After the summer vacation, the CUHK campus is bustling with activities as the University has admitted the largest number of new students since its inception. This year, known as the double-cohort year, sees the implementation of the four-year curriculum in higher education in Hong Kong. For CUHK, we are finally back on the right track and have resumed the system that we have always seen as the best for Hong Kong.

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.

He said, ‘If you follow my instructions, take my advice, you will read 30, may be 40, books before you graduate. You will know three to four different cultures, speak a few languages and start to understand some global issues. You will be able to appreciate cooperation instead of competition. Your world will be much bigger than just the two sides of Victoria Harbour. Your interpersonal skills will be much improved. You will be resourceful and approachable, someone with whom people like to make friends. You will be much more mobile in your future career. You can find a job, build a career and establish a family anywhere around the world.’