7 December 2015 Dear alumni, A new phase in the promotion of innovative research in Hong Kong by world-leading scholars has begun. The Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) at CityU, launched on 22 November, aspires to be an international centre of excellence for the advancement of technology and innovation. It brings together an interdisciplinary team of world-renowned scholars and researchers, including Nobel laureates and academicians, to contribute to the solutions of pressing real-world problems. It is truly a very exciting opportunity for CityU to make a real difference in advanced study. The new IAS fellows will be joining a growing community of CityU supporters, including our Honorary Doctors for 2015: Mr Bernard Charnwut Chan, GBS, JP, President of Asia Financial Holdings Ltd and Asia Insurance Co. Ltd; Mr Bruce Cheng, Founder and Honorary Chairman of the Delta Group; Professor Herbert Gleiter, Senior Member and Institute Professor of the Institute of Nanotechnology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Germany and member of seven national academies of sciences in Germany and abroad, and Zijin Chair Professor and Director of the Herbert Gleiter Institute of Nanoscience at Nanjing University of Science and Technology; and Mr David Harilela, CEO of the Harilela George Limited group of companies. It was also with great pleasure that Mr Chan Ka-kui, BBS, JP, Chairman of Mustard Seed Foundation, and Mr Hectar Pun Hei, an appointed Senior Counsel, were selected for the 2015 Distinguished Alumni Award in recognition of their achievements and contribution to their professions, the University and society. They are indeed excellent role models for our young alumni and students. One of the most effective means of creating network opportunities for our alumni and supporters is through the CityU Foundation. Set up in 2014, the Foundation has strengthened the University’s relationship with donors and friends, and the Foundation Dinner on Thanksgiving Day (26 November) was a wonderful opportunity to thank our friends and supporters for such a fruitful first year. In particular, our new ranking as No. 4 in the QS “Top 50 under 50” in 2015 was very welcome news. And I am also glad that the audience enjoyed the “fashion show” at the dinner, at which we could raise funds as well. Another update was related to our Marathon adventures. After our endeavours in Taipei and South Korea, I led a delegation of 25 alumni, staff and student runners in the China Xian International Marathon in Xian on 7 November. To celebrate our race, a reunion dinner was held for alumni residing in Xian. During the trip, I had the chance to discuss collaboration opportunities with Professor Wang Jinsong, President of Northwestern Polytechnical University, further extending our reach into mainland China. Let me also take this opportunity to thank the Standing Committee of the CityU Convocation for their dedicated support in the previous years, and to congratulate the newly elected Fifth Standing Committee which will take up office in January next year. I look forward to working together with them. And on that happy note, I would like to wish all our alumni Season’s Greetings and a prosperous year ahead! Way Kuo |
||