Incoming freshmen to City University of Hong Kong (CityU) were warmly welcomed on 29 August at an eventful ceremony that marked the beginning of a meaningful and rewarding academic experience.

The new students engaged in talks given by alumni and senior students and enjoyed sports and musical performances.

The ceremony commenced with a heartfelt greeting by Professor Freddy Boey Yin Chiang, President of CityU.

In his welcoming remarks, President Boey emphasised that while obtaining a degree is important, CityU aims to cultivate responsible individuals with values and leadership qualities.

President Boey also shared his belief in the power of education, encouraging students to venture beyond textbooks and exams. He urged the freshmen to explore the world, immerse themselves in diverse cultures, and expand their horizons.

“This is what makes a difference between just a graduate and a leader,” he said. 

Professor Lee Chun-sing, CityU Provost and Deputy President, encouraged freshmen to embrace the challenges, make use of the abundant resources offered by CityU, and maintain a spirit of exploration. 

"The university journey is not just about studying hard to get good GPA. It is about discovering yourselves, expanding your horizons, and creating memories that will last a lifetime," said Professor Lee.

In addition to the inspiring speeches, attendees were treated to vibrant performances by CityU's talented sports teams and musical performers. These captivating displays showcased CityU’s rich artistic culture and dynamic student life.

Before the ceremony, President Boey met with some of the freshmen and joined them in a lucky draw in which he won a toy cow keychain.

Johnny Ng Chun-ning, a member of the U18 Hong Kong basketball team, joined CityU through the Student-Athlete Learning Support and Admission (SALSA) scheme this year. 

As a freshman in the Department of Marketing, he is looking forward to his life at CityU and hopes he can maintain a balanced life as both a dedicated student and a committed athlete. 

Ella Downie, a Year 1 student in the Department of English, said, “I was inspired by the interesting talks shared in the Welcoming Ceremony. I am very excited to study at CityU and look forward to joining the CityU Sports Team, trying new things, meeting many new people and getting to know Hong Kong culture in the coming semester.”

For media enquiries, please contact Ms Tiffany Kwan, Communications and Public Relations Office, CityU (Tel: 3442 5228 or 6339 7137).