Convocation Newsletter, Summer 2018

Loke Yew Hall, formerly the Great Hall, in the Main Building, the University’s oldest structure and a declared monument. It was where Dr Sun Yat-sen 孫中山 , alumnus, gave his famed address on February 20, 1923. He is impressed by the University’s unique history and culture, excellence in teaching and learning, and great diversity and vibrancy on campus. “We want to attract the brightest students, nurture them with intellectually stimulating and innovative education, and encourage curiosity-driven research.” As he embarks on a new beginning, Professor Zhang looked back at how he felt as a young researcher, when he moved from China to the United States to pursue his postgraduate studies and begin his academic career. “Twenty-nine years ago, I flew from Shanghai to Chicago, to a place with a new culture,” he said. “And now I’ve flown from San Francisco to Hong Kong. I am very excited to be here.” As an inventor, Professor Zhang pushes the boundaries of advanced research. As an education leader, he brings his spirit of innovation to the University. HKU is rising into a new sphere of influence in global higher education. As Professor Zhang proclaims, “The best way to be ahead of the curve is to define the curve ourselves.” Professor Zhang said he is ready to take HKU to the next level and face the challenges of a rapidly changing and globalised world. “I envision HKU as a leading global university that not only inspires our next generation of leaders but will also lead in intellectual, economic and societal transformations in Greater China, Asia and the world. For that, we must be visionary, innovative and bold. Exceptional academic scholarship is key,” he emphasised. “HKU must recruit and retain the best faculty. We should bring in star researchers from all over the world." Since his appointment was announced, Professor Zhang has spoken enthusiastically about HKU’s potential, as part of phenomenal growth across Asia. He sees HKU as playing the role of a vital incubator and laboratory in the Greater Bay Area – influencing technology, business and society globally. A NEW BEGINNING 第十六任香港大學校長 張翔教授 Professor Xiang Zhang assumes o ce as e University of Hong Kong’s 16 th President and Vice-Chancellor.