Press Release

HKBU President encourages freshmen to unlock opportunities at Convocation

Friday, 30 August 2024

 

Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) welcomed a new cohort of around 1,180 students for the 2024-25 academic year at its 69th Convocation today (30 August). The occasion marks the start of the freshmen’s journey of exploration in the vibrant and caring environment of HKBU.

The Convocation was presided over by Dr Clement Chen, Chairman of the Council and the Court of HKBU. The new students were introduced to different aspects and useful information essential to a fruitful campus life at the University.

In his address, Professor Alex Wai, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU, urged the freshmen to embrace the Olympic spirit — to strive for their personal best and look for opportunities to contribute to something great. He also encouraged them to harness technology to create limitless opportunities, and seize the opportunities to learn and grow.

Professor Wai said, “The Olympic flame symbolises the light of spirit and knowledge. Likewise, your education here at HKBU will ignite a flame within you, illuminating paths to understanding, innovation and global citizenship. The flame also represents a beacon of hope, a guide through the trials of rigorous scholarship, and a reminder that your education here is not just for personal reward, but for the betterment of society.

As you pursue academic knowledge, I urge you to embrace the Olympic spirit — to strive for your personal best, to reach for what seems unattainable, and to meet any challenges head-on with the grace and determination of an athlete.”

Recognising that artificial intelligence is not a passing trend but a transformative force that is here to stay, Professor Wai emphasised the importance of embracing new technologies. He highlighted that HKBU’s transdisciplinary education and diverse and talented faculty will help students harness technology to create opportunities, unleash productivity, and unlock innovative solutions to tackle the challenges in their personal and professional lives.

Professor Wai also stated that this year marks the 30th anniversary of HKBU’s elevation to university status. He said that in its pursuit of academic and research excellence as well as provision of the best student experience, HKBU has continued to optimise organisational structure and upgrade its learning and teaching, research and knowledge transfer infrastructure.

“A recent example is the development of the new Jockey Club Campus of Creativity. With the phased launch of the Jockey Club Campus of Creativity in this academic year, you may fully immerse yourself in living and learning at the University, in a single complex called Village CARE (Creative Arena for Residential Education), and a Jockey Club Creative Hub,” said Professor Wai.

In the Convocation, which marked the beginning of the freshmen’s journey of academic pursuit and personal growth at HKBU, the freshmen were led to recite the Student Charter with the pledge to develop a proactive attitude towards learning, seek various kinds of learning opportunities for holistic development, and build a character that upholds the highest ethical standards.

Please click here for Professor Wai’s full speech.

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A flag-raising ceremony is held at the 69th Convocation of HKBU.
Dr Clement Chen, Chairman of the Council and the Court of HKBU, presides over the Convocation.
In his address, Professor Alex Wai, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU, encourages the freshmen to strive for their personal best and unlock opportunities.
(Front row, third from left) Dr Albert Chau, Vice-President (Teaching and Learning); Mr Paul Poon, Deputy Chairman of the Council and the Court; Dr Clement Chen, Chairman of the Council and the Court; Mr Kevin Liem, Treasurer of the Council and the Court; Professor Alex Wai, President and Vice-Chancellor; and Professor Henry Fock, Director of Student Affairs of HKBU, welcome the freshmen to embark on a new life chapter at HKBU.