Newsletter No. 145

High-level Forum on Global Tertiary Education Development Putting Their Heads Together Over 40 vice-chancellors and presidents of leading universities in the UK, Canada, Australia, mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong gathered on CUHK campus from 19th to 21st April to discuss global trends in university education. ← Some heads of the participating universities outside the forum venue Officiating at the opening ceremony of the forum are (from left) Dr. Lee Hon-chiu, CUHK Council Chairman; the Hon. Tung Chee Hwa, Chief Executive of the HKSAR; Dr. Yu Wei, Vice-Minister of Education, PRC; and Prof. Yang Fujia, Founding President of the Association of University Presidents of China. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Arthur K.C. Li (left 1) greeting VIPs at the lobby of Cho Yiu Conference Hall A A forum session in progress Professorial Inaugural Lectur e P rof. Joseph Sung, professor of medicine and therapeutics, delivered his professorial inaugural lecture on 26th March. In the lecture entitled 'Eat, Drink and Be Happy', Prof. Sung highlighted two areas of his research over the last seven years 一 peptic ulcers and variceal haemorrhage. The rediscovery of the Helicobacter pylori vims by Prof. Sung and his colleagues has challenged the dictum 'No acid, no ulcer.' Peptic ulcers can now be treated as an infectious disease by nothing more than a few tablets. Studies on duodenal ulcers and gastric ulcers have also found that after the virus has been eradicated, peptic ulcers heal and do not recur, and ulcer complications such as bleeding, perforation and gastric outlet obstruction are prevented. Prof. Sung also described new ways of treating variceal bleeding resulting from portal hypertension, and the use of colour Doppler EUS in studying the haemodynamics of splanchnic circulation in portal hypertension. Prof. Sung said in his conclusion that the satisfaction in conducting these studies went beyond discovery, publications, and international recognition to include the nurturing of valuable friendships with colleagues both inside and outside the University. Faculty of Arts: New Plans and New Strategies T he dean and sub-deans of the Faculty of Arts outlined the goals and plans for the future of the faculty at a press briefing entitled 'Strategic Plan of Faculty of Arts, CUHK 一 New Department, New Programmes' held on 15th April. Since August 1998 the faculty has been trying to identify its short-term and long-term goals and develop strategies for development. Emphasis has been placed on the development of faculty-based interdisciplinary core courses, and the revamping of existing curriculum by individual departments to reflect their unique natures, keep up with societal changes, and cater to the diverse interests of students. It was announced at the briefing that the Department of Modem Languages and Intercultural Studies will offer a new major programme in the year 2000. The programme will aim at sharpening students' sensitivity towards language and culture and promoting in-depth understanding of the interaction between languages and cultures with a view to cultivating well-trained, multi-lingual and cross-cultural graduates. The faculty w i ll also strengthen coordination among language teaching units and departments to provide better language proficiency programmes, step up the training of students in information technology, and review the current teaching assessment mechanism with an aim to finding one that will more accurately reflect teaching performance. Regarding research, the faculty has identified three areas of excellence: localism and globalism; tradition and modernity; and culture, environment, business, and human resources. To strengthen external links, the faculty will introduce a Distinguished Humanities Visiting Professorship Scheme which will bring top scholars in the world to the faculty to work with teaching staff on teaching and research and which will also create a cultural environment on campus. The faculty is also taking steps to consolidate links with leading academic institutions on the mainland and overseas, and has formed a Faculty Information Interface Committee to enhance communication with local secondary schools.