Bulletin No. 1, 2018

Prof. Rocky S. Tuan was officially installed as the eighth Vice-Chancellor of CUHK on 17 April. The Sir Run Run Shaw Hall, where the installation ceremony was held, was packed to the full. Among those 800 present were members of the Council, faculty, staff, students, alumni and government and higher education leaders from Hong Kong, the mainland and overseas who witnessed Professor Tuan presented with a copy of The Chinese University of Hong Kong Ordinance and the University Seal by Dr. Norman N.P. Leung , Chairman of the University Council. The introductions of Professor Tuan were written and delivered in English by Prof. Christopher Gane , Dean and Simon F.S. Li Professor of Law, and in Chinese by Prof. Ho Che-wah , Chairman of the Department of Chinese Language and Literature. Professor Gane presented a brief survey of Professor Tuan’s academic achievements and scientific contributions particularly in the field of regenerative medicine. He expressed confidence that Professor Tuan’s ability to contribute on multiple fronts, as demonstrated by his previous outstanding performance in concurrent roles, should stand him in good stead as he confronts the demanding role of CUHK Vice- Chancellor. ‘One of the striking features of Professor Tuan’s scientific career is his ability to hold down not one, but two or even three appointments concurrently. This is, of course, a mark of recognition: everyone wants a piece of Rocky Tuan. It is also a testament to his energy, industry and capacity for leadership,’ said Professor Gane. In addition to a biographical sketch, Professor Ho’s introduction gave the audience a glimpse of Professor Tuan’s lesser known musical talent. He quoted the Vice-Chancellor’s own reflection on his passion for music: ‘I love ensemble work, and the moment of true union of minds, a fusion of the experience and hard work and musical expression of everyone, is the true spirit of music that I have been after. Achieving such moments depends absolutely on relentless practice and hard work, and does not necessarily always materialize, but when they do, it is pure ecstasy! Reaching and being immersed in that spiritual state is to me what musical performance is all about.’ It therefore came as no surprise that the spirit of harmony and collaboration in music can also be found in Professor Tuan’s style of leadership in education and research. At the beginning of his address to the audience, Professor Tuan compared CUHK to ‘a great tome… old enough to be an endless source of wisdom and inspirations, but young enough to open up new vistas and whet the appetite for adventure.’ He was prepared to lead the University through the challenges of the times, take it to new heights of excellence and engagement, and pass on its precious legacy. To Professor Tuan, taking the helm of a leading university in his birthplace marked the embarkation on the most exciting and meaningful journey home. He shared a tremendous sense of belonging with the rest of the CUHK community, in particular its massive alumni body. In his words, ‘[Our alumni] carry within themselves what has been learned in our labs or classrooms, and delight in lifelong friendships made in our college canteens or sport grounds. To the outside world, CUHK is known by the faces and feats of these fine products of the University. They are the bridge between CUHK and society.’ He went on to say, ‘I wish to tap this rich resource of talented members of the alumni community for the good of the University, and to shore up and take forward the University’s strategic objectives of increasing its global profile and presence.’ In closing, Professor Tuan quoted a line from one of Orhan Pamuk ’s best- known novels: ‘Life was an adventure, and there was a beauty in doing things together.’ His rallying words to all CUHK members: ‘I have the incredibly good fortune of being in the same place with you for the duration of my term. I now extend an invitation to you— dear staff, alumni, benefactors, friends and, most important of all, trustees of posterity—to join me on this glorious journey that is CUHK!’ Inaugural speech by Prof. Rocky S. Tuan Installation of the New Vice-Chancellor 19