28 December 2021

Dear Alumni,
 
Despite the persistent challenges under the pandemic in 2021, the University has continued to soar thanks to incredible levels of engagement with the united CityU community.
 
To begin with, I am very proud to witness the unabated progress and breakthroughs under HK Tech 300, our HK$500 million flagship programme for innovation and entrepreneurship. This exciting new venture fully supports entrepreneurs among CityU students, alumni and young researchers keen to launch start-ups. The programme has received overwhelming support from different sectors since its inauguration in March this year, especially with the involvement of seasoned entrepreneurs, industrialists and other professionals as programme mentors. On 16 December, the Seed Fund Presentation Ceremony held for the 3rd round of funding recognised a record-breaking 80 enthusiastic start-up teams and their 34 mentors. To date, around 150 teams from three cohorts have been awarded HK$100,000 each in seed funding and have now embarked on their entrepreneurship journey.
 
The talent found among the start-up teams is destined to shine, especially with support from the community and across campus. For example, a HK$100 million joint venture for an investment platform aimed at science and technology innovation was signed recently with China Resources Enterprise; our close collaboration with Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation is growing; and the construction work for the HK Tech International Centre was launched last month.
 
Meanwhile, following Olympic medallist and alumna Ms Grace Lau Mo-sheung’s triumphant return to her alma mater in August this year, the One Health spirit at CityU continues to glow. On 24 October, I had the pleasure of leading the CityU team for the 12th consecutive year at the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, following the race’s cancellation last year because of the pandemic. Around 240 CityU runners including alumni joined the race, while others volunteered for the cheering team, exemplifying the CityU community’s excellence in both academic and sports.
 
As part of our artistic collaborations, the first large-scale fundraising gala “One Night in Tang Paradise” on 26 November raised HK$4 million in support of the CityU Indra and Harry Banga Gallery and its long-term development and research plans. The gala helped to drive forward our continued efforts to engage the community and promote learning through exhibitions. An innovative multimedia exhibition titled “A Glimpse of Tang Prosperity from Murals – The Exhibition Tour on Murals of the Tang Dynasty” currently on show at the Gallery promotes cultural education by integrating the arts, science and technology. The exhibition, which was well received in Taiwan and Macau prior to coming to Hong Kong, recreates a Tang Dynasty tomb from 1,300 years ago using new multimedia technology. Please drop by before the exhibition ends on 31 March 2022.
 
For alumni up for a creative challenge, check out our colourful design-a-tiger-mascot competition. The submission deadline is 12 January 2022. The tiger mascot will embody our wisdom, energy, dynamism and strength, and may star at campus functions.
 
In this wonderful festive season, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the CityU family for supporting our all groundbreaking initiatives, which are consolidating our position as a leading global university.  

May I wish you and your families great health, happiness and prosperity for the year ahead!
 
Way Kuo
President and University Distinguished Professor

CityUpdate
President's Blog ─ Way to Kuo