The University of Hong Kong (HKU) held an inauguration ceremony today (August 30) to welcome its new students for the academic year 2017-18. Over 1,300 students attended the event.
President Professor Peter Mathieson welcomed the students as valued members of the HKU family, which now has over 199,000 members with alumni in different parts of the world. The number will exceed 200,000 in 2018.
Professor Mathieson pledged that the University would provide the students with the environment to unleash and maximize their potential. He said: “We will treat you as adults, capable of thinking for yourselves, making tough choices, learning from mistakes. In return, we will expect you to behave as adults: respecting the views of others even if they are very different from your own.”
“Deciding what you want to do, understanding and accepting the consequences of those decisions are very important life skills which will develop your character, integrity and values by which you wish to live your life.” He added.
Professor Mathieson raised concerns about some young people committing suicides in recent years and the pressures that young people in Hong Kong feel.
He encouraged students to seek help when detecting signs of distress in themselves, or in their friends or classmates.
“Please remember that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength! The University can and will help: together we can ensure that the pressures that young people feel are not overwhelming and can be successfully managed. “ He said.
Mr Carlson Tong, Chairman of the University Grants Committee, was the Guest of Honour at the ceremony. Other HKU members attending the event included Dean of Student Affairs Dr Eugenie Leung, Chairman of Convocation Dr Patrick Poon and President of the Hong Kong University Students' Union Mr Wong Ching Tak.
The speech by Professor Peter Mathieson at the Inauguration Ceremony.
For media enquiries, please contact the Communications and Public Affairs Office, HKU, Ms Melanie Wan, tel: 2859 2600 / Email: melwkwan@hku.hk; or Ms Rhea Leung, tel: 2857 8555 / email: rhea.leung@hku.hk.
