Newsletter No. 523

03 # 5 2 3 | 1 9 . 0 9 . 2 0 1 8 掃描閱讀講辭全文 Scan to read the full speech: www.cpr.cuhk.edu.hk/en/press_detail. php?id=2840&t=cuhk-holds-the-inauguration- ceremony-for-undergraduates-2018&s= A s the new academic year began, the University welcomed more than 4,000 freshmen to its campus. For these newcomers, GPA, or Grade Point Average, is naturally one of the most important things that they will keep an eye on for the next few years, but Prof. Rocky S. Tuan , who delivered on 3 September his first Inauguration Ceremony for Undergraduates speech as Vice-Chancellor and President of CUHK, urged the new students to focus on a different GPA. G for Global Perspective ‘Living in one global village, we, the citizens of the world, are facing intricate issues and problems that can only be tackled or resolved with the collective wisdom, effort and collaboration across disciplines and across regions. That is why we offer the kind of education that will help students grow into civic-minded citizens with global vision and broad regional exposure,’ explained Professor Tuan the first letter ‘G’ that stands for global perspective. He went on to introduce a new general education course named ‘Grand Challenges for Global Citizens in the 21st Century’ that is on offer this semester. Through this course, eight eminent professors will guide students to identify and analyse eight of the most pressing challenges the world is facing today, including the idea of global citizenship taught by Prof. Leung Mei-yee , global warming and its environmental and humanitarian consequences taught by Prof. Gabriel Lau , hunger and sustainable agriculture taught by Prof. Lam Hon- ming , the use of nuclear power and its risks taught by Prof. Chu Ming-chung , cultural conflicts and terrorism taught by Prof. Gordon Matthews , poverty and income disparity taught by Prof. Wong Hung , urbanization and sustainable living taught by Prof. Ng Mee-kam , and the challenge of big data and artificial intelligence taught by Prof. Helen Meng . ‘As university students, it is crucial for you to understand the complexity of these challenges, and to reflect on your responsibilities as global citizens. You will discuss with your peers from different disciplines to develop and formulate possible solutions to make the world a better place. You will be amazed to discover that you have the power to achieve more than imagined,’ Professor Tuan addressed the young audience. P for Positive Mindset Plenty of scientific evidence has shown that positive people tend to achieve better life outcomes, including physical and mental health, better work performance, supportive relationships and effective coping. Since it is so important to have a positive outlook on life, another brand-new general education course titled ‘Live to Flourish: the Science and Practice of Positive Psychology’ has been rolled out and opens to all undergraduate students starting this semester. The second letter of GPA stands for what the course aims to impart to its students—a positive mindset. Jointly offered by the Department of Psychology and CUHK General Education, the course is taught by clinical psychologists and is a good mix of theory and practice. According to Professor Tuan, there will be plenty of exercises to help students develop new behavioural habits and thinking pattern, build a positive attitude towards life, identify their virtues and strengthen their resilience. He also offered the audience a tip to boost mental health: ‘Whenever you feel tired or stressed out, take a stroll on our beautiful campus, take a deep breath of fresh air, and appreciate what nature has given us. It is scientifically proven that a grateful mind improves one’s well-being and chances of success.’ A for Appreciation of Cultures and Differences The last letter ‘A’ stands for appreciation of cultures and differences. Professor Tuan encouraged new students to associate and interact with their peers who come from different racial, cultural, socioeconomic or linguistic backgrounds. ‘The opportunities you have here to interact with other young people from diverse backgrounds and experiences will significantly enrich your educational experience. You will develop a greater understanding and appreciation of the complexity and richness of the human experience.’ In fact, among the audience were over 600 non-local young elite admitted through the Non-JUPAS admissions scheme. Besides those recruited from 31 mainland provinces and municipalities, Macau and Taiwan, the international freshmen are from 29 countries including Canada, Egypt, France, India, Indonesia, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Morocco, the Netherlands, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Russia. For the first time ever, Bangladesh, Brazil, Mauritius, the Slovak Republic and Vietnam saw their students enrolling in CUHK’s undergraduate programmes. ‘Do engage with one another. Listen to people whose views are different from yours so that you can learn from them. It is the best way to learn and grow. Bigotry pre-empts rational discussion and will only undo the benefits that diversity has brought to this campus. Let’s join hands to create an environment in which people are enriched rather than divided by their differences,’ said Professor Tuan. Reported by Christine N. with information by OAFA 有朋自遠方來 Newcomers from Abroad Chananchida Choochua 來自泰國的Chananchida自小渴望出國留 學。她憑優異成績分別獲香港特區政府及 中大頒發「一帶一路獎學金—泰國」以及 大學入學獎學金,得以到中大攻讀商科。 她透過社交平台分享個人經驗與心得,幫 助泰國中學生了解出國唸書的機會,成就 升學夢想。 Chananchida had dreamt for overseas study since childhood. As a top scorer in Thailand, she was awarded the Hong Kong Scholarship for ‘Belt and Road’ Students (Thailand) by the Government of HKSAR as well as the University Admission Scholarship by CUHK to study business in Hong Kong. She has been using social media to share her experience with secondary students in Thailand to help them explore possibilities of studying abroad. Pavel Ustyantsev 在哈薩克斯坦長大的Pavel選擇來港讀書 是受香港的大都會多元文化吸引。他去年 赴港參加中大的高中生暑期課程後,萌生 出國留學的念頭。他準備修讀金融科技 學,希望畢業後為哈薩克斯坦或俄羅斯的 金融業注入技術創新。 黃羣怡 Huang Cyun-yi 在台灣學科能力測驗考獲滿分的黃羣怡入 讀法學士課程。她相信中大法律學院能滿 足她對法律的濃厚興趣,冀透過參加不同 類型的課外活動及學會,認識新朋友,發 展個人潛能。她期望畢業後投身法律界, 幫助弱勢社群,服務社會。 Born and raised in Kazakhstan, Pavel believes he can develop a global outlook by studying in the culturally diverse Hong Kong. Last year he came to the city and took part in the Summer Institute programme organized by CUHK. The experience prompted him to pursue studies in a different culture. He plans to major in financial technology, which will enable him to infuse technological innovation into financial services industry of Kazakhstan or Russia after graduation. Cyun-yi got full marks in Taiwan’s General Scholastic Ability Test and was admitted to the Faculty of Law. She believes the Faculty will answer her interest in law, and looks forward to meeting new friends and exploring her potential through joining various extracurricular activities and student organizations. She hopes to work in law after graduation to help the underprivileged and serve the community.

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