The Inauguration Ceremony 2021 of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen was held on the morning of 4 September, celebrating over 2,600 undergraduate and postgraduate students from around the world as they embark on their new journeys.

In response to the COVID-19 control requirements, the ceremony was held in an adapted approach that combines online and in-person participation, including a physical main venue for university officers, deans and masters to present in front of the camera, over 50 classroom venues that provide live broadcast for new students, as well as virtual live-streaming access for parents and friends from all walks of life.

Chief Executive Mrs. Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor: Strive for the country as well as the glorious chapter of your own lives

Mrs. Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, brought her sincere wishes to the new students in her keynote speech, in which she hailed CUHK-Shenzhen as a successful example of collaboration in higher education in the Guangdong-Hong Kong- Macao Greater Bay Area.

Lam also lauded the fruitful achievements made by the University. Commenting on the newly established School of Medicine, she said, "The establishment of the medical school is not only an important milestone of CUHK-Shenzhen, but also a response to the country's overall deployment of the Greater Bay Area. This is of iconic significance in advancing the healthcare industry in the Greater Bay Area, further intensifying the new mode of cooperation between Hong Kong and Shenzhen in the medical and education sectors.”

President Yangsheng Xu: Set out towards the moon; even if you can’t reach it, you can still be among the stars

In his speech, Professor Yangsheng Xu, the President of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, shared a few insights to help new students better navigate the years ahead.

The President bestowed the deepest expectations on the new students, "I hope you will always bear in mind to link your personal development with the destiny of the country and the times. I also hope you will set your ambitions, open your eyes, remain grounded, stay true to your hearts, and take up the responsibilities and missions of your generation!"

Dean of Graduate School David Tong Shuk Yin: You will be part of the people that lead the world

Professor David Tong Shuk Yin, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Dean of the Graduate School, reminded new students to prepare for the future by sharing several thought-provoking stories of himself.

"Fate will grant many opportunities to those who are open and ready to accept challenges," said Prof. Tong.

At the end of his talk, Tong further explored his thoughts on the definition of "success". He said, "What is a successful person? How do we or should we measure success. If you think through this, I hope you’ll come to the same conclusion as I did, that the best way to measure success is by how much you have helped others. We do not measure success by how much you take from others. So please, be positive, be friendly, be helpful, be humble and I can assure you, many good doors will open for you in your lifetime."

Current-student representative Qianfan Zhao: Connecting with people and developing good habits

Qianfan Zhao, a third-year student from SME and Shaw College, expressed his welcome well as two suggestions for the new students on behalf of all senior students.

Zhao’s first suggestion is about people, as he encouraged new students to grab every opportunity to bond with faculty members. Then he elaborated on the power of having the right habits. He said, “Bad habits could really destroy a person. On the other hand, good habits are the most powerful tool to make you stronger and happier. ”

New-student representative Mengting Feng: Let’s seize the day with patriotism, benevolence and social commitment

Miss Mengting Feng, a financial engineering student from Harmonia College, spoke on behalf of the new students during the ceremony. She said that university is a golden period in life because she will leave her dear parents for the first time and start to take on the responsibilities as an adult. In addition, she believes university life should also play the essential role as a bridge that brings her closer to knowledge and truth, allows her to broaden her horizon in various aspects and facilitates her transition from a sheltered student to an active member of the CUHK-Shenzhen community, then to a mature member of the society.

Since August, CUHK-Shenzhen has prepared a broad range of activities for its new students, including a series of online academic lectures, academic guidance sharing sessions, ice-breaking activities, Graduation School orientation, parent meetings as well as the inauguration ceremony. All these are valuable opportunities for new students to know about the academic and college life at CUHK-Shenzhen, and to integrate into the community.