OAL The Chinese University of Hong Kong eNewsletter

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) hosted the Golden Jubilee University Presidents' Forum during 6-8 December 2013 as one of the highlights of its 50th anniversary celebrations. Some 40 university heads from 14 countries and regions engaged in a roundtable around the themed 'Enhancing Intercultural and Multicultural Exchanges in Universities'.

Officiating at the Presidents' Forum, Mr. Edward Cheng, Chairman, University Grants Committee, congratulated the Chinese University on its academic and research achievements as it celebrates its golden jubilee. Prof. Joseph Sung, Vice-Chancellor and President, CUHK remarked, 'Apart from fostering global partnerships, the synergy generated by the Forum will point the way for the future development of global higher education, promoting advancement in university education, expanding the frontiers of learning and research, and cultivating global citizens for the benefit of mankind.'

Three keynotes were given by world-renowned leaders of seats of learning—'Global Citizenship: the Role of University Education' delivered by Dr. Phyllis Wise, Chancellor, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; 'University Policies and Strategies: China and the World' delivered by Prof. Zhang Jie, President, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; and 'Partnerships and Collaborations: Universities, Governments and Community' delivered by Prof. Andrew Hamilton, Vice-Chancellor, University of Oxford.

In the first keynote, Dr. Phyllis Wise pointed out that collaborations and partnerships that cross disciplines and jump borders are necessary to solve the increasingly complex global problems. As today's students who will ultimately be the ones to face and resolve these challenges live in a world where they move seamlessly geographically and socially, university leaders have the responsibility to create the models and build the networks of education that will give them the tools and the opportunities to excel.

Prof. Zhang Jie discussed the national educational initiatives and reforms in China in the second keynote, and specifically how Shanghai Jiao Tong University has engaged in international collaborations and performed as the engine and source of innovation to promote an innovative country.

The third keynote saw Prof. Andrew Hamilton exploring the relationship that exists between universities and their communities. Taking into account the different expectations set by the nations and the regional communities as well as the mission and core principles that universities set for themselves, he discussed the extent of compromise between notions of academic freedom and public duty.

In addition to joining the Forum, participants also took part in the welcome dinner on 6 December and the University's 50th Anniversary Banquet on 8 December.