The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) held its 60th Anniversary Commencement Ceremony on the evening of 12 February, with the theme of “Where Great Minds Shine”, officially launching its diamond jubilee celebrations. The ceremony featured the first-ever large drone show on a Hong Kong campus. Integrating technology and art, the performance saw 200 drones take to the sky above the University Mall to celebrate the auspicious event.

Officiating guests included Mr Eric Chan Kwok-ki, Chief Secretary for Administration, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, Secretary for Education, Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Mr Lui Tim-leung, Chairman of University Grants Committee, Professor John Chai Yat-chiu, Council Chairman of CUHK, Professor Rocky S. Tuan, President and Vice-Chancellor of CUHK, Ms Lina Yan, Chairperson of the 60th Anniversary Celebration Steering Committee, Professor Ambrose King, former Vice-Chancellor of CUHK, and Professor Yangsheng Xu, President and Vice-Chancellor of CUHK-Shenzhen, and Ms Evelyn Pei Fanhui, Student Member of the Working Group on 60th Anniversary. More than 1,000 guests, Council Members, University Officers, students, alumni, staff, and business partners attended the ceremony to celebrate together.

Commencement Ceremony for Diamond Jubilee Celebrations

During the ceremony, Professor Rocky S. Tuan, President and Vice-Chancellor of CUHK, delivered a speech, emphasizing the university's commitment to collaboration with local, mainland, and international partners to achieve new heights in talent cultivation, cultural promotion, and scientific research. He expressed gratitude to CUHK-Shenzhen faculty and students for joining CUHK to witness this momentous occasion. With the resumption of cross-border travel between the mainland and Hong Kong, the Vice-Chancellor is excited to establish closer ties between the two campuses. He also pledged to support the national "14th Five-Year Plan" and to promote the long-term development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Currently, CUHK is planning a diverse range of projects and collaborations in Guangdong to expand its development network within GBA and contribute to the area’s talent cultivation and scientific research.

University officers of CUHK and CUHK-Shenzhen met at the celebration

In his speech, Professor Yangsheng Xu, President of CUHK-Shenzhen, expressed his pride in the accomplishments of both campuses under the "One Brand, Two Campuses" philosophy. In just nine years, CUHK-Shenzhen has made significant strides in disciplines, talent acquisition, student education, international exchange, and research and innovation. These accomplishments have been made possible by the international management system, academic framework, collegiate system, and general education system of CUHK, as well as the comprehensive support and care of its faculty, students, and alumni.

Moving forward, CUHK-Shenzhen is committed to actively participating in the new journey of the Greater Bay Area's deeper development alongside CUHK. Through all-around cooperation in education, talent, research, and healthcare, the two campuses will promote the integrated development of the two cities and contribute to the reform and innovation in GBA and at large China's higher education.

Students from Muse College, CUHK-Shenzhen on site

Drone & light projection shows

To allow more CUHK members to celebrate this momentous occasion, a light projection show featuring drone performances and song and dance performances will be held at the University Library every evening from 13th to 26th February. In addition, a light sculpture exhibition will be held at University Mall until 26 February. The water tower will also be lit up in purple and gold, CUHK’s colours. Members of the public are welcome to visit.