The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) held a flag-raising ceremony on campus this morning to commemorate the 29th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
Dr. John CHAN Cho-Chak, HKUST Pro-Chancellor; Prof. Harry SHUM, HKUST Council Chairman; Prof. Nancy IP, HKUST President; Prof. Lionel NI Ming-Shuan, HKUST (Guangzhou) President; Ms. Edith SHIH, HKUST Council Vice-Chairperson; Mr. Stephen YIU Kin-wah, the University Treasurer; and Counsellor HUANG Jingrui, Spokesperson of the Commissioner's Office of China's Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR and Director-General of the Department of Media and Public Relations attended the ceremony. They were joined by over 300 members of the HKUST community, with more than 6,000 online views via live stream.
During the ceremony, the national flag, regional flag, and university flag were raised at the Piazza under a solemn atmosphere. All present extended their heartfelt wishes for Hong Kong's continued prosperity and stability under the support of the nation, and for it to reach new heights in its development.
Prof. Harry Shum, HKUST Council Chairman stated, "As we celebrate the 29th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR, we are also at the start of the national 15th Five-Year Plan. The principle of 'One Country, Two Systems' has been fundamental to Hong Kong's stability and prosperity, and it remains our greatest strength as we move forward. Hong Kong's unique advantages-maintaining close connections with both the Chinese Mainland and the world-enable us to play a meaningful role in the nation's high-quality development. At HKUST, we are deeply committed to serving national needs by nurturing talent and advancing research that contributes to the country's strategic goals. We see it as our responsibility to prepare future leaders who possess not only innovative thinking and a global outlook, but also a strong sense of national pride. In doing so, we hope to support Hong Kong's continued integration into national development and contribute to the prosperity of our motherland."
Prof. Nancy Ip, HKUST President noted, "As HKUST joins the community in marking the 29th anniversary of the HKSAR's establishment, we see this as an opportune moment to reaffirm our role in shaping Hong Kong's future. With the consultation period now underway for Hong Kong's first five-year development plan, we are entering a new chapter of strategic growth. The Northern Metropolis offers a once-in-a-generation platform to position Hong Kong as a leading hub for talent and innovation."
"We remain fully committed to accelerating research translation and deep industry collaboration through our north-south 'HKUST Innovation Belt' - spanning Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Foshan, and Shanghai - while advancing health innovation through our forthcoming medical school. The School will initially be based at our Clear Water Bay campus, with the long-term vision of contributing to the development of the Northern Metropolis and forming a complete chain from fundamental research to clinical application. We will continue working with partners at home and abroad to help shape the development of the Northern Metropolis through sustained dialogue, policy input, and joint planning, so that we can translate national priorities into tangible outcomes that drive economic growth and improve livelihoods," added President Ip.
To mark the 35th anniversary of HKUST's founding - a milestone symbolizing three and a half decades of excellence, resilience, and forward-looking vision - a joint flag-raising ceremony was led by a Student Flag Guard team comprising 35 students from both HKUST and HKUST(GZ), with the number 35 paying tribute to the University's rich heritage. In the days leading up to the ceremony, these students devoted themselves to meticulous rehearsals at the Clear Water Bay campus, honing every movement with precision and respect. Their dedication and discipline shone through in a solemn and dignified ceremony that not only embodied the vitality and deep-seated patriotism of our younger generation, but also gave living expression to the "One HKUST, Complementary Campuses" vision - demonstrating how our two campuses, united in purpose and strengthened by collaboration, are together nurturing a new generation of leaders who are both globally minded and firmly rooted in their commitment to the nation.
Mr. CHUI Yat-Him, a Year 4 student from the School of Business and Management and a member of the HKUST Student Flag Guard Team, believes that joining the team has deepened his understanding of the country. He said, "Through my participation in the Student Flag Guard Team, I have had the opportunity to take part in exchange activities with flag guard teams from various universities across the Chinese Mainland and to witness our country's development achievements firsthand. These experiences have greatly broadened my horizons and enabled me to gain a deeper understanding of both our country and Hong Kong."
Ms. XU Yican, a Year 1 student from HKUST(GZ) and a member of the HKUST Student Flag Guard Team, noted that participating in the flag-raising ceremony reflects the 35 members' love for the country, as well as their sense of responsibility and commitment to Hong Kong. She said, "I am honored to be a member of the Student Flag Guard Team, and I am proud to contribute, in my own way, to fostering closer exchanges and stronger ties between Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland."
