A brand new acapella version of the University Anthem at City University of Hong Kong (CityU) has been recorded and performed by students from different cultural backgrounds. 

The new rendition demonstrates our spirit of “in harmony, not conformity”, embraces diversity, and unites the CityU community in pursuing excellence and creating a better future, all of which aligns with our integration of teaching and research.

Part 1 of the CityU Anthem, “Beyond Boundaries”, debuted in 2021 and Part 2, “Knowledge and Wisdom”, was released the following year. The lyrics, penned by President Way Kuo, illustrate CityU's focus on our core mission and our vision for developing into a world-class university. This year, students and alumni from Hong Kong and around the world, including mainland China, Ghana, Indonesia and the UK, once again participated in recording and performing the Anthem. The music videos guide viewers on a tour of CityU’s vibrant, internationalised campus.

Richard Afandy from Indonesia, a Year 2 BBA Global Business Systems Management student, participated in the recording of the University Anthem for the first time. “I’ve gained a lot of interdisciplinary knowledge during my time at CityU, and I’ve had opportunities for cultural exchange thanks to the international environment,” Richard said. “Participating in the Anthem project has allowed me to express my artistic passion and strengthen my sense of belonging to CityU.”

In the past 10 years, President Kuo has led CityU to become one of the world’s most progressive universities. Its outstanding teaching and research teams have repeatedly won global recognition. The world-class faculty at CityU is well recognised in international rankings such as those for academic citations, which place CityU first in Asia and Hong Kong.

CityU is committed to nurturing students to become future leaders, with internationalisation as one of its strategic goals. Over 9,000 CityU non-local students come from over 70 countries and regions. Another campus landmark, the CityU International Centre, will be completed soon, allowing students from around the world to mingle, learn and study in a comfortable, cosmopolitan environment.

President Kuo, who will leave office in May, said he was glad to have witnessed the development of the University alongside the CityU community over the past 10 years. He said the Anthem expressed his perspective on CityU’s vision and mission.

“The CityU Anthem captures our commitment to academic and research excellence, cultural diversity, and the pursuit of innovative breakthroughs,” he said.

The CityU Anthem project was spearheaded by a working group set up in 2020 and comprising members of the management team, faculty, staff, a conductor, students, and CityU Choir and Chinese Orchestra members. 

To view the CityU Anthem website and music video series, please click here.