As part of continuing efforts to bolster mutual understanding within the University community, Professor Way Kuo,

President of City University of Hong Kong (CityU), hosted “The Express Way to Kuo” Tea Gathering with administration staff on 27 March.

More than 50 staff from various departments attended the event and exchanged views with Professor Kuo, who started the gathering by welcoming and inviting questions from those in attendance. Professor Kuo outlined his plans on matters including campus development, the new pay review system, the development of Community College of CityU and School of Continuing and Professional Education, and strategies for strengthening both the academic and research capabilities of the University.

Professor Kuo reiterated the importance of supporting staff and thanked them for their unfailing support by drawing an analogy. “A restaurant will not necessarily succeed with a good chef. Only with the support of its waiters and waitresses will it be successful. Likewise, at CityU, supporting staff play an indispensible role and without your excellent work, the faculty members and I cannot do well alone,” said Professor Kuo.

The gathering was well received by the staff members. Ms Geraldine Mak Ping-ting,

Administrative Officer of the Office of the Provost, said she had been looking forward to engaging in direct communication with the President. Dr Hermia Chiu Po-hing, College Secretary of the College of Business, said it was a welcome chance. “This occasion encourages mutual communication between the senior management and supporting staff. We can understand more about the University’s future direction and strategic development plans,” Dr Chiu said.

“This kind of informal occasion fosters open-minded communications and has provided a golden opportunity for us to express our true feelings and eliminate unnecessary misunderstanding arising from a potential communication bottleneck between senior management and staff,” said Mr Wong Hon-yee, Associate Vice-President of Knowledge Transfer.

Other management members, including Professor Richard Ho Yan-ki, Provost, Dr Ellen Ko Law Yin-lan, Vice-President (Finance and Administration), and Professor Paul Lam Kwan-sing, Vice-President (Student Affairs) and Associate Provost (Academic Planning and Undergraduate Education), also attended the gathering and shared their views on management strategies.

Professor Kuo thanked colleagues for their participation and said he would put in more effort to maintain a healthy dialogue with all staff members.