Bulletin No. 1, 2024

Absorption of Politics in Hong Kong”, drew the attention of three colonial governors, who at various times sought his views and insights on political and governance issues. He also advised the Independent Commission Against Corruption, the Law Reform Commission, the Central Policy Unit and the Hong Kong Research Grants Council. Taking up vice-chancellorship of CUHK was never in his plan. Professor King recalls that one day, in 2002, then Vice-Chancellor Professor Arthur Li Kwok-cheung informed him that he would soon join the Hong Kong government as a minister and wished to name Professor King as his successor. After pondering for a moment what would be in the best interests of the University, Professor King gave Professor Li the nod. He well appreciated how hard it would be in such a short period of time for the incumbent to find a suitable candidate to succeed him. As a Pro-Vice- Chancellor, Professor King felt well-positioned to take on the responsibility. He held the post of Vice-Chancellor for two years prior to retirement. “My responsibility is heavy, but the journey is short” is how he once described his role. Soon after he was installed, the then mysterious and terrifying viral respiratory disease known as SARS hit Hong Kong. The World Health Organisation issued an emergency international advisory against travel to the city. Professor King was forced to postpone the University Presidents’ Global Forum, which was meant to be a highlight of celebrations for CUHK’s 40 th anniversary. At the same time, 1 From left: CUHK founding Vice-Chancellor Dr Choh-ming Li, Professor Ma Lin, Mrs Li, Sir John Fulton, Professor King and Dr Chen Fong-ching outside the Vice-Chancellor’s Residence 2 Joseph Needham (3rd left), prominent historian of science and sinologist, is joined by biochemist and historian Lu Gwei-djen (1st left), for a talk at New Asia College in 1979 3 Professor King (centre front) hosts the University Presidents’ Global Forum 2004 at CUHK medical personnel who were staff or alumni of CUHK risked their lives treating patients at local hospitals. Among them was 35-year-old Dr Joanna Tse Yuen-man, a CUHK medical faculty graduate, who volunteered to work in a SARS ward and died after becoming infected. At her memorial service, Professor King hailed her as “Hong Kong’s daughter”. His moving tribute to Tse was widely reported in the media. The epidemic triggered a sharp economic downturn in Hong Kong. CUHK was among many public organisations in Hong Kong that had to accept deep government funding cuts. “You know how deep our budget cut was? US$50 million a year! I told a university president visiting from overseas and he was simply astounded.” To cope with the funding emergency, Professor King put forward a proposal to reorganise the University’s academic programmes. Once again, he found himself on the receiving end of opposition from some students and staff. “Looking back, I have no regrets,” he says. “I believe the austerity measures helped preserve the University’s ability to reinvigorate itself. Within two years, CUHK would wade out of hardship and emerge stronger.” Under Professor King, the University eventually celebrated its 40 th anniversary in style, bringing back the Presidents’ Global Forum, establishing a new School of Law and steadily ushering CUHK into a new era. 3 Rising to tough challenges   25