A carnival of light for CUHK’s diamond jubilee
Alumni and students reunited on University Mall
A large-scale drone performance and a projection light show on the CUHK Library’s facade were among the stunning performances that brought an unforgettable night for guests attending the University’s 60th Anniversary Commencement Ceremony on Sunday (12 February).
Graced with the attendance of more than 1,000 guests on the University Mall, the ceremony was a joyous event to kick off a series of CUHK’s diamond jubilee celebrations that will take place throughout the remainder of 2023, running into 2024. More than 9,500 alumni, staff and students around the world enjoyed the extravaganza by watching the live broadcast online.
Chief Secretary for Administration Chan Kwok-ki, Secretary for Education Dr Choi Yuk-lin and Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Professor Sun Dong were among the guests attending the ceremony to witness CUHK’s historic milestone.
Opening the ceremony, Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Rocky S. Tuan said: “CUHK is truly, as the theme of our anniversary celebration goes, a place ‘where great minds shine’.”
“The countless brilliant minds we have nurtured have made remarkable achievements that are at the leading edge of learning and research, leaving distinguished and indelible marks on the national and global fronts,” Professor Tuan said. “The Diamond Jubilee presents a golden opportunity for the CUHK community to reflect on our past and look forward to the future. It is my great honour to lead the University to realise the vision of ‘Excellence with Purpose and Responsibility’.”
Having grown from a young university to a fully-fledged academic institution, CUHK is proud of the exceptional achievements made by its brilliant talents. In his welcome address, Council Chairman Professor John Chai said, “The journey to this exciting moment has not been without its share of hurdles. But the unfailing support and trust we have gained from the community have driven us to chart a steady course in spite of the setbacks along our way. The success we celebrate today is the result of our collective efforts.”
The Chief Secretary for Administration added: “Established in 1963 by bringing together three colleges, CUHK has striven for excellence over the past 60 years and become a forward-looking comprehensive research university. Day by day, CUHK nurtures quality talents, carries out ground-breaking research and takes forward new projects. I have every confidence that CUHK will capitalise on its success over the past 60 years and make new contributions to Hong Kong, the Motherland and the world in the years to come.”
Lina Yan Hau-yee, Council Member and Chairperson of CUHK 60th Anniversary Celebration Steering Committee, said: “I believe that all CUHK students and alumni have a special sense of belonging to their alma mater and constantly support its development. As we look forward to the future, we plan to carry on the founding missions and humanistic traditions of our forefathers, and create infinite possibilities for the world.”
The ceremony featured a sensational line-up of performers, state-of-the-art technology displays and dazzling performances. Integrating technology and art, a drone performance saw 200 drones take to the sky above the University Mall to celebrate the auspicious event. During the first-ever drone show performance on a Hong Kong campus, the drones flew across the night sky to form iconic CUHK landmarks and homages to the anniversary, including the Ad Excellentiam Pavilion and “CUHK 60”. The kaleidoscope of reds and purples was followed by a projection light show on the University Library façade. The CU Chorus, student dancers and cheerleaders also captivated the audience with their singing and dancing.
Stay tuned for upcoming events – there’s more to come, with the celebrations scheduled to last until the end of the 2023/2024 academic year.
By Gillian Cheng
