Bulletin Autumn‧Winter 1993

Institute of Educational Research, have launched in-depth research on various aspects of China's development. I also know that individual faculties and units like the Asia-Pacific Institute of Business and the Department of Extramural Studies have organized and conducted a wide range of development programmes for mainland institutions in the fields of management, teacher training and executive development. Individual teachers, too, have participated actively in the provision of consultancy services in different cities and counties in mainland China, each contributing their share in the modernization process. Many of you may have learned from a recent TV report that a group of medical practitioners from this university have just returned from a trip to Sichuan to help improve the delivery of medical and rehabilitation services to the physically handicapped in the area. As many of these and other examples show, when the relationship between the territory and mainland China gets closer and closer, the University will become increasingly involved in the provision of expertise and quality manpower for China's social and economic growth, and will play an increasingly important role in the development of both places. Never at any point in time during the last 30 years has the University not eared for its alumni. Those who have been in close touch with the University after graduation and participated actively in alumni activities must have experienced first hand the University's concern for its graduates. The Federation of Alumni Associations of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, for example, has enjoyed unfailing support and encouragement from our alma mater ever since its establishment in 1978. To reciprocate the care and encouragement of our beloved alma mater, the federation is now reaching out to more than 30 alumni associations in different parts of the world, calling upon them to support the continuous growth of the University and its constituent colleges. We shall unite our efforts and pool our resources for the establishment of more scholarship and research funds for the University. Dedicated to the promotion of educational developments in Hong Kong, the federation has also set up a kindergarten, a primary school and a secondary school. Through the provision of educational services to the young people of the territory, we hope to return to the local community some of the benefits we once enjoyed as students, and to foster closer links between the University's alumni and their alma mater, and among fellow graduates ourselves. Few of us who have graduated can really forget the beautiful campus where we spent our youthful days exploring new knowledge and learning to be responsible citizens of the community. Many will recall from time to time the heated debates we once had at the University Square or the New Asia forum, the enchanting harbour view we quietly enjoyed while standing outside the Wen Lan Tang, and the leisurely strolls we took along the Lily Pond and the tree-lined paths on the New Asia and United campus. And how we miss the delightful azalea in full bloom, proudly displaying their colourful array all over the campus. Last month in September, the first general meeting of the Convocation was successfully held, and very soon, representatives will be nominated for appointment to the University Council. This would further enhance alumni participation in University affairs. Individual alumni have also initiated fund-raising drives to solicit donations for the setting up of various alumni and development funds in the University to provide long-term support for student activities and campus bu i l d i ng programmes. We, as CUHK alumni, shall be most glad to support these efforts. I am fully convinced that with unceasing support from the government, the local community, and the University Council, through the hard work of University members from Vice-Chancellor Kao to the individual students, and with staunch encouragement and sponsorship from its alumni, the University will accomplish all the goals it has set out to achieve. I also wish to take this opportunity to call upon all CUHK alumni to repay their alma mater and the community by contributing their experience and resources, and to work together with the University to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Last but not least, let me wish our alma mater a most happy birthday, and let me wish all of you good health and a bright future. Thank you. (Original in Chinese, English translation by the Chinese University Bulletin) 46th Congregation 29