MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND VICE-CHANCELLOR 5 HKU ANNUAL REPORT 2022 We stand on the precipice of meaningful change and now is the time to climb up the mountain, look bravely beyond – and advance boldly in front. 4 Professor Xiang Zhang President and Vice-Chancellor December 2022 Ms Jeannie Tsang Wing Shi Acting Executive Vice-President (Administration and Finance); Registrar Professor Max Shen Zuojun Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Richard Wong Yue Chim Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Gong Peng Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic Development) Professor Xiang Zhang President and Vice-Chancellor OUR LEADERSHIP Professor Ian Michael Holliday Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning) The international research landscape has transformed and HKU will adopt a big vision approach. As a world-leading university, HKU shall aim high to respond effectively in a global landscape that is being re-shaped by sustainability goals, environmental emergencies, and geopolitical concerns. We are helping our community navigate these complexities as they emerge, while working to nurture innovation. HKU is in position to lead and support Hong Kong, with partnerships across the border including the Greater Bay Area very much geared towards these ambitions. In the long term, our aim is to cut across sectors. For example, our growth plans include biotechnology and life-related technology, where science, engineering, medicine, and dentistry can make initially large contributions: using robotic engineering and artificial intelligence to achieve healthy populations, and looking deeper into the role of biomedical engineering as a cross-point for health and medicine. We are also exploring our leadership in research and expertise in areas such as climate, built environments, and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) to propel Hong Kong towards a sustainable future – while applying innovation to the arts, humanities, and social sciences. Of course, our greatest assets are our people. I continue to commit to bringing the finest global talent to HKU, who accelerate a culture and mindset where everyone thrives and achieves. We have already welcomed scholars and students from top international universities. On my part, that also means providing a level of environment where these talents are not only drawn to HKU, but are willing and happy to stay in our community. This task is made harder in a pandemic where family and other personal commitments understandably take priority, but we are sensitive to individual needs and will find a way through together. The global battle for talent is fiercer than ever. The most resilient economies are those which establish a clear lead in talent development. Talent is the key to innovation and competitiveness and the University no doubt is the major source of that. In the post-pandemic world, it is not the most intelligent that will survive, but the ones that are the most adaptable. HKU is leading the change to achieve academic excellence and in grooming talents not only for the city, but also for the country and the world. HKU is proof that there are no limits on our possibilities. Yes, the world is deeply divided, and inward thinking has diminished trust and openness. But here in Hong Kong, we have come a long way not only in these few years, but over the 111 years our University has served humanity. Once again, we stand on the precipice of meaningful change and now is the time to climb up the mountain, look bravely beyond – and advance boldly in front. Wang Anshi (王安石), the Chinese poet, philosopher and politician during the Song dynasty, once said, “We have no fear of the floating clouds that block our vision, as we are already on the summit (不畏浮雲遮望眼，只緣身在最高層).” Ms Isabella Wong Yee Sin Chief of Staff
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