The University of Hong Kong (HKU) marked the beginning of the new year with a flag-raising ceremony held at Grand Hall, Centennial Campus today (January 1, 2024). President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Xiang Zhang, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Wong, Acting Executive Vice-President (Administration and Finance) Professor Wei Pan, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic Development) Professor Peng Gong, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Max Shen, former members of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress Dr Rita Fan Hsu Lai Tai and Mr Tam Yiu Chung, Legislative Council members Dr Junius Ho and Dr David Lam, together with HKU’s Council and Senate members, Faculty Deans, staff members and students, attended the ceremony.
The ceremony not only commemorated the start of the new year but also honoured the University's illustrious history. Since its establishment in 1911, HKU has stood as an enduring symbol of Hong Kong’s dynamic spirit and unwavering resilience. From its inception as the English-speaking university for China, the University has evolved alongside Hong Kong, embracing the myriad of challenges and triumphs throughout history that have shaped the city’s distinct identity.
As the city's foremost institution of higher education, HKU has played an integral role in shaping Hong Kong's intellectual, cultural, and social landscape. The University continues to excel in an ever-changing global context, ranking second in Asia in the latest QS Asia University Rankings for 2024 and 13th globally among all institutions in Clarivate's list of "Highly Cited Researchers 2023". HKU's outstanding performance bolsters Hong Kong's ascent in the list of top 10 regions and nations for 2023, as reported by Clarivate Analytics.
Over the years, the University and Hong Kong have formed an unbreakable bond. Through eras of prosperity and hardship, HKU has remained resolute in its dedication to nurturing future leaders while preserving its rich heritage. As Hong Kong continues to transform, HKU continues to guide the path forward for generations to come.
The ceremony united the entire HKU family, providing an invaluable opportunity to forge connections that will catapult the University to unparalleled heights in the coming year.