Welcome to the 55th edition of CUHK in Focus.
The plaque unveiling ceremony of the China National Space Administration (CNSA) International Satellite Data and Application Cooperation Council Unit held earlier this month marked an important milestone in the cooperation between CUHK and our mainland partners in the field of aerospace technology development. The establishment of the Unit is a major initiative outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding signed between CNSA’s Earth Observation System and Data Centre and CUHK’s Institute of Space Earth Information Science (ISEIS) in 2023. It will enable ISEIS to harness its research expertise and strong connections with mainland and international partners to advance aerospace technology development and promote the application of global satellite remote sensing big data.
In September this year, CUHK celebrated the launch of the first remote sensing satellite developed locally and backed by the HKSAR Innovation and Technology Fund. We are grateful to the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau for supporting us in taking an important step forward in the development of aerospace technology. We also introduced a collaborative double major programme in Aerospace Science and Earth Informatics with CUHK-Shenzhen this year, demonstrating our commitment to sci-tech modernisation of our nation.
As the initiating institution of the Hong Kong Youth Aerospace Innovation Alliance, which brings together seven universities in Hong Kong to support talent development in aerospace technology, CUHK was honoured to cohost the 2nd Youth Innovation Forum on Digital Earth on the same day with the International Society for Digital Earth and the International Research Centre for Big Data Analytics for Sustainable Development. The Forum provided a dynamic platform for researchers and postgraduate students in the field of digital technology from around the world to share innovative ideas in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
AUPC-LERU Presidents’ Dialogue 2024
I was delighted to take part in the President’s Dialogue jointly organised by the Association of University Presidents of China (AUPC) and the League of European Research Universities (LERU) at the University College London last weekend. Top universities in China and Europe play a significant role in promoting educational and technological exchanges and cooperation that can help enhance China-Europe relations. It is through international dialogue that universities from different countries and regions can build understanding and mutual trust. The President’s Dialogue enabled academic leaders from China and Europe to discuss how universities can incubate actionable knowledge and nurture global citizens who can drive sustainable development. I was delighted to exchange views with fellow global university leaders on how technology is transforming higher education and the importance of institutional collaboration as a key strategy for addressing challenges and unlocking opportunities. I was also pleased to share examples of how CUHK has been adopting sustainable digital practices, driving research on greener technologies, and integrating AI and sustainability into our curriculum to shape a more environmentally-conscious generation. In the face of global geopolitical tensions, the meaningful event gave leaders in higher education the opportunity to share expertise and initiate partnerships to lead societal change that can contribute to a more sustainable future for the world.
Spearheading climate action
We are happy to celebrate the 11th anniversary of the Jockey Club Museum of Climate Change (MoCC) of CUHK this year. Since its establishment in 2013 as the first museum of its kind in the world, the MoCC has played a pivotal role in accelerating climate action, welcoming over 1.65 million visitors. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the impressive work that we are all proud of. Climate action is one of CUHK’s five University Social Responsibility Goals set in our strategic plan, and the journey of combating climate change is a collective and collaborative effort. We look forward to continuing to work closely with our partners to identify solutions to combat climate challenges through experimentation on campus and collaboration with the wider society to popularise the global relevance of climate change.
The MoCC is also committed to nurturing young talents and climate leaders to drive sustainable development. We have trained nearly 1,000 CUHK students through the MoCC Ambassadorship programme, who help the public understand climate change and engage them in taking climate-friendly actions. Last year, we introduced the MoCC Scholars programme to support exceptional CUHK alumni who have served as museum ambassadors and remained actively engaged in environmental affairs and climate action after graduation. Earlier this month, we held the MoCC Scholar Inauguration Ceremony to inaugurate Dr Henry Hung, a distinguished alumnus and currently lecturer at the University of Oxford, as the second MoCC Scholar. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Dr Hung on receiving the honour and I hope he will continue to nurture youth leaders to advance sustainable development in Hong Kong and beyond.
We are delighted that our commitment to sustainable development has garnered recognition in the QS World University Sustainability Rankings 2025, which evaluates the social and environmental impact of universities worldwide. While remaining at the second position in Hong Kong and in the top ten in Asia, we are glad to be ranked first in the categories of governance and impact of education in Hong Kong. Such impressive results showcase our dedication to these important areas in establishing CUHK as a socially-responsible institution. My heartfelt gratitude goes to everyone who has contributed to our shared success.
Creating lasting connections
December is a festive month that brings people together to herald the end of the year with cheers, and spark new connections. I had the pleasure of attending a dinner hosted by the Federation of Alumni Associations of CUHK (CUHKFAA). I would like to thank the CUHKFAA for organising this heartwarming event, enabling me to gather with alumni from different generations. Over the years, the CUHKFAA has been playing a vital role in connecting alumni and extending continuous support for the development of the University. I am deeply touched by the CUHK alumni community for their genuine care and unswerving support for their alma mater. The achievements of each individual member of the CUHK global alumni community have collectively created a legacy of excellence for the University, allowing us to leave an indelible mark on the world and across generations.
I was greatly honoured that Mr Paul Chan, our proud alumnus and Financial Secretary of the HKSAR, graced us with his presence as a special guest. I was thankful not only for Mr Chan’s surprise participation in the farewell dinner, making it all the more auspicious and memorable, but also for the continuous dedication and support he renders to the CUHK community throughout the years.
Tonight, I will join the farewell dinner thoughtfully organised for me by staff of CUHK. With Christmas being just one week away, this gathering cannot be more aptly scheduled as there is no better time than now to review what we have accomplished together in the past years and immerse ourselves in the joy of reunion in this holiday season. I take great pride in what we have achieved as a team – putting in place new initiatives to promote education, research, innovation and entrepreneurship, strengthening partnerships locally, nationally and internationally, and contributing meaningfully to sustainable development to make the world a better place for all. CUHK’s continued success would not have been possible without your dedication. Thank you very much for the trust, support and friendship you have rendered to me during my seven-year tenure. I am sure we will remain united in our commitment to excellence in everything we do.
We will soon be concluding this rewarding year – 2024 has been a year of continuous success in our talent cultivation, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship agendas, and one of exciting partnerships with our collaborators worldwide to generate impactful outcomes. We have prepared a short video highlighting CUHK’s achievements in this eventful year as a visual record of how the entire CUHK community has been standing close together in pursuit of excellence:
I wish you happiness, warmth and love at Christmas time. May the New Year bring fresh insights, renewed energy, and great rewards!
Professor Rocky S. Tuan
Vice-Chancellor and President
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
