Summer Issue, 2012

Convocation Forum I HKU has risen to many challenges over the past century. What will happen in the next hundred years? The 818 Incident and the expected leadership change in 18 months’ time have led to a lot of questions, doubts, comments, reflection and discussion among alumni, staff, students and the general public about the values, roles and future direction of HKU. It was against this background that a Convocation Forum was held on January 14, 2012, to provide a platform for Convocation members to voice their views. The forum was well attended with around 100 participants. In their respective welcoming speech and opening remarks, SY Choi 蔡秀煜 (BSocSc 1972), Convocation Chairman, and Kenneth Tse 謝錦添 (BSc 1973; DipManStud 1980; MBA 1986), Convocation Standing Committee Member and moderator of the forum, invited the participants to share their opinions. Council Chairman Professor Leong Che-hung 梁智鴻教授 (MBBS 1962; Hon DSc 2006) raised some questions for the audience: How should HKU move forward in face of keen competition from other universities? Is HKU giving its students a good education while fulfilling the economic and social needs of society? Is curriculum reform moving in the right direction? How do our alumni and the general public view HKU? Four invited distinguished speakers shared their thoughts. Professor Edward Chen 陳坤耀教授 (BA 1967; MSocSc 1971; Hon DSocSc 2008), former President of Lingnan University expressed his strong wish that HKU could restore its tradition of liberal arts, as was the case in its first 50 years. The importance of the arts and the humanities should be emphasised, and focus should be on the well-being of the students. Professor Sun Kwok 郭新教授 , Dean of Faculty of Science, HKU, introduced the new curriculum in the Faculty that will prepare students for the 21st century. HKU should move from its excellence in small science towards big science, should align better with the national priorities of China in research, such as aerospace technology, and contribute to the Mainland’s infrastructure. Mr Antony Leung 梁錦松 (BSocSc 1973), former Financial Secretary and former Chairman of the University Grants Committee and of the Education Commission, pointed out the new features of the knowledge economy: globalisation, the re- emergence of China, and the concentration of capital. He emphasised the importance of the freedom of learning through extra-curricular activities. Professor Roland Chin 錢大康教授 , Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, HKU, shared his understanding of the vision of HKU, as well as the many challenges ahead, especially those arising from the double cohorts of undergraduates and the new 4-year curriculum. HKU should develop to a truly first-class international university. At the Q&A session, participants agreed that HKU should focus more on the learning of the undergraduates, in addition to seeking excellence in research. HKU graduates should have a critical mind and a heart to serve society. And, HKU should contribute more to the development of China. TheWay Forward Convocation members discuss the future of HKU Convocation 39