were listed among the top 2% of the world’s most highly cited scientists in 2020, according to metrics compiled by Standford University.
Professor Sun Dong, Chair Professor and Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, has been elected a Member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts in the Technical and Environmental Sciences class. He is a pioneer in robotic manipulation of biological cells and robot control.
Dr Nicholas Thomas, Associate Professor, Department of Asian and International Studies, has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Public Health, for his global contributions to the field.
A project on geotechnical structures in hydraulic engineering, led by Professor Wang Yu, Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, and a project on video coding technology, led by Professor Sam Kwong, Chair Professor of Computer Science in the Department of Computer Science, have won 2020 First Class and Second Class Awards respectively in the Natural Science category at the Higher Education Outstanding Scientific Research Output Awards (Science and Technology), organised by the Ministry of Education.
Professor Wang Zuankai, Associate Dean (Internationalisation and Industry Engagement) in the College of Engineering and Chair Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department of Materials Science and Engineering, won a 2021 Green Tech Award, organised by Meituan Green Tech Fund, for his innovative multidisciplinary research on low carbon cooling and nature-inspired engineering.
Professor Yan Hong, Wong Chun Hong Professor of Data Engineering and Chair Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, has been elected a Fellow of the US National Academy of Inventors in recognition of his work in advancing technological and economic developments.
University highlights
CityU conferred 2021 Honorary Doctorates on Professor Gérard Mourou and alumnus Dr Rimsky Yuen, GBM, SC, JP, in recognition of their significant contributions to education and social well-being.
CityU conferred Honorary Fellowships on Professor Albert Ip, alumnus Dr Allen Shi, BBS, MH, JP, Mr Wong Ming-yam, SBS, BBS, JP, and Mr Johnny Yeung, MH, in September 2021, in recognition of their contributions to the development of and service to the University and the community.
(From left) President Professor Way Kuo; Dr Allen Shi; Mr Wong Ming-yam; University Pro-Chancellor Dr Chung Shui-ming; Mr Johnny Yeung; Professor Albert Ip; Council Chairman Mr Lester Huang; and Council Treasurer Mr Charles Chin.
The first large-scale fundraising gala “One Night in Tang Paradise” in support of the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery at CityU was held in November 2021. The gala raised HK$4 million, which will fund the Gallery’s long-term development and research, drive CityU’s continued efforts to engage the community, and promote learning through exhibitions.
Gala attendees dressed in Tang Dynasty and traditional Chinese attire bring the “One Night in Tang Paradise” theme to life.
The Bright Future Engineering Talent Hub has been established at the College of Engineering at CityU, following a generous donation of HK$4 million from the Bright Future Charitable Foundation. CityU and secondary and primary schools are set to nurture engineering professionals together through a 24-month STEM education programme to be offered by the Hub.
Guests attending the Bright Future Engineering Talent Hub Programme Preview included: (from left) Professor Shek Chan-hung, Associate Dean (Education) of College of Engineering and Principal of the Hub; Professor Kuo Tei-wei, Dean of College of Engineering and Advisor to the Hub; Dr Roy Chung, Founder and Chairman of Bright Future Charitable Foundation; Professor Matthew Lee, Vice-President (Development and External Relations) (second from right); and Professor Henry Chung, Dean of Students and Advisor to the Hub.
The Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre at CityU has been named in honour of The Tung Foundation in appreciation of the Foundation’s staunch support. The Centre will serve as an interdisciplinary research and education hub dedicated to the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for the prediction, prevention and treatment of cancers, neurodegeneration and infectious diseases.
(From left) Professor Matthew Lee, Vice-President (Development and External Relations); President Professor Way Kuo; Dr Chee-chen Tung and Mr Alan Tung, from The Tung Foundation; Professor Christian Wagner, Provost; and Professor Michael Yang, Vice-President (Research and Technology) and Director of the Centre.
The Student Career Centre at CityU has been named the Judith and Gary Cheng Student Career Centre in appreciation of support and donations made by Dr and Mrs Gary Cheng to the University. Dr Gary Cheng is a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) alumnus, entrepreneur and accountant. The ceremony was held in May 2021.
(From right) President Professor Way Kuo; Dr and Mrs Gary Cheng; and Professor Matthew Lee, Vice-President (Development and External Relations).
Researchers from CityU won the highest number of awards among all universities in Hong Kong at the Inventions Geneva Evaluation Days (IGED) 2021, including a Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury, five Gold Medals, three Silver Medals and three Bronze Medals, demonstrating the excellence of CityU research. The event is one of the largest global events showcasing innovations and inventions from around the world.
President Professor Way Kuo (eighth left); Vice-President (Research and Technology) Professor Michael Yang (ninth left); and CityU winners attended the special reception in May 2021.
Alumni and student achievements
The following CityU alumni were recognised in the HKSAR Government’s Honours and Justices of the Peace List 2021 for their contributions to society:
Dr Sunny Chai
Engineering Doctorate (Engineering Management) –
Justice of the Peace
Dr Jason Chan
MSc Computing & BA Public and Social Administration –
Medal of Honour
Mr Mac Chan
LLM (Intellectual Property and Technology Law) –
Chief Executive’s Commendation for Community Service
Mr Chan Wai-ming
MA Public Policy and Management – Bronze Bauhinia Star
Ms Dilys Chau
BA Accountancy – Chief Executive’s Commendation for Community Service
Mr Ho Shi-sum
MA Information Systems & BA Public and Social Administration – Meritorious Service Medal for the Disciplined Services and the ICAC
Mr Vincent Ho
MA Arbitration and Dispute Resolution – Medal of Honour
Mr Kwok Ngok-chung
BSc Building – Medal of Honour
Mr Lam Cheung-chi
BA (Hons) Social Work – Justice of the Peace
The Honourable Lau Kwok-fan
ASocSc Public Administration and Management –
Justice of the Peace
Ms Kawina Lee
EMBA – Medal of Honour
Professor Joshua Mok
BA Public and Social Administration –
Chief Executive’s Commendation for Community Service
Professor Sin Kuen-fung
MSocSc & PGD Applied Psychology – Medal of Honour
Ms Tang Sau-ling
MSocSc Applied Sociology –
Chief Executive’s Commendation for Community Service
Dr Christopher Wong
LLM Chinese and Comparative Law – Medal of Honour
Mr Dick Wong
LLB – Chief Executive’s Commendation for Government/Public Service
Ms Rowena Wong
HD Applied Chinese Studies – Justice of the Peace
Mr Stephen Yau
LLM Chinese and Comparative Law – Gold Bauhinia Star
Mr Terry Yip
BEng Electronic and Communication Engineering –
Medal of Honour
School of Creative Media alumna Ms Grace Lau won the Bronze medal for Hong Kong in the Karate Women’s Kata in the Tokyo Olympics in August 2021. She later returned to her alma mater to attend a celebratory gathering with the CityU community and share her reflections on the Olympics, along with her experiences as a student athlete.
Before graduating from CityU, Grace led the CityU Women's Karate Team and won the team gold medal in Hong Kong inter-university karate competitions. She was also named University Sports Federation of Hong Kong, China Limited (USFHK) Sportswoman of the Year in 2014 and 2015.
Also demonstrating the go-beyond spirit, alumni Ms Irene Chung (right) and Ms Yeung Hiu-lam (left) represented Hong Kong in wheelchair fencing and boccia, respectively, at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. The resilience and willpower they demonstrated drew great admiration.
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Engineering Doctorate (Engineering Management) graduate Dr Sunny Chai was elected Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries in July 2021.
BA Social Work graduate Mr Francis Li launched the Sham Shui Po District Community Oral History Theatre Project in 2009, enabling a large group of senior citizens to share their life stories. In 2020-2021, Mr Li’s passion and innovative approach were recognised by an Outstanding Social Worker Award, presented by the Hong Kong Social Workers Association.
Yau Lee Construction Company Limited, managed by Dr Conrad Wong, PhD graduate of Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, won two accolades at the Hong Kong Green Awards 2021: Green Management Award - Corporate (Large Corporation) – Silver; and Sustained Performance 11 years +.
School of Creative Media graduate Mr Morgan Wong received the Award for Young Artist (Media Arts) in 2021 at the 15th Hong Kong Arts Development Council Awards.
EMBA graduate Mr Calvin Wu was elected Chairman of the Hong Kong 3D Printing Association in December 2021.
Department of Mechanical Engineering doctoral alumnus Dr Xu Wanghuai received a Silver Award in the 2021 Materials Research Society Graduate Student Awards for his research on a novel droplet-based electricity generator for advancing scientific research into water energy generation.
The First Girl I Loved, the co-directorial debut of School of Creative Media graduate Mr Yeung Chiu-hoi (second left) won the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature at the Queer Screen’s 29th Mardi Gras Film Festival in Australia. The story centres on a unique coming-of-age romance.
Admitted to CityU through the Student Athletes Admissions Scheme (SAAS), Steve Ng, a non-local Year 3 Bachelor of Social Sciences (Asian and International Studies) student is now captaining the CityU men’s tennis team and enhancing its performance. Steve, who hails from Singapore and has represented the Lion City in tennis tournaments since 2011, is an active member of CityU's Sports Ambassadors Programme, coaching the tennis team after class.
