Around 80 College of Science (CSCI) freshmen kicked off their university journey on 24 August and attended the College Orientation at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK), where they were warmly greeted by our Associate Dean and faculty members.
Professor Chun Kit Kwok, Associate Dean (Outreach and Internationalisation) of CSCI, welcomed the science freshmen as they stepped into “a dynamic and ever-evolving field”. In his welcoming speech, he further pointed out that science “empowers us to ask meaningful questions, challenge conventional thinking, and discover new possibilities that advance knowledge and benefit society.”
He reassured that in the coming 4 years, freshmen will benefit from hands-on learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, research opportunities, overseas enrichment experiences, internships, and many other experiences beyond the classroom. He encouraged them to seize every opportunity with curiosity, confidence, and an open mind.
“Success is not defined solely by grades,” Professor Kwok also reminded students that along the way to success, CSCI faculty members and staff are there to support and provide guidance, “you are never alone in your academic journey,” he stressed.
Professor Jon Lo, CSCI’s Student Affairs Coordinator (Employability), then shared useful tips and enrichment opportunities like the CityUHK X Sino Grand Challenges Scholars Program. To help freshmen create a meaningful 4-year undergraduate journey, Professor Kwok and Professor Wing Chi Yu, CSCI Student Affairs Coordinator (Student Learning), also shared many other opportunities offered by the College and CityUHK, to name a few: outbound student exchange, overseas internship, local internship, scholarships and awards.
Director of Flagship Programme Professor Andy Siu later introduced the GREAT programme (Global Research Enrichment and Technopreneurship) to the freshmen. They may consider changing to GREAT streams in Year 2 or onwards, if they have a strong passion for research.
To recognise outstanding academic achievement and encourage continued excellence in undergraduate studies, Professor Kwok, on behalf of the College, presented the certificates and cash rewards to the four awardees of the 2025/26 CSCI Academic Excellence Awards, in the presence of our new freshmen. Notably, Keith Tse, a graduate of the GREAT Programme majoring in Physics, was awarded the Gold Medal of the CityUHK X Sino Grand Challenges Scholars Program this year. Congratulations to all awardees for their remarkable accomplishments!
Professor Lo and Professor Yu also presented certificates to Andi Zhang, Alan Yue, Keith Tse, Kairat Muratbek, Kate Lee, and Mimosa Chan, the representatives of the Student Chapter 2025-26, in appreciation of their outstanding work and commitment. Freshmen are welcome to join the Student Chapter, established by the College in 2020, to strengthen their sense of belonging.
Just right after the College Orientation, Professor Andy Siu and Professor Sam Wong, CSCI’s Flagship Programme Coordinator, hosted another orientation session specifically for the Year 1 GREAT Programme students. Professor Siu highlighted important considerations for students when selecting their major from Year 2 onwards. Current GREAT students and alumni also joined the orientation to share their valuable experiences and insights, offering the newcomers a deeper understanding of the programme and opportunities ahead.
The College of Science wishes all freshmen a fruitful university journey ahead.