The First Six Years 1963-69

Introduction The evolution o f The Chinese University o f Hong Kong began in June 1959 w ith the announcement by Government that i t was considering the establishment o f a new university in which Chinese would be the principal language o f instruction. The next four years were devoted to making a detailed analysis o f the various con siderations bearing on this undertaking. This prelim inary period o f study culminated in the appointment in 1962 o f a distinguished panel o f educators headed by the Rt. Hon. Lord F ult on o f F alm er , then Sir John Scott F ulton and Vice-Chancellor o f the University o f Sussex. The Report o f the Fulton Commission was published one year later and was used by Government as the blueprint for the establishment o f the University under the federal concept o f or ganization on October 17, 1963. In the case o f a new and rapidly developing institution such as The Chinese University, enough time must be allowed to perm it a discernible pattern to emerge before attempting to compile a formal progress report. Six years have now elapsed and the direc tion which the University w ill take is reasonably clear. I t therefore appears appropriate at this time to review what the University has accomplished to-date and inform the public accordingly. Tha t which follows is an attempt to summarize the whole: to give a b rie f sketch o f the historical development o f The Chinese University, to present in capsule form the main features o f this institution's growth over the past six years and to provide a frame o f reference ind ica t ing the probable course which the University w ill pursue in the foreseeable future. The six-year period o f The Chinese University's existence has unquestionably been one o f the most exciting and crucial periods in the history o f Hong Kong. Twenty years ago ， when the trade pattern w ith China was upset, many people thought that the future o f the Colony was dim. Contrary to this pessimistic forecast ， how ever, Hong Kong in the past two decades has made astounding social and economic progress and is now a thriv ing community o f over 4 m illion people, compared w ith its population o f 2,857,000 in 1959. Its products are sold all over the world. Its currency is one o f the world's soundest. Furthermore, the Colony balances its bud get each year while at the same time supporting enormous public works projects, particularly in the areas o f education, medical ser vices and low-cost housing. Money for investment flows into the Colony from other areas o f Asia in ever-increasing amounts. More and more foreign firms are establishing regional headquarters and manufacturing facilities in Hong Kong. 1