Newsletter No. 40

CUHK Newsletter No.40 March 1993 A New Reference Chart to Gauge Children's Growth A large-scale survey on Hong Kong children's growth has already begun and is expected to result in an updated growth reference chart for children aged 0 to 18. The new chart will replace existing ones which have been used for more than 30 years. Such charts are extremely outdated because of the great improvement in general health and nutrition over the years. Conducted by the University's Department of Paediatrics in collaboration with the Government's Department of Health, the survey will last five months until mid-July 1993. Fifty-four kindergartens and schools from 18 districts plus eight maternal and child health centres have been chosen to take part in the survey. Growth parameters to be measured include weight, height, sitting height, head circumference, skinfold thickness, and secondary sexual characteristics. A gathering for all the participating schools was held on 13th February at the Sha Tin Town Hall to inform teachers and parents of the procedures of examination and the equipment to be used. Dr. Sophie Leung, chief coordinator of the survey, also gave a talk on childhood nutrition and growth. The project is also supported by the University's Clinical Trials and Ep i de rmi o l ogy Research Centre, paediatricians of the Hospital Authority, and the Education Department. According to the organizers, new reference measurements will be ready by 1994 to help local hospitals, clinics and schools identify the growth problems of local children. Orientation Day for Sixth Formers A n orientation day was held on the campus last month to familiarize sixth formers from local schools with the academic programmes of the University and student life in CUHK. The faculties of arts, business administration, engineering, medicine, science and social science opened their facilities on 6th February to some 7,000 visitors, who learnt about the latest developments of the University through seminars, video shows and counselling programmes. Pr o f. S. W. Tam, pro-vice-chancellor of the University, officiated at the opening ceremony which was held at the Sir Run Run Shaw Hall. Other faculty members were also present to introduce to the visiting students various academic programmes, including new programmes such as architecture, nursing, pharmacy, environmental science and food science. Service to the Community and International Organizations • Prof. Charles K. Kao, vice-chancellor of the University, has been appointed by HE the Governor as a member of the Industry and Technology Development Council for a period up to 31st December 1994. • Prof. Rance P. L. Lee, dean of social science, has been appointed by HE the Governor as a member of the Social Welfare Advisory Committee for two years from 1st December 1992. • P r o f. K e n n e th J. S e l l i ck of the Department of Nursing has been appointed by HE the Governor as a member of the Nursing Board for three years from 1st January 1993. • Prof. P. C. Leung, head of New Asia College, has been nominated by the University to serve as its representative on the Hospital Authority's Regional Advisory Committee of the New Territories. • Dr. P. C. Ching, senior lecturer in electronic engineering, has been nominated by the University to serve as its representative on the Electronics Committee of the Industry and Technology Development Council. • Mrs. Grace Chow, director of Student Affairs, has been re-nominated by the University to serve as its representative on the Joint Committee on Student Finance for two years from 1st May 1993. • Dr. Ho Hin Hung, senior lecturer in physics, has been elected a member of the Board-of Trustees of the Tsim- shatsui Baptist Church from 1st January 1993. • Mr. Stephen C. Yam, lecturer in accountancy, has been appointed by The Chinese Workers' Publisher as associate editor from 15th December 1992. • Dr. Edward P. L. Loong, senior lecturer in obstetrics and g y n a e c o l o g y, has been reappointed by the Midwives Board of Hong Kong to be an examiner for the board examinations for three years from 1st May 1993. • An orchestral composition, transit, by Dr. Chan Wing-wah, senior lecturer in music, was recently selected one of the '20thCentury Masterpieces by Chinese Musicians' by the Chinese Culture Promotion Society in Beijing. (All information in this section is provided by the Information Office.) 4