College Master Professor Vincent Mok Unveils His Vision at Installation Ceremony
In 2006, S.H. Ho College was founded on the warm identity of “Home away from Home” for 600 students from diverse backgrounds. At the Installation Ceremony of the Third College Master-cum-First High Table Dinner held on 21 September, 2022, Prof. Vincent Mok, College Master re-affirmed the tight bonding in the community, shared his hopes for College students, and expressed his wish that students of the College will bring peace and prosperity to the world.
Around 120 guests, students, members and alumni attended the ceremony. The high table guests include Dr Tzu-leung Ho, Chairman of the Committee of Overseers of S.H. Ho College; Prof. John Y. Chai, Chairman of the University Council; Prof. Alan Chan, Provost of CUHK; Prof. Lee Tan, Dean of Students of the College; Dr. Lawrence Chiu, Dean of General Education of the College; Miss Peggy Li, President of Student Union Representative Council of the College; and Mr. Ferdinand Tsang, President of Alumni Association of the College.
In his inaugural address, Prof. Mok emphasised his hopes for students. The first one is to develop peace in our home. He talked to an alumna who is in the College’s first cohort of graduates and is now a medical doctor. The alumna mentioned that the College still serves as a home for alumni even after many years of graduation. Prof. Mok went on to explore how to maintain a harmonious and close fellowship, and he concluded that only acceptance could bring along peace. He said, “The key is not because we are the smartest. The key is to accept the differences and weaknesses of others in our home.”
The second hope Prof. Mok has for students is to be professional, and work hard in their studies. He met a fresh graduate of the College, who received the College’s Ho Tim Foundation Scholarship at Hughes Hall, the University of Cambridge, and is now doing an MPhil programme in Experimental Psychology at the University of Cambridge. The graduate shared with him that the secret of success lies in having a strong passion in his research topic. Taking this as an example, he encouraged students to do what they are really interested in, and be professional in the fields while also engaging themselves in extracurricular activities in order to widen their horizon. “My hope is that you can be inspired to become professional in your field so that you can make solid changes to our society. I also hope that you can play hard. It is good for developing friendships, for your physical and mental health, and to some, you may discover your talents.”
To many people, philanthropy means helping the disadvantaged people, especially by giving them money. For Prof. Mok, philanthropy means going the extra mile to promote the welfare of others. Again, his understanding on philanthropy is enriched by another fresh graduate of the College who served to organize the orientation camp almost every year. Her affection for the people and the College is driven by a strong sense of belonging to the community. “Philanthropy comes from phil (love or affection) and anthrōpos (mankind). My hope is that our affection for the people and the place can expand from the College and the University, to other places, especially to people and places with needs,” explained Prof. Mok.
S.H. Ho College’s motto is “Culture, Moral, Devotion and Trustworthy” which is drawn on the Analects of Confucius. Prof. Mok pointed out that the word Ru (Confucian) means “people who study” and in Confucius time, it is the study of how to become a better person in all aspects. Through getting in touch with College alumni, he is impressed by how much they have grown throughout their College education. He hopes that students can become better persons with holistic development and with the College’s motto in mind.
At the end of his address, Prof. Mok touched on the sophisticated design of the Master gown. Olive branches and doves are crafted by embroidery goldwork, visually in sharp contrast with the black velvet panels. “To me, the olive represents our College, and symbolises peace and prosperity. The dove represents our students and symbolises hope. The golden colour reminds students that you are now at the golden time of your life where you are very free. So fly out of your comfort zone and in this garden of olive, learn to live in peace with others, to be professional, to play, to grow in philanthropy and in personhood.
Prof. Vincent Mok has assumed office as the Master of S.H. Ho College for a period of four years with effect from 1 August, 2022. He is currently Mok Hing Yiu Professor of Medicine, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, CUHK. He is also the Director of Therese Pei Fong Chow Research Centre for Prevention of Dementia, and the Director of Margaret K.L. Cheung Research Centre for Management of Parkinsonism. He serves as the Secretary of the Neurology Specialty Board, Hong Kong College of Physicians, and a member of the Expert Committee on Clinical Events Assessment Following COVID-19 Immunization, the Government of HKSAR.
Dr. Tzu-leung Ho officiates at the installation ceremony of Prof. Mok.
Prof. Mok proposes a toast in memory of Dr. S.H. Ho and to Dr. Tzu-leung Ho for his generous support to the College. He also toasts to the vibrant development of the College and to lifelong fellowship of students, teachers and alumni.
A group photograph of teachers, students and guests.
