Welcome to the 57th edition of CUHK in Focus.
It gives me great honour to deliver a message for the first time on this platform to provide you with updates on the key initiatives of CUHK and share my personal reflections. Having stepped into the role of the Vice-Chancellor and President for a week, I am still filled with excitement from the warm welcome I have received from the CUHK community and the plentiful opportunities that lie ahead of me. Once again, I would like to convey my sincere gratitude for the trust and confidence you have kindly invested in me as I embark on this new journey with you.
Not only has the appointment come to me as an enormous privilege, but also a pivotal moment for me to contribute further to an organisation I have proudly served for 27 years. The past years have allowed me to familiarise myself with the core values and noble missions of CUHK. Drawing upon the experiences I have gained in teaching, research and clinical practice over the years, I shall now commit myself to promoting the growth of this esteemed institution in a new capacity, and supporting our staff and students in realising their potential in their academic and career pursuits.
To me, CUHK is a lot more than an academic institution that boasts a beautiful campus. While impressed by how the nine distinctive Colleges work together under a collegiate system that is unique in Hong Kong to shape the character of the University, I am deeply inspired by the emphasis that S.H. Ho College, which I have been affiliated with as a faculty member, places on establishing itself as a “home away from home” for all its members to support each other as they strive for excellence. This concept resonates with my perception of the University being my second home – a place that has motivated me to consistently seek breakthroughs in research and provided me with the nurturing soil for the development of non-invasive prenatal diagnostic tests and approaches to cancer liquid biopsy. I am ready to serve my home in my new role and work together with the vibrant CUHK community to consolidate the University’s position as a beacon of academic excellence, world-leading research and cutting-edge innovation that makes a meaningful impact on society.
New horizons
I look forward to collaborating closely with the University Council and the senior management team to chart the path forward for CUHK. One of my immediate tasks is to establish an interdisciplinary task force dedicated to formulating a new five-year strategic plan as a roadmap for the University’s development from 2026 to 2030. The task force will explore priorities that include elevating student experience, possibly through the enhancement of our collegiate system; cultivating an enriching research and innovation ecosystem with a dual focus on both the humanities and the sciences; constructing CUHK as a global talent hub; fostering alumni and community engagement; and strengthening internationalisation and partnerships. I am eager to leverage the collective wisdom of the entire CUHK community to develop a blueprint that will steer us through the challenges of a rapidly evolving world where artificial intelligence and global tensions are reshaping our societies.
Throughout my academic and professional journey, I have been inspired by many great leaders and prominent scientists, one of which being the distinguished British geneticist, Professor Sir Paul Nurse, 2001 Nobel Laureate, and recipient of CUHK’s Honorary Doctorate in 2024. I would like to borrow his quote to describe my aspiration for CUHK: “It has been a privilege to pursue knowledge for its own sake and to see how it might help mankind in more practical ways.” The CUHK community has been working diligently to promote the creation and application of knowledge, and I take pride in the importance we place on social responsibility. I hope we will continue to sow the seeds of knowledge and passion that will eventually yield a positive and lasting impact on the world and contribute to a sustainable future.
First-week engagements
My first week of work as the Vice-Chancellor has been filled with fruitful engagements with internal and external stakeholders of the University. I had the pleasure to meet with committees overseeing various aspects of institutional development, exchanging views with colleagues and seeking strategies for sustainable growth and maximising our impact together.
With the Year of the Snake drawing near, may I wish all of you good health, happiness, and prosperity. I hope your new year will be filled with great opportunities and successes. Kung Hei Fat Choy!
Best wishes,
Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming
Vice-Chancellor and President
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
