Heads of World's Leading Universities Celebrate HKU's Internationalization

Internationalization at HKU has reached new heights. We have an internationalized student population, world-class teaching and research capabilities as well as a multi-cultural educational environment on campus. There are now over 3,000 international students on campus who come from more than 50 countries around the world. We set a target of having 20% international students in our undergraduate population within the decade.

To support international research collaboration and student mobility around the globe, HKU, as the Hong Kong member to the Universitas 21 (U21) Consortium, is glad to play host to the upcoming U21 meeting which will be attended by Heads of these world's leading universities. U21 is a network of leading universities from around the world that is dedicated to the internationalization of higher education. [Full list of member universities.**]

Together with HKU Vice Chancellor Prof. Lap-Chee Tsui, University Heads of U21 will officiate and open the Global Lounge as an International Centre for Students on 7th November 2005 in the presence of the project' major supporter, Ms. Serena Yang as well as Dr. Fong Yun-wah, student representatives, Consul-Generals and various prominent guests.

Members of the press are cordially invited to the Opening Ceremony. Details are:
Date: November 7, 2005 (Monday)
Venue: G/F Fong Shu Chuen Amenities Centre
Time:
12:30pm Cocktail Reception
12:45pm Outdoor Performance by International Students
1:00pm Speech by HKU Vice Chancellor Prof. Lap-Chee Tsui
1:05pm Inauguration Ceremony by HKU Vice Chancellor, University Heads of U21 Consortium, major supporters Ms. Serena Yang and Dr. Fong Yun-wah
1:30pm Press Tour of the Global Lounge led by Dr. Albert Chau, Dean of Student Affairs
1:45pm Finish

Note: Photographers are advised to bring long lens cameras due to site set up.

The Global Lounge as an International Centre for Students is a symbol of our role as an education hub that provides support to all HKU students from around the world. It is a Centre with an international outlook and international activities, and at the same time the hub of student social and cultural life that offers a unique experience through interaction, informal gatherings, international events and activities such as international film, arts, exchange fairs, exhibitions and concerts. It is located on G/F of Fong Shu Chuen Amenities Centre. It can comfortably seat about 100 persons and includes an outdoor cafe, a resource library with international newspapers, a gymnasium, an indoor internet café, an information office, a 60" plasma TV and twelve 26" TVs broadcasting news from around the world.

For media enquiries please contact Ms. Cherry Cheung, Senior Press Officer, HKU at 2859 2606.


Universitas 21 members**

Australia:
University of Melbourne
University of New South Wales
University of Queensland

Canada:
Univeristy of British Columbia
McGill University

China:
Fudan University
Peking University

Hong Kong:
The University of Hong Kong

New Zealand:
University of Auckland

Singapore:
National University of Singapore

South Korea:
Korea University

Sweden:
Lund University

United Kingdom:
University of Birmingham
University of Edinburgh
University of Glasgow
University of Nottingham

USA:
University of Virginia