Dear colleagues and students,

Welcome to the new academic year! As we begin a new journey, I would like to share my heartfelt enthusiasm and optimism for the future. Whether you are a returning student or joining us for the first time, please know that you are all vital parts of our vibrant community. Together, we will be co-creating an exciting new chapter for our university in the year ahead.

We start this new academic year with one piece of good news after another. From hardware to software, we continue to build on an already strong foundation in ways that will advance our institution and equip us for future success.

I am thrilled to share with you that this year, we have an outstanding cohort of students and distinguished scholars from around the globe joining us. The leading numbers of top scorers admitted to HKU continue to rise, including those who chose to take our new programmes. In addition, the Ministry of Science and Technology recently designated five out of Hong Kong’s 15 State Key Laboratories to the University, assets that will focus on nothing less than prevailing critical issues that impact humankind. These new initiatives affirm HKU’s research excellence while demonstrating our significant capacity and commitment to supporting our nation’s strategic development. Meanwhile, our soon-to-be-completed Tech Landmark will further enhance our infrastructure by providing the necessary hardware to greatly strengthen our capabilities in the pursuit of innovation. Last but not least, we are also an AI-enabled campus, an advantage that will equip us all for the new age when the innovation breakthroughs become the prime enabler in education and human development.

These additions come at a time when we are celebrating the 115th anniversary of our university – a milestone of which we can all be proud, and one that reflects our rich history of dedication, innovation and excellence. Furthering this legacy, we will soon unveil our 2026–2035 vision statement, which will define and shape our future as one of the world’s finest global education hubs.

As we journey into the next decade, there will be no shortage of challenges. However, we have the confidence, knowledge and agility to progress. I encourage each of you to navigate the year ahead with creativity and resilience, to support one another, and to strive for excellence in all your endeavours. Let’s work together to make this year truly impactful.

I wish you all a very successful and fulfilling academic year, and I look forward to seeing you around campus!

Professor Xiang Zhang

President and Vice-Chancellor

The University of Hong Kong