Message from the Vice-Chancellor: Continued success and new milestones | CUHK in Focus

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VC’S MESSAGE

Message from the Vice-Chancellor: Continued success and new milestones

Welcome to the 38^th edition of CUHK in Focus.

It has been three years since the launch of CUHK’s work-integrated learning initiative, the Co-operative Education Programme (Co-op@CUHK). Thanks to the dedication and diligence of our colleagues and students, as well as the staunch support from our esteemed industry partners, donors and sponsors, the Programme has continued to flourish. At its recent annual ceremony, the Programme proudly celebrated its achievements in collaborating with industry to foster students’ professional competence and career readiness through extended work placement opportunities. We are excited to announce an increase in the number of Co-op@CUHK corporate partners to over 130 this year, providing more than 700 placement opportunities for students in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and beyond. These impressive figures clearly demonstrate that industry recognises the significant value of Co-op@CUHK in co-creating talent. The University is strongly committed to building closer connections with our corporate partners to shape a brighter future for our students and society.

Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship

CUHK has recently announced the establishment of a spin-off company, the Global Sports and Wellness Innovation Centre (GSWIC), by the CUHK Centre for Clinical Research and Biostatistics, Health View Bioanalytic Limited and AquaBloom International Sports Technology Group. GSWIC aims to work closely with industry partners to transform the AI-based Automatic Retinal Image Analysis (ARIA) technology developed by the CUHK research team into products and service systems that are set to revolutionise the sports industry and promote overall health and well-being. The establishment of GSWIC is another successful example of academia, industry and research working together to advance the innovation and entrepreneurship agenda. I look forward to witnessing the company grow from strength to strength and seeing more spin-off companies at CUHK that can generate social and economic impact.

Honouring outstanding scholars

As you are reading this message, the University is excited today to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of our colleagues who have distinguished themselves in teaching and research at a ceremony for the inauguration of Choh-Ming Li and Wei Lun Professorships and presentation of the University Education Award, the Vice-Chancellor’s Exemplary Teaching Award, the Young Research Award and the Postgraduate Research Output Award. I would like to congratulate all scholars being honoured on reaching a significant milestone in their academic career. May I also take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to them for their passionate commitment to education and research and inspiring students and their fellow colleagues. Their unwavering pursuit of excellence enables CUHK to consolidate its position as a globally leading higher education institution.

Bridging sound and culture

As part of CUHK’s global educational initiative, the Department of Music proudly presents the next installment of the “Bridging Sound and Culture Concert Series”, which includes an extraordinary bluegrass music concert scheduled for this Friday, 8 March 2024. The concert, “American Roots Music”, features performances of traditional Appalachian, bluegrass, old-time, and country music by faculty and student musicians of the Bluegrass Ensemble from Berea College, Kentucky, USA, located in the heart of the Appalachian region. To enhance University members’ appreciation and understanding of traditional American music culture and heritage, the Department is also holding a lecture-demonstration today (6 March) and a photo exhibition until 11 March. All three events are free for admission at the Lee Hysan Concert Hall. Please do not miss this precious opportunity to discover the richness of American roots and bluegrass music and immerse yourself in this unique cultural experience.

In memory of Professor Joseph Lau

Many of you will have read the very sad news of the passing of Professor Joseph Lau Wan-yee. A revered figure in the field of hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery, Professor Lau was known for his salient contributions to global medical science. As a long-time Professor of our Faculty of Medicine, Professor Lau devoted himself to leading high-impact research as well as nurturing the next generation of medical professionals with his wealth of knowledge and experience. In addition to his commitment to medical education, Professor Lau was a firm believer in the importance of general education for students’ personal growth, and served as the Founding Master of Lee Woo Sing College. Under his wise leadership, the College has cultivated an enriching academic community that motivates students to develop higher aspirations and goals. The CUHK community is deeply saddened by the loss of an exemplary teacher, a brilliant scholar, a wonderful colleague, and a good friend. On behalf of all University members, I would like to express our deepest condolences to Professor Lau’s family in this time of loss and grief. As we mourn the loss of Professor Lau, I am sure his legacy will continue to resonate in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.