EdUHK Academic Year Inauguration cum Flag-Raising Ceremony Enhancing the Sense of Belonging and Loyalty to the Nation
The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) held the Academic Year Inauguration cum Flag Raising Ceremony on its Tai Po campus yesterday (2 September), to welcome over 2,000 new entrants and enhance their sense of belonging and loyalty to the nation.
Officiating at the Inauguration and Flag-raising Ceremony were EdUHK Deputy Council Chairman Professor Terence Chan Ho-wah, President Professor John Lee Chi-Kin, Vice President (Academic) Professor May Cheng May-hung, Vice President (Research and Development) Professor Chetwyn Chan Che-hin, Vice President (Administration) Dr Tom Fong Wing-ho, Associate Vice Presidents, and Deans of EdUHK. Other guests included Mr Lo Chung-yeung, Division Chief of the Department of Youth Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR ; as well as senior management of EdUHK and several Tai Po District Council Members, including Mr Lee Man-kit, Ms Jeanne Lee Sai-yin, Mr Li Yiu-bun, Mr Wu Cheuk-him, Mr Chan Tsz-kin, Mr Chan Siu-kuen, Mr Wong Wai-tung.
The Flag-raising Ceremony was hosted by Associate Registrar Dr Li Wai-chin, while the flag-raising team, composed of students from EdUHK, EdUHK Jockey Club Primary School and EdUHK Early Childhood Learning Centre, conducted the Ceremony. Amidst the stirring national anthem, the national flag, the regional flag, and the University’s flag were slowly hoisted, demonstrating the spirit of love for the country and Hong Kong, harmony and unity, and the passing on of traditions.
Professor Terence Chan Ho-wah explained how this year's Inauguration held particular significance, in celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of our nation, the 30th anniversary of EdUHK, as well as being an Olympic year. He also said that in recent days, national Olympic medallists had visited Hong Kong, prompting a renewed wave of enthusiasm for the Games. Also, two Olympic champions have also enrolled at EdUHK. He mentioned that today’s Hong Kong was establishing a hub for the exchange of Eastern and Western cultures and also an international Hub for Education. He hoped EdUHK could make greater contributions and play a significant role in Hong Kong's education, sports and cultural sectors.
Addressing the Ceremony, Professor Lee said that he was delighted to conduct a flag-raising ceremony on this significant day, which helped cultivate a sense of national identity among teachers and students, and also fostered the establishment of positive values. The Inauguration also bore witness to a time of transition. He said, “This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, as well as the 30th anniversary of EdUHK. It also marks the completion of my first year of service as President of the University. For over a century, EdUHK has been at the forefront of educational heritage, continuously nurturing talent, not just for our city, but for our country and the world.”
Professor Lee said EdUHK 30 Anniversary’s theme “Education, Talent, Virtue” represented the core of education. “EdUHK is crafted to nurture comprehensive growth across five fundamental dimensions of life: ethics, intellect, physical health, social skills, and aesthetics. We firmly believe that this educational philosophy can help students develop comprehensive talent, and contribute to the development of new quality productive forces for the country, and make contributions in building a strong nation in education,” he said. Professor Lee thanked all teaching and administrative staff and encouraged everyone to continuously promote diverse development in teaching and research.
In the final segment of the opening ceremony, new students and faculty members took a group photo together as a keepsake. Everyone cheered, "Join hands with EdUHK to create a bright future together," symbolising unity and collaboration to create a better future.
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