Principal’s Hong Kong visit

Principal Professor Rick Trainor attended a Presidents’ Summit this week at University of Hong Kong (HKU), as part of the institution’s centenary celebrations. Professor Trainor was joined by other British university representatives as well as ambassadors from local, mainland and overseas universities. Vice Premier Li Keqiang of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China also attended the event and delivered the official address.

HKU is Hong Kong’s oldest and most esteemed research university, and one of seven partners for King’s Worldwide. In 2006, King’s and HKU initiated a major partnership agreement and since then have developed numerous collaborations, including a student exchange programme, and fifteen departments at King’s now have joint PhDs with the institution. King’s also has a thriving alumni branch in Hong Kong, with over 1700 members, many of them having graduated in the last decade.

Professor Rick Trainor commented: ‘It was a great pleasure, and a great privilege, to be present at such a very positive and very important event in the distinguished history of a key academic partner of King’s.’

Commenting on the institution, HKU Vice-Chancellor Professor Lap-Chee Tsui said: ‘HKU is a knowledge hub for learning and research, a cultural crossroads where East meets West and the past illuminates the future, and a service platform where the University nurtures global citizens.

’HKU remains a guardian of knowledge, an incubator of ideas and innovations, a cradle for new intellect and talent, and a pioneer in social consciousness and responsibility. Indeed, universities are among the most enduring institutions of any society; they are its soul and they bring hope.

’We think globally, and position ourselves in the national context and the international arena. It will be our vision for excellence; our aspiration for freedom; our devotion to student learning and, our commitment to society that will guide us through the next 100 years.’

The university was honoured to have Vice Premier Li Keqiang of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China present at the ceremony; this was the first time a top leader had delivered an official address at a university in Hong Kong. He commented: ‘HKU is dedicated to making developments in science and serving the community. Their alumni have made significant contributions to the prosperity of Hong Kong and the rise of China, and also to the advancement of civilization.’