“United, We Soar” campaign ushers in new era for CityU

A comprehensive fundraising campaign named “United, We Soar” signals the start of a new era at City University of Hong Kong (CityU).

The campaign, which is the first of its kind for CityU, was launched on 1 December with its public phase after a long period of preparation. The virtual launching ceremony took place through video to minimize face-to-face gathering, ensuring Covid-19 precautionary measures are fully observed.

The launch of the campaign demonstrates CityU’s confidence, passion, and sense of unity in pursing university advancement. Indeed, the funds raised in the campaign will contribute to advance the well-being of the society, including the research breakthroughs needed to tackle Covid-19.

The Campaign Steering Committee, which comprises key CityU supporters, gave advice on fundraising and promotion strategies. They include Mr Lester Garson Huang, CityU Council Chairman and Honorary Chairman of the Campaign Steering Committee; President Way Kuo, Convenor of the Campaign Steering Committee; Dr Herman Hu Shao-ming, Mr Lau Ming-wai, Dr Wong Chun-hong and Dr Yeung Kin-man, all of whom are Co-Chairs of the Campaign Steering Committee; Dr Harry Banga, Mr Winfred Chan Hon-pun, Ms Catherine Kwai Yuk-nin, Dr Raymond Leung Siu-hong, Miss Lo Po-man and Ms Cissy Wong Ying, all of whom are members of the Campaign Steering Committee; Dr Peter Ho Ka-nam, Chairman of Community Relations Committee of the Council, and Professor Matthew Lee Kwok-on, Vice-President (Development and External Relations), both of whom are ex-officio members; and Ms Kathy Chan Yin-ling, Campaign Secretary.

In his welcoming remarks, Mr Huang said he was delighted to have witnessed the sense of unity and staunch support among the CityU community during the social unrest in 2019 and the current pandemic.

“I am indeed proud to be part of the CityU family. I am confident that with the solid foundation laid over the past years, the unity promoted by the campaign will steer us to achieve new milestones and soar higher than ever!” Mr Huang said. He warmly invited all CityU friends to join hands with the University to support this dynamic new campaign to create a better future.

In his remarks, President Kuo expressed his deep gratitude to donors.

“The 10-year comprehensive capital campaign, which commenced in 2014, aims to raise HK$2.5 billion and all funds solicited will enable the University to achieve breakthroughs in four key areas: strategic initiatives, education and research, student development, and campus development,” he said.

He added that the Strategic Plan for 2020–2025 offered a “world-class” vision for research and education, while the launch of CityU-Learning, a real-time and campus-wide online teaching platform, in record time had demonstrated CityU’s innovative approach to education.

For campus development, President Kuo said that the Jockey Club One Health Tower, the student hostel in Ma On Shan and the International and Advancement Building would become new icons for CityU, and the recent groundbreaking ceremony for the veterinary teaching farm in Lam Tsuen would advance the core principles of One Health.

A ceremony highlight was the debut of the campaign video that encapsulates many aspects of CityU’s latest developments. It showcased the University’s strengths and achievements and invited continuous support from the community.