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Dear colleagues, students, alumni, and members of the HKU community,


As we are embarking on a new year, I would like to express a message of gratitude and hope.  The past year was a challenging one, yet we have continued to thrive.  On behalf of the Senior Management Team, I want to thank you for your trust, support, and guidance.  As we are facing up to the fresh challenges 2025 will surely bring, our shared hope, and common vision, for HKU to succeed and grow will unite and guide us. 


As a world-class University, attracting and nurturing talents and aspiring students from all over the world, the pursuit of excellence in education remains HKU’s raison d’etre. This resonates strongly with HKSAR’s ambitions to become an international talent and education hub. 


To this end, we recruited in 2024 more than 120 academics who are at the cutting edge of their fields.  A record-breaking total of 53 of our researchers were named in Clarivate’s 2024 List of Highly Cited Researchers,  representing 40% of Hong Kong's total.  12 of our esteemed scholars were ranked among the top 100 in their respective fields by Research.com. In addition, nearly 1,300 non-local students from more than 60 countries and regions chose HKU as their new home for knowledge in the past year. 


Coming up, the first phase of the Tech Landmark will be near completion, which will provide a conducive environment and state-of-the-art equipment for our researchers and students.  Tapping into the vast opportunities in the Greater Bay Area (GBA), we have been selected to operate the GBA International Clinical Trial Institute and have established the Material Innovation Institute for Life Sciences and Energy in the Hetao Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone.  HKU will also make the first move to empower all our students to be AI-savvy with the launch of a university-wide course for all incoming undergraduates.


Looking ahead, I am most excited to work with you all in our continuing pursuit of academic excellence and talent-grooming. 


To my colleagues and faculty, I look forward to building our collective future together. Your wisdom and perseverance will serve as the beacon that inspires and guides HKU’s continual growth and ultimate success.


To our students, I encourage you to continue on your paths of leadership with intellectual fortitude and bold vision. Dare to dream big and be the change-champion you wish to see in the dynamic world.


To our alumni, I am humbled by many of you who have dedicated your professionalism to this city and your alma mater. I sincerely thank you for your unfailing love for HKU and I look forward to strengthening our collaboration.


To our HKU community, I am most grateful for your support and trust in our endeavours to pass on our legacy to future generations.  Be our companions in this remarkable journey.


As we welcome the new year, I wish you all health, fulfillment and peace.  Let us work together to support HKU to excel, guided by our motto: Sapientia et Virtus!

 


Yours Sincerely,

Professor Xiang Zhang

President and Vice-Chancellor

Ring in the new year with hope and vision

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