CUHK Opens Academic Year with Flag-Raising Ceremony, Ranked 18th Globally
Thestandard · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN

Summary
The Chinese University of Hong Kong officially opened its new academic year on Monday with a solemn flag-raising ceremony and undergraduate inauguration, marking a milestone moment following its rise to 18th place in the QS World University Rankings and the launch of a new five-year strategic plan .
Key Points
- CUHK climbed to 18th place in the QS World University Rankings, marking a significant achievement that reflects the institution's growing global academic reputation
- Over 130 guests attended the flag-raising ceremony, including Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen and Deputy Director-General Wan Ning from the Liaison Office
- The CUHK Flag-guard Team made their debut in new student-designed uniforms featuring the university's signature purple and gold colors, symbolizing devotion, loyalty, perseverance, and resolution
- Vice-Chancellor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming addressed incoming undergraduates, emphasizing that as AI automates routine tasks, empathy, critical reasoning, and integrity will become increasingly vital
- The recognition ceremony presented 18 Appointment Certificates, five Certificates of Appreciation, and the "Best CUHK Flag-guard Team Member Award 2025-2026" to a standout student
Why It Matters
The ceremony's formal atmosphere and presence of senior government officials underscore the importance Hong Kong places on nurturing patriotic sentiment and national identity among the younger generation . Vice-Chancellor Lo's emphasis on moral judgment alongside technical skill signals the university's commitment to developing graduates who can navigate the ethical complexities of an AI-driven world while maintaining integrity .
The ceremony's formal atmosphere and presence of senior government officials underscore the importance Hong Kong places on nurturing patriotic sentiment and national identity among the younger generation . Vice-Chancellor Lo's emphasis on moral judgment alongside technical skill signals the university's commitment to developing graduates who can navigate the ethical complexities of an AI-driven world while maintaining integrity .