University Day
By : Michael Gibb
CityU has become the first higher education institution in Hong Kong to establish a University Day (U-Day), and we did so with a little help from ‘HK Tech Tiger’, our new University Mascot.
Although reduced in scale because of social distancing measures, our inaugural U-Day on 18 March included a range of exciting activities aimed at letting people know more about CityU’s incredible successes in recent years. The tagline for this occasion was Celebrating University Day 2022.
Mr Huang says U-Day will serve as a platform for us to herald the achievements of our hard-working students, our world-class researchers, and our incredible supporters.“University Day is one of many recently launched strategic developments at CityU aimed at pursuing excellence in higher education,” says Mr Lester Garson Huang, CityU Council Chairman, at the U-Day ceremony. “It will serve as a platform for us to herald the achievements of our hard-working students, our world-class researchers, and our incredible supporters.”
The event will serve to acknowledge our rapid development and many remarkable achievements, according to President Way Kuo. “It further enhances our effort to engage the community, both on and off campus.”
Professor Matthew Lee Kwok-on, Vice-President (Development and External Relations), agrees. “CityU has been developing so fast that the general public haven’t had time or sufficient opportunities to catch up with our numerous achievements and appreciate that our reputation is highly valued,” he explains.
“We really want to engage with the local community and let our stakeholders know more about our development,” Professor Lee says.
One of the highlights of our first U-Day, which will be held annually on the third Friday in March, was the introduction of the new University Mascot, which focuses on the image of the tiger.
New University Mascot, the “HK Tech Tiger”. The University Mascot is the embodiment of CityU’s primary qualities, which are to be wise, vital, vigorous, strong and proactive, just like a tiger. These traits are evident in the forward-looking way that we pursue world-class research and education. They echo our aspirations to venture beyond boundaries and to overcome challenges. Moreover, as is befitting a leading global university, they embody our commitment to connecting with the community and attracting further community support for advancement. The University Mascot, which is called “HK Tech Tiger”, aligns with the name of our new programme for academically outstanding students, HK Tech Tiger. The University Mascot will appear at various activities and in different communications, continually promoting our special brand and characteristics. 3D and other versions will be launched in the future.
CityU recently held a design-a-tiger-mascot competition. More than 180 high-quality submissions from more than 150 students, staff and alumni were received, spotlighting CityU’s strengths in creativity and technology. These entries used a range of software techniques in keeping with the quality of technology and creativity that’s the norm at CityU.
President Kuo says U-Day aims to communicate to the community more about our very special brand, and share and celebrate the CityU’s remarkable accomplishments.Two other highlights featured at U-Day. One was the introduction of part 2 of the University Anthem, with lyrics once again written by President Kuo, to the same melody as part 1, which was introduced in February 2021. Themed “Knowledge and Wisdom”, part 2 encapsulates our aspirations to integrate teaching and research, and our determination to stay focused on education. Both the first and second parts of the Anthem capture our central ethos, singing out our special features, expectations and encouragement.
The other highlight was the official launch of the series “Beyond Boundaries: Dialogue with Presidents of World’s Leading Educational Institutions” in which President Kuo talks to presidents of renowned universities in South Africa, India, Germany, Japan and mainland China about their strengths and explores the characteristics of education around the world, the problems they face, and possible solutions.
The video series “Beyond Boundaries: Dialogue with Presidents of World’s Leading Educational Institutions” was officially launched at the U-Day.Each episode has two parts: the first consists of on-site videos of universities around the world, illustrating the general situation and characteristics of local education; the second is President Kuo’s interview with presidents of world-renowned universities and high schools. CityU faculty, students and staff were responsible for most of the directing, filming, lighting, dubbing, and post-production duties.
“Universities are not only places for awarding degrees. They should lead society, train creativity, and benefit people. Ultimately, we should give back to society through learning and scientific research activities,” says President Kuo.
The first series comprises mostly President Kuo’s interviews with presidents who have visited CityU. As higher education and secondary education are closely related, a high school principal in Hong Kong is also included.
Sections of the second series were shot during the pandemic. The production team used modern information technology to film the dialogue between President Kuo and the interviewees online. Some of the interviews were conducted during President Kuo’s outbound visits.
In addition, several events during the week raised interest in U-Day: CityU Homecoming 2022 on 13 March for alumni and CityU members; the groundbreaking ceremony on 14 March for the new student hostels at Ma On Shan; “My Sports Memory in CityU” on 18 March; and Undergraduate Open Day on 19 March.
Some members of the adjudication panel for the mascot competition (from left): Mr Chris Cheung Hon-him, a SCM alumnus and Founder, XCEED; Dr Lam Miu-ling, Associate Professor, School of Creative Media; Professor Matthew Lee; Professor Raymond Chan Hon-fu, Vice-President (Student Affairs); Ms Yoki Qin Xue, a postgraduate student, Department of Chinese and History; Ms Candy Chouk Yin, Associate Director, Global Engagement Office; and Mr Robert Lui Chi-wang, Council member and CityU alumnus.
“Beyond Boundaries: Dialogue with Presidents of World’s Leading Educational Institutions” programme website: https://www.cityu.edu.hk/beyond-boundaries
For details of the mascot design competition results, please visit: www.cityu.edu.hk/media/news/2022/02/18/mascot-design-competition-results