2. The Review-2009
Contents
THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
The Vice-Chancellor's Message
Vision 2-3
The University of Hong Kong, as a pre-eminent international university in Asia, seeks
to sustain and enhance its excellence as an institution of higher learning through The Web of Learning
outstanding teaching and world-class research so as to produce well-rounded
graduates with lifelong abilities to provide leadership within the societies they serve. 4-17
Mission Engaging Across Boundaries
The University of Hong Kong will endeavour:
18-33
To advance constantly the bounds of scholarship, building upon its proud traditions
and strengths;
Connecting with the Wider Community
To provide a comprehensive education, developing fully the intellectual and personal 34-47
strengths of its students while developing and extending lifelong learning opportunities
for the community;
Facts and Figures at a Glance
To produce graduates of distinction committed to lifelong learning, integrity and
professionalism, capable of being responsive leaders and communicators in their fields;
48-49
To develop a collegial, flexible, pluralistic and supportive intellectual environment that
The University Profile
inspires and attracts, retains and nurtures scholars, students and staff of the highest
calibre in a culture that fosters creativity, learning and freedom of thought, enquiry and 50-55
expression;
To provide a safe and healthy workplace to support and advance teaching, learning An Extract from the University's Annual Accounts 2008-09
and research at the University;
56-58
To engage in innovative, high-impact and leading-edge research within and across
disciplines;
Officers of the University
To be fully accountable for the effective management of public and private resources 59
bestowed upon the institution and act in partnership with the community over the
generation, dissemination and application of knowledge;
The Council
To serve as a focal point of intellectual and academic endeavour in Hong Kong, China
and Asia and act as a gateway and forum for scholarship with the rest of the world.
60
3. The Vice-Chancellor's Message 04 05
The Vice-Chancellor's
Message
The University of Hong Kong is the
The University of Hong Kong The Review-2009
territory's oldest university, and with
a history that stretches back more
history and stands as a gateway to
than 90 years, it has grown with and
the future. In the end, a university is
we're here helped shape the city from which it
so many things to so many people.
takes its name.
helping prepare tomorrow's leader I hope that http://www.hku.hk will
help you get to know and find your
To provide a comprehensive education, developing fully the intellectual and personal strengths of its Outstanding way around the first and foremost
students while developing and extending lifelong learning opportunities for the community leadership qualities University of Hong Kong. The
Faculties of Engineering and Arts
Today, HKU, as it is fondly called, is a
were established within a year of
dynamic, comprehensive, university
the official opening. In December
of world-class standing. With ten
1916, the University held its first
Faculties and numerous research
congregation, with just 23 graduates.
centres, its reputation as a centre of
it was ten years after the foundin
intellectual excellence is recognised
The Vice-Chancellor's Message
around the world. We will continue
Governor of Hong Kong
to build on our strengths with
The University of Hong Kong (or HKU,
innovative research and teaching,
as it is familiarly known to students,
producing well-rounded graduates
staff and alumni) is the oldest tertiary
with outstanding leadership qualities.
education institution in Hong Kong.
On March 16, 1910, Sir Frederick
To some, HKU is a conceptual
Lugard, the then Governor of Hong
space where ideas are nurtured
Kong, laid the foundation stone for
and dreams take flight. It is a family
the University, signifying the birth of
of communities within a larger
Hong Kong's first tertiary institution.
community. It is also a physical
On March 11, 1912, the University
landscape that both celebrates our
launched its official opening with its
founding Faculty of Medicine which
had evolved from the Hong Kong
College of Medicine, founded in
1887. Of the College's early alumni,
the most renowned was Dr Sun Yat-
4. Teaching The Web of Learning 06 07
HKU has been taking an active role in strategic international alliances with
universities and research institutions worldwide. It has academic links with more
than 400 overseas universities and plays host to over 3,300 international students.
The University is committed to cultivating internationalism on campus and to
The University of Hong Kong The Review-2009
supporting staff and student mobility projects and international programmes at
all levels.
The University is a founding member of Universitas 21, a network of
comprehensive research intensive universities covering all corners of the globe.
Teaching
The Web of Learning
One of the main objectives of Universitas 21 is to assist in the aspiration of
its members to become global universities and to advance their plans for
internationalisation.
The HKU Worldwide Undergraduate Student Exchange Programme, established
we're here
in 1997, enables over ten per cent of our undergraduate student population developing students intellectual capabilities and
to undertake exchange at institutions overseas or in Mainland China. Its close
links with 150 partner institutions in 25 countries worldwide serves to enhance
professional skills.
students' global perspective and foster cross-cultural understanding among
students of participating institutions.
The Web of Learning
While the University is fostering the concept of a worldwide classroom, the
academic collaboration and bonding with the universities in the Mainland remain
close. The HKU Worldwide China Programme has actively involved students
to participate in different academic and internship programmes with the most
prestigious universities and corporations in Mainland China to develop cross-
disciplinary skills. The key universities that the University closely works with
include Tsinghua University, Peking University, Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao
Tong University, Zhejiang University, Nanjing University, Xiamen University and Sun
Yat-sen University, on undergraduate student exchange and joint postgraduate
programmes. The first batch of undergraduates admitted to the University on a
5. Teaching The Web of Learning 08 09
Focus on Content
Taking a Lesson to Heart
A Culture Education
An International Perspective
Intense Learning Outside the Classroom
Asian Youth Climate Summit
Raising Awareness About Africa
A Choice Destination for Top Mainland Students
The University of Hong Kong The Review-2009
aspiration of its members to become University, Zhejiang University, Nanjing collaborative efforts is the HKU-
global universities and to advance University, Xiamen University and Sun Pasteur Research Centre. Established
their plans for internationalisation. Yat-sen University, on undergraduate in 1999, the Centre combines the
student exchange and joint interests of both the University
The HKU Worldwide Undergraduate postgraduate programmes. The first and the Institut Pasteur in battling
Student Exchange Programme, batch of undergraduates admitted infectious diseases. HKU also signed
established in 1997, enables over ten to the University on a scholarship a memorandum of understanding
Professor HKU has been taking an active role in
The Web of Learning
per cent of our undergraduate student scheme graduated in 2002. in the summer of 2002 to set up a
Amy B.M. Tsui strategic international alliances with population to undertake exchange at twin research centre with the Aaron
universities and research institutions
worldwide. It has academic links
institutions overseas or in Mainland
HKU has many Diamond AIDS Research Centre in
China. Its close links with 150 partner New York. In January 2003,
HKU has many on-going research connections with institutions and with more than 400 overseas institutions in 25 countries worldwide
on-going research
universities around the world. One of the most notable international universities and plays host to over serves to enhance students' global the first ever human Genome
Original scheme for the admission
collaborative efforts is the HKU-Pasteur Research Centre. Established 3,300 international students. The perspective and foster cross-cultural Research Centre was established in
Following a new Hong Kong
in 1999, the Centre combines the interests of both the University and University is committed to cultivating understanding among students of Hong Kong together with the Hospital
government policy, the University
the Institut Pasteur in battling infectious diseases. HKU also signed internationalism on campus and participating institutions. While the for Sick Children (HSC) of Toronto (an
expanded since 2002 its original
a memorandum of understanding in the summer of 2002 to set up a to supporting staff and student University is fostering the concept of affiliation of the University of Toronto,
scheme for the admission of
twin research centre with the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Centre in mobility projects and international a worldwide classroom, the academic Canada). The University currently
undergraduates from the Mainland
New York. In January 2003. programmes at all levels. collaboration and bonding with the offers joint master programmes in
with Scholarships to cover
universities in the Mainland remain students who are not supported by mainland China in collaboration with
The University is a founding member of Universities covering close. The HKU Worldwide China scholarships. For the year 2008-2009, prominent universities in Shanghai,
Universitas 21, a network of comprehensive all corners Programme has actively involved the university admitted 265 fee- Shenzhen, and Chongqing. These
research intensive universities covering students to participate in different paying mainland students from the joint programmes include master
The University is a founding member academic and internship programmes degrees in business administration.
all corners of the globe. One of the main 12,011s.
of Universitas 21, a network of with the most prestigious universities
objectives of Universitas 21 is to assist in the
comprehensive research intensive and corporations in Mainland China The World Trade Organisation
aspiration of its members to become global Connections with institutions and
universities covering all corners of the to develop cross-disciplinary skills. The
universities and to advance their plans for universities around the world. One (WTO) recognises HKU as a leading
globe. One of the main objectives key universities that the University
internationalisation. of the most notable international tertiary education institution in Asia.
of Universitas 21 is to assist in the closely works with include Tsinghua In 2004, HKU was selected as the
University, Peking University, Fudan official WTO training centre for the
University, Shanghai Jiao Tong
6. Research Engaging Across Boundaries 010 011
Quality and utility underscore our efforts and this has been recognised in several ways. Our staff have published in many
respected, high-impact and peer-reviewed international journals and received high honours both in mainland China and
overseas.
Our research excellence has again enabled us to assume the position of the most successful university in Hong Kong in terms
The University of Hong Kong The Review-2009
of securing competitive research funding from the Research Grants Council (RGC). In 2008 the University was awarded
HK$148 million, which accounts for 29% of the total funding allocated to all eight local universities. The University has
received a total of HK$1,412 million from RGC Competitive Earmarked Research Grant since 1991, more than any other
tertiary institution in the territory.
The research output of the University's academic staff is substantial. About 6,700 items of research output were published
during 2006-07; many of them in international journals, and over 70% were refereed.
HKU has been taking an active role in strategic international alliances with universities and research institutions worldwide.
It has academic links with more than 400 overseas universities and plays host to over 3,300 international students. The
Research
University is committed to cultivating internationalism on campus and to supporting staff and student mobility projects and
Engaging Across
international programmes at all levels.
The University is a founding member of Universitas 21, a network of comprehensive research intensive universities covering
Boundaries
Engaging Across Boundaries
all corners of the globe. One of the main objectives of Universitas 21 is to assist in the aspiration of its members to become
global universities and to advance their plans for internationalisation.
we're here
researching the power to improve people's lives
and open new knowledge horizons
7. Research Engaging Across Boundaries 012 013
Focus on Content
Taking a Lesson to Heart
A Culture Education
An International Perspective
Intense Learning Outside the Classroom
Asian Youth Climate Summit
Raising Awareness About Africa
A Choice Destination for Top Mainland Students
The University of Hong Kong The Review-2009
HKU has been taking an active role in institutions in 25 countries worldwide develop cross-disciplinary skills. The
strategic international alliances with serves to enhance students' global key universities that the University
universities and research institutions perspective and foster cross-cultural closely works with include Tsinghua
worldwide. It has academic links understanding among students of University, Peking University, Fudan
with more than 400 overseas participating institutions. University, Shanghai Jiao Tong
universities and plays host to over University, Zhejiang University, Nanjing
Dr The University is a founding member of Universitas 3,300 international students. The
Why H5N1 is so University, Xiamen University and Sun
Engaging Across Boundaries
21, a network of comprehensive research intensive University is committed to cultivating Yat-sen University, on undergraduate
Lynne DiStefano internationalism on campus and
Deadly student exchange and joint
universities covering all corners of the globe. One of
the main objectives of Universitas 21 is to assist in the to supporting staff and student While the University is fostering the postgraduate programmes. The first
aspiration of its members to become global universities mobility projects and international concept of a worldwide classroom, batch of undergraduates admitted
and to advance their plans for internationalisation. programmes at all levels. the academic collaboration and to the University on a scholarship
bonding with the universities in scheme graduated in 2002.
The University is a founding member the Mainland remain close. The
of Universitas 21, a network of HKU Worldwide China Programme Following a new Hong Kong
comprehensive research intensive has actively involved students to government policy, the University
Quality and utility underscore our University was awarded HK$148 HKU has been taking an active role in universities covering all corners of the expanded since 2002 its original
participate in different academic
efforts and this has been recognised million, which accounts for 29% of strategic international alliances with globe. One of the main objectives scheme for the admission of
and internship programmes with
in several ways. Our staff have the total funding allocated to all eight universities and research institutions of Universitas 21 is to assist in the the most prestigious universities and
published in many respected, local universities. The University has worldwide. It has academic links aspiration of its members to become corporations in Mainland China to
high-impact and peer-reviewed received a total of HK$1,412 million with more than 400 overseas global universities and to advance
international journals and received from RGC Competitive Earmarked universities and plays host to over their plans for internationalisation.
high honours both in mainland China Research Grant since 1991, more 3,300 international students. The
and overseas. than any other tertiary institution in University is committed to cultivating The HKU Worldwide Undergraduate
the territory. internationalism on campus and Student Exchange Programme,
Our research excellence has again to supporting staff and student established in 1997, enables over ten
enabled us to assume the position of The research output of the University's mobility projects and international per cent of our undergraduate student
the most successful university in Hong academic staff is substantial. About programmes at all levels. population to undertake exchange at
Kong in terms of securing competitive 6,700 items of research output were institutions overseas or in Mainland
research funding from the Research published during 2006-07; many of The University is a founding member China. Its close links with 150 partner
Grants Council (RGC). In 2008 the them in international journals, and of Universitas 21, a network of
over 70% were refereed.
8. Research Engaging Across Boundaries 014 015
Quality and utility underscore our internationalism on campus and HKU Worldwide China Programme postgraduate programmes. The first choice of mainland students and its
Climate Change and
The University of Hong Kong The Review-2009
efforts and this has been recognised to supporting staff and student has actively involved students to batch of undergraduates admitted popularity among mainland applicants
in several ways. Our staff have mobility projects and international participate in different academic to the University on a scholarship received positive media coverage in
War
published in many respected, programmes at all levels. and internship programmes with scheme graduated in 2002. the recent years. HKU has many on-going research
high-impact and peer-reviewed the most prestigious universities and connections with institutions and
international journals and received The University is a founding member corporations in Mainland China to Following a new Hong Kong The University currently offers joint universities around the world. One
high honours both in mainland China of Universitas 21, a network of develop cross-disciplinary skills. The government policy, the University master programmes in mainland of the most notable international
and overseas. comprehensive research intensive key universities that the University expanded since 2002 its original China in collaboration with prominent collaborative efforts is the HKU-
universities covering all corners of the closely works with include Tsinghua scheme for the admission of universities in Shanghai, Shenzhen, Pasteur Research Centre. Established
Our research excellence has again globe. One of the main objectives University, Peking University, Fudan undergraduates from the Mainland and Chongqing. These joint in 1999, the Centre combines the
enabled us to assume the position of of Universitas 21 is to assist in the University, Shanghai Jiao Tong with Scholarships to cover programmes include master degrees interests of both the University
the most successful university in Hong aspiration of its members to become University, Zhejiang University, Nanjing students who are not supported by in business administration, social and the Institut Pasteur in battling
Kong in terms of securing competitive global universities and to advance University, Xiamen University and Sun scholarships. For the year 2008-2009, work, social service management, infectious diseases. HKU also signed
research funding from the Research their plans for internationalisation. Yat-sen University, on undergraduate the university admitted 265 fee- real estate, construction project a memorandum of understanding
Grants Council (RGC). In 2008 the student exchange and joint paying mainland students from the management and finance. in the summer of 2002 to set up a
Engaging Across Boundaries
University was awarded HK$148
Finding New Links 12,011 who applied. HKU is the twin research centre with the Aaron
million, which accounts for 29% of most popular Hong Kong university
the total funding allocated to all eight
between Diet and
local universities. The University has
Cancer
received a total of HK$1,412 million The HKU Worldwide Undergraduate
from RGC Competitive Earmarked Student Exchange Programme,
Research Grant since 1991, more established in 1997, enables over ten
than any other tertiary institution in per cent of our undergraduate student
the territory. population to undertake exchange at
institutions overseas or in Mainland
The research output of the University's China. Its close links with 150 partner
academic staff is substantial. About institutions in 25 countries worldwide
6,700 items of research output were serves to enhance students' global
published during 2006-07; many of perspective and foster cross-cultural
them in international journals, and understanding among students of
over 70% were refereed. participating institutions.
HKU has been taking an active role in While the University is fostering the
strategic international alliances with concept of a worldwide classroom,
universities and research institutions the academic collaboration and
worldwide. It has academic links bonding with the universities in
with more than 400 overseas the Mainland remain close. The
universities and plays host to over
3,300 international students. The
University is committed to cultivating
9. Community Connecting with the wider Community 016 017
Quality and utility underscore our efforts and this has been recognised in several ways. Our staff have published in many
respected, high-impact and peer-reviewed international journals and received high honours both in mainland China and
overseas.
Our research excellence has again enabled us to assume the position of the most successful university in Hong Kong in terms
The University of Hong Kong The Review-2009
of securing competitive research funding from the Research Grants Council (RGC). In 2008 the University was awarded
HK$148 million, which accounts for 29% of the total funding allocated to all eight local universities. The University has
received a total of HK$1,412 million from RGC Competitive Earmarked Research Grant since 1991, more than any other
tertiary institution in the territory.
The research output of the University's academic staff is substantial. About 6,700 items of research output were published
during 2006-07; many of them in international journals, and over 70% were refereed.
HKU has been taking an active role in strategic international alliances with universities and research institutions worldwide.
It has academic links with more than 400 overseas universities and plays host to over 3,300 international students. The
University is committed to cultivating internationalism on campus and to supporting staff and student mobility projects and
international programmes at all levels.
The University is a founding member of Universitas 21, a network of comprehensive research intensive universities covering
Connecting with the Wider Community
all corners of the globe. One of the main objectives of Universitas 21 is to assist in the aspiration of its members to become
global universities and to advance their plans for internationalisation.
Community
Connecting with the
Wider Community
we're here
providing medical and dental help to those in need,
offer social services to the elderly and
troubled teens.
10. Community Connecting with the wider Community 018 019
Focus on Content
Taking a Lesson to Heart
A Culture Education
An International Perspective
Intense Learning Outside the Classroom
Asian Youth Climate Summit
Raising Awareness About Africa
A Choice Destination for Top Mainland Students
The University of Hong Kong The Review-2009
HKU has been taking an active role in institutions overseas or in Mainland University, Shanghai Jiao Tong
strategic international alliances with China. Its close links with 150 partner University, Zhejiang University, Nanjing
universities and research institutions institutions in 25 countries worldwide University, Xiamen University and Sun
worldwide. It has academic links serves to enhance students' global Yat-sen University, on undergraduate
with more than 400 overseas perspective and foster cross-cultural student exchange and joint
universities and plays host to over understanding among students of postgraduate programmes. The first
The University is a founding member of Universitas 3,300 international students. The participating institutions. batch of undergraduates admitted
Professor
Connecting with the Wider Community
21, a network of comprehensive research intensive University is committed to cultivating to the University on a scholarship
Chow Shew-Ping
universities covering all corners of the globe. One of internationalism on campus and
Supporting the "First scheme graduated in 2002.
the main objectives of Universitas 21 is to assist in the to supporting staff and student
mobility projects and international
in Family" Following a new Hong Kong
aspiration of its members to become global universities
and to advance their plans for internationalisation. programmes at all levels. While the University is fostering the government policy, the University
concept of a worldwide classroom, expanded since 2002 its original
The University is a founding member the academic collaboration and scheme for the admission of
of Universitas 21, a network of bonding with the universities in undergraduates from the Mainland
comprehensive research intensive the Mainland remain close. The with Scholarships to cover
Quality and utility underscore our University was awarded HK$148
A Natural Habitat for universities covering all corners of the HKU Worldwide China Programme students who are not supported by
efforts and this has been recognised million, which accounts for 29% of
in several ways. Our staff have the total funding allocated to all eight
New Green Centre globe. One of the main objectives has actively involved students to scholarships. For the year 2008-2009,
of Universitas 21 is to assist in the participate in different academic the university admitted 265 fee-
published in many respected, local universities. The University has HKU has been taking an active role in aspiration of its members to become paying mainland students from the
and internship programmes with
high-impact and peer-reviewed received a total of HK$1,412 million strategic international alliances with global universities and to advance 12,011 who applied. HKU is the
the most prestigious universities and
international journals and received from RGC Competitive Earmarked universities and research institutions their plans for internationalisation. most popular Hong Kong university
corporations in Mainland China to
high honours both in mainland China Research Grant since 1991, more worldwide. It has academic links choice of mainland students and its
develop cross-disciplinary skills. The
and overseas. than any other tertiary institution in with more than 400 overseas The HKU Worldwide Undergraduate popularity among mainland applicants
key universities that the University
the territory. universities and plays host to over Student Exchange Programme, received positive media coverage in
closely works with include Tsinghua
Our research excellence has again 3,300 international students. The established in 1997, enables over ten the recent years.
University, Peking University, Fudan
enabled us to assume the position of The research output of the University's University is committed to cultivating per cent of our undergraduate student
the most successful university in Hong academic staff is substantial. About internationalism on campus and population to undertake exchange at The University currently offers joint
Kong in terms of securing competitive 6,700 items of research output were to supporting staff and student master programmes in mainland
research funding from the Research published during 2006-07; many of mobility projects and international China in collaboration with prominent
Grants Council (RGC). In 2008 the them in international journals, and programmes at all levels.
over 70% were refereed.
11. Community Connecting with the wider Community 020 021
Quality and utility underscore our internationalism on campus and real estate, construction project
The University of Hong Kong The Review-2009
efforts and this has been recognised to supporting staff and student management and finance.
in several ways. Our staff have mobility projects and international
published in many respected, programmes at all levels.
Climate Change and
high-impact and peer-reviewed
War
R
international journals and received The University is a founding member
high honours both in mainland China of Universitas 21, a network of HKU has many on-going research
and overseas. comprehensive research intensive connections with institutions and
CA S
universities covering all corners of the universities around the world. One
Our research excellence has again globe. One of the main objectives of the most notable international
enabled us to assume the position of of Universitas 21 is to assist in the collaborative efforts is the HKU-
the most successful university in Hong aspiration of its members to become Pasteur Research Centre. Established
E
Kong in terms of securing competitive global universities and to advance in 1999, the Centre combines the
research funding from the Research their plans for internationalisation. interests of both the University
Grants Council (RGC). In 2008 the and the Institut Pasteur in battling
Connecting with the Wider Community
University was awarded HK$148
Our Olympic infectious diseases. HKU also signed
million, which accounts for 29% of
the total funding allocated to all eight
Contributions a memorandum of understanding
in the summer of 2002 to set up a
local universities. The University has The HKU Worldwide Undergraduate twin research centre with the Aaron
received a total of HK$1,412 million Student Exchange Programme, Diamond AIDS Research Centre in
from RGC Competitive Earmarked established in 1997, enables over ten New York. In January 2003, the
Research Grant since 1991, more per cent of our undergraduate student first ever human Genome Research
than any other tertiary institution in population to undertake exchange at has actively involved students to Centre was established in Hong
the territory. institutions overseas or in Mainland participate in different academic Kong together with the Hospital for
12,011 who applied. HKU is the
China. Its close links with 150 partner and internship programmes with Sick Children (HSC) of Toronto (an
most popular Hong Kong university
The research output of the University's institutions in 25 countries worldwide the most prestigious universities and affiliation of the University of Toronto,
batch of undergraduates admitted choice of mainland students and its
academic staff is substantial. About serves to enhance students' global corporations in Mainland China to Canada).
to the University on a scholarship popularity among mainland applicants
6,700 items of research output were perspective and foster cross-cultural develop cross-disciplinary skills. The scheme graduated in 2002. received positive media coverage in
published during 2006-07; many of understanding among students of key universities that the University The World Trade Organisation (WTO)
the recent years.
them in international journals, and participating institutions. closely works with include Tsinghua recognises HKU as a leading tertiary
Following a new Hong Kong
over 70% were refereed. University, Peking University, Fudan education institution in Asia. In 2004,
government policy, the University The University currently offers joint
While the University is fostering the University, Shanghai Jiao Tong HKU was selected as the official WTO
expanded since 2002 its original master programmes in mainland
HKU has been taking an active role in concept of a worldwide classroom, University, Zhejiang University, Nanjing training centre for the Asia-Pacific
scheme for the admission of China in collaboration with prominent
strategic international alliances with the academic collaboration and University, Xiamen University and Sun Region, and has since been running
undergraduates from the Mainland universities in Shanghai, Shenzhen,
universities and research institutions bonding with the universities in Yat-sen University, on undergraduate regional trade policy courses for
with Scholarships to cover and Chongqing. These joint
worldwide. It has academic links the Mainland remain close. The student exchange and joint government officials from over 30
students who are not supported by programmes include master degrees
with more than 400 overseas HKU Worldwide China Programme postgraduate programmes. The first jurisdictions in the region.
scholarships. For the year 2008-2009, in business administration, social
universities and plays host to over
the university admitted 265 fee- work, social service management,
3,300 international students. The
paying mainland students from the
University is committed to cultivating
