Vice-Chancellor's Report 1987-90

Vice-Chancellor's Report I NTRODUCT I ON At the time of the writing of this report, The Chinese University of Hong Kong is nearly 27 years old. It is a university on the move. The University has over these years produced tens of thousands of graduates, many of whom are now serving society here and in communities abroad in important positions. A ll of them are contributing their talents and building a solid image for the University, and the University is proud of their achievements. In recognition of our efforts i n producing quality graduates, many generous people of Hong Kong have been making donations in one form or another to the University. We have also received support from charitable foundations and trust funds for research. Large or small, these contributions are all important for the healthy growth of this University and are extremely useful in our quest for improvement. They exemplify a love for what this University stands for and what it does. I take this opportunity to express the gratitude of the entire University to our many benefactors. As we enter the last decade of the 20th century, the role of universities in advanced nations is undergoing significant changes. They are not only custodians of knowledge, they also form an integral part of a global society. These universities must deal with a greater influx of students from diverse social backgrounds and must produce a range of graduates with competence in a variety of areas to meet societal needs. International linkages and the transferability of experience are also emphasized as keys to the maintenance of academic standards and competitiveness. Hong Kong has already reached the status of a highly developed area, being ranked amongst the world's top 20 trading nations, and with its per capita GDP reaching US$11,000 in 1989 and growing at a rapid annual rate. However, in the face of a labour shortage, high inflation, scarcity of available land and tough competition from ASEAN countries and other newly industrialized economies, the future of Hong Kong's economy depends upon its ability to shift to higher value-added products through the application of advanced technology. On the one hand, Hong Kong is moving towards new economic roles as both a financial centre 3