4 September 2023
Dear Students and Colleagues,
As the new academic year commences, it fills me with joy to welcome both fresh and familiar faces back to our HKBU community. This year holds special significance as we emerge from the shadow of the pandemic. I hope you all appreciate the face-to-face interactions as you start a new chapter of your learning journey. Please also join me in welcoming our new Provost, Professor Martin Wong, and the Vice-President (Research and Development) cum Dean of Graduate School, Professor Lyu Aiping. Their vision and leadership will undoubtedly propel us to greater heights.
At HKBU, we foster a supportive and nurturing environment where students can be bold and innovative in learning. We have meticulously designed our curriculum with an eye towards the future, preparing our students for the challenges ahead. Students will also have the opportunity to delve into other disciplines beyond their core studies. Indeed, transdisciplinary and individualised learning is a global trend in higher education. Last year, we launched four transdisciplinary programmes covering art, science, social sciences, technology and business, which is a testament to our commitment to shaping well-rounded talents.
We are committed to nurturing talents with a vision to serve Hong Kong, the nation and the world. As a pioneer in the cross-border collaboration in education, HKBU is the first tertiary education institution from Hong Kong which established a campus in the Mainland – the Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College (BNU-HKBU UIC) in Zhuhai, back in 2005. This visionary endeavour has served as the springboard for us to excel in education and research, bringing tremendous benefits to HKBU and BNU-HKBU UIC and developing talents for Hong Kong and the nation. Starting this semester, we will have a new Extended Study Programme, which will provide unparalleled learning experiences for students from both campuses. Under this programme, HKBU students will be able to study and gain real-world experience in the Greater Bay Area, while BNU-HKBU UIC students will have a unique learning journey in Hong Kong.
We are in a new era where AI-driven technology changes how things work and how we conduct our lives. This dynamic change was exemplified at our Annual Gala Concert in June this year, where our brilliant computer scientists breathed new life into a classic film, and brought real-time visuals to an orchestral performance through the fusion of AI and art. Our “Future Cinema Systems”, an inspiring two-year art-tech project undertaken by the Visualisation Research Centre in collaboration with the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne and the City University of Hong Kong, will also bring new forms of cultural experience and digital entertainment to audiences. As we harness the power of generative AI tools like ChatGPT, it is paramount that we navigate AI technology with ethical diligence for the benefit of humanity. Technology has the ability to amplify our potential, yet, our true power lies in our creativity, critical thinking skills and passion for knowledge.
Looking back at the past year, we have a lot to be proud of in shaping the health and well-being of our society. The Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development made an impressive breakthrough in treating chronic constipation, having developed the first botanical medicine in Hong Kong authorised by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to undergo a phase I clinical trial. Another HKBU-led research project titled “Dysregulated Host – Gut Microbiota Co-Metabolism in Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease” was awarded over HK$7.2 million in research funding from the Research Grants Council for the study of gut microbiota metabolism. In the course of preparing for the operation of the first Chinese Medicine Hospital in Hong Kong which will commence service by 2025, these encouraging achievements have further boosted our strength in the standardisation and internationalisation of Chinese Medicine.
Another notable highlight is the exceptional talent showcased by our student athletes in the sporting events. Among the 18 HKBU student athletes who competed in the 28 events at the International University Sports Federation (FISU) World University Games 2023, Cheung Ka-long clinched gold in both the Men’s Foil Individual final and the Team event, while Lau Chi-lung earned a silver medal in the Men’s Nanquan competition. We take pride in celebrating the extraordinary feats of these devoted young athletes and wish them every success in the coming Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou. With the unwavering support of our teachers and academic advisors, I am confident that our student athletes will excel in both their athletic and academic endeavours.
As we embark on this new school year, remember that every discovery, every breakthrough, starts with a question. Cherish that spark of curiosity, stay diligent in all your pursuits, and together we will make this a remarkable academic journey. I wish you all an enlightening and rewarding year ahead.
Alex Wai
President and Vice-Chancellor
Chair Professor of Photonics