These few weeks, I have taken the opportunity to tour our beautiful campus, visiting the most scenic, or Instagrammable, as people now call it, spots, reminiscing the 2,500 days of abundance and thankfulness I have spent here. At one of my favourite CUHK landmarks, the Pavilion of Harmony, where the sky and the waters merge through a fine line, I could not help thinking of the continuity of the passage of time – how the University’s glorious past has extended to the present, paving the way for the future.
A journey of purpose and responsibility
What brought me back to Hong Kong about ten years ago was an intrinsic motivation driven by the promise I made to my mother as I left to further my studies in the United States in the late 1960s. With a deep-rooted commitment to serving my hometown, I embarked on the path of servicing the scientific research and higher education communities in Hong Kong, one that was more of a calling rather than a well-laid plan.
As I reflect upon my seven-year journey as the Vice-Chancellor and President, I feel deeply proud of what the CUHK community has achieved together. In unity and hope, we have passed many milestones and navigated major challenges – an obvious one being the once-in-a-century global pandemic. Not only was COVID-19 a trial of resilience, but it was also a test of our solidarity in the face of adversities. Thanks to everyone’s dedication to safeguarding the health and safety of the University community, we were able to keep the campus infection rate at an impressively low level. We also adapted swiftly to the hybrid learning environment. I was glad that our innovative approach was widely endorsed by students, with the University recording high attendance and student satisfaction levels on par with traditional performance. Riding on our successful experience in advocating online learning, CUHK initiated the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Virtual Student Exchange programme to enable students from APRU member universities around the world to receive international education and exchange experience amidst travel restrictions. I am delighted to see that our attempt to spearhead innovation in the global education in the new normal has earned widespread acclaim and continued through to the post-pandemic era. Such impressive outcomes are the result of the selfless contribution of the CUHK community, as well as the concerted effort between our global partners, for which I owe a debt of gratitude beyond words.
Gratitude abounds
I would like to express my deep gratitude to all students and staff of CUHK, whose conviction, hard work and perseverance have been the crucial factors for our continued success. My sincere thanks also go to our strong alumni network of almost 300,000 members, spanning all corners of the world. You have been the torchbearers of CUHK’s spirit and mission, enabling us to make an impact far and wide. Not only have you been doing us proud by shining in your respective professions, but many of you have also been supporting our initiatives such as rendering wise counsel on the Global Alumni Advisory Board to advance institutional development and participating in the Distinguished Alumni-in-Residence Programme to share your expertise and insights with fellow University members.
It has also been such a true blessing to build a close connection with our benefactors and partners, both locally, nationally and globally, who have empowered us to play an active part at the forefront of global higher education. In fact, the dedication of all our stakeholders has taken CUHK to great heights, propelling it to global recognition by attaining a historical high in three major world university rankings this year. This impressive accomplishment has come to me as the most precious farewell gift.
Warm farewell greetings
As an African proverb goes, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” CUHK was founded 61 years ago with the mission of “combining tradition with modernity and bringing together China and the West”, one that is so unique that no other university in the world can replicate. Along our journey to fulfill this grand mission, we will inevitably be confronted with challenges. Let the spirit of excellence, innovation and collaboration we have cultivated at CUHK be our guide to stay united in the face of uncertainties. Always remember that we are all crew members, not passengers, on the spaceship called Earth. Each of us has a vital part to play in our quest towards a sustainable future. I firmly believe that Team CUHK will continue to make substantial contributions in this aspect, as we always do.
It has been my great honour to lead this institution over the past seven years. As a final remark before my departure, I would like to offer my best wishes to you for the new year and for the new leadership in guiding CUHK along its promising path, upholding the proud legacy and values that define us.
Once again, thank you for this amazing journey! I cannot wait to see what the future holds for CUHK.
Best wishes,
Professor Rocky S. Tuan
Vice-Chancellor and President
