As we approach the end of the year, I would like to say thank you for your staunch support amid the challenges that we have experienced.

To thank members of the CityU Foundation, University friends and distinguished community leaders, a Thanksgiving Dinner was organised by the CityU Foundation on 24 November. The event celebrated the exhilarating news that CityU’s 10-year large-scale capital campaign “United, We Soar” had achieved its target 1.5 years ahead of schedule, with more than HK$2.5 billion raised to support CityU’s pursuit of excellence for the benefit of society.

The unwavering support of generous donors was manifested in the first-ever inauguration ceremony for Named Chair Professorships at CityU on 11 October. In just a few years, more than 20 named Chair Professorships and Professorships have been established to honour CityU scholars.

I am also delighted to share with you that CityU became one of the top 100 universities in the world under the 2023 World University Rankings released by Times Higher Education (THE) this October. In addition, more than 180 CityU faculty members are listed among the top 2% of the most cited scientists worldwide, according to metrics compiled by Stanford University. These latest international recognitions once again reflect our faculty’s excellent academic standards and research performance. My deepest gratitude to our world-class teaching and research teams for their remarkable contributions.

On 16 November, CityU Farm in Lam Tsuen, Tai Po was officially opened. Equipped with state-of-the-art technologies and facilities, this dairy farm signifies another milestone for CityU in promoting veterinary medicine, the concept of One Health, safeguarding public health, and championing animal welfare.

Also demonstrating our forward-looking vision is the latest series of “Beyond Boundaries: Dialogue with Presidents of World’s Leading Educational Institutions”. In these videos, I continue to discuss global education development with the presidents of renowned universities, and a high school principal. You can watch these dialogues on our video channel or on YouTube.

I have taken great pride in witnessing how the outstanding achievements of CityU faculty have cemented our place among the top global universities. Our congratulations to Professor Alain Aspect, Honorary Doctor of Science cum Senior Fellow at the Hong Kong Institute for Advanced Study (HKIAS) at CityU, for winning the Nobel Prize in Physics 2022 for his groundbreaking work in quantum mechanics. Last month, the 6th and 7th Distinguished Alumni Award was conferred on alumni Mr Simon Hui Hing-tak and Dr Sunny Chai Ngai-chiu, BBS, JP, respectively, in recognition of their extraordinary achievements and contributions to their careers, CityU and society. I am sure they will serve as excellent role models for our aspiring students and alumni.

A new exhibition titled “Amber: Baltic Gold” on show at the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery highlights key moments in amber’s artistic trajectory over the last 4,000 years. Feel free to pay a visit before the exhibition ends on 11 April 2023.

To promote a healthy lifestyle and team spirit, I will once again lead the CityU Delegation to run the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon on 12 February 2023. Don’t miss this opportunity to run with fellow CityU runners on this fun-filled day. Sign up before 15 January 2023.

In this festive season, I wish you and your families great health, happiness and a fruitful new year ahead!

Way Kuo
President and University Distinguished Professor