Prof. Joseph J.Y. Sung, Vice-Chancellor of the University, described this year as a historical moment in his speech at the inauguration ceremony of the new academic year. He urged freshmen to make good use of the extra year, so that their university life would not go to waste. He challenged them to read a book every month, make at least one friend from a different country (or region) every year, and join at least one service trip offered by their Colleges to find like-minded friends.