Effective 1 January 2025, Dr. the Hon. Kennedy Wong Ying Ho, BBS, JP, was appointed by the HKSAR Government as Chairman of the Council and the Court of HKBU. With 23 years dedicated to the University, his impressive background includes serving as a member of the Council and the Court from 2002 to 2010, and as a member of the HKBU Foundation since 2009, which he has chaired since 2018. He currently leads the Advisory Committee of the School of Chinese Medicine at HKBU. Over the years, Dr. Wong has held various roles within the University, actively contributing to its growth and witnessing its transformation.

Importance of harmony: Engaging with diverse stakeholders
“The University has transformed significantly over the decades, and I believe it’s crucial to engage with a wide range of stakeholders during my first three months (in office),” Dr. Wong explains. He plans to connect with faculty, staff, students, donors, and partners including Beijing Normal University (BNU), as well as Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College (BNU-HKBU UIC) in Zhuhai. This proactive approach will facilitate a 360-degree assessment, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of the University’s growth and aspirations.

“I particularly want to connect with frontline faculty and staff to understand their expertise and strengths better. Identifying opportunities for them to leverage their talents is essential. I also welcome their insights on transdisciplinary, cross-institutional, and cross-regional collaborations.” Dr. Wong believes that attracting exceptional talent to HKBU is an ongoing endeavour. He encourages senior faculty and staff to recommend experienced colleagues and friends for the University’s consideration.

“I believe that the heart of any university lies in its people. Effective governance and management are crucial for both teaching and research. When these elements align, the quality of education and research improves, naturally attracting exceptional students and creating a positive cycle of growth that fosters harmony among all members of the university community.”

Nurturing talent at HKBU: Shaping ethical, globally minded students with a sense of national pride
Dr. Wong, former Chairman of the Hong Kong United Youth Association and Vice-Chairman of the All-China Youth Federation, is passionate about youth education and development. He views university as a pivotal stage for shaping young people’s values and worldviews. As a leading research-driven liberal arts university, HKBU has the potential to refine its focus on specific subjects in the future. “Universities are about nurturing individuals beyond academics, and I aspire to help our students become ethical, globally minded and patriotic citizens.”

Dr. Wong believes that as the nation progresses with the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), Hong Kong is actively integrating into a broader national framework. The cities within the GBA are increasingly interconnected, offering local students opportunities to engage with their homeland’s growth and foster a sense of national pride.

“I often emphasise that the development of young people in Hong Kong should be closely linked not only to the city but also to the nation. I hope our students will recognise their roots in the New Territories, Kowloon, and Hong Kong Island while adopting a broader perspective. They should stay informed about developments and trends in the GBA, the nation, and in regions like ASEAN and beyond, thus broadening their worldview.”

Study in Hong Kong: Attracting global talent through the advantages of “Two Systems”
In the Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address, a proposal was made to elevate Hong Kong as a premier international hub for post-secondary education, promoting the “Study in Hong Kong” brand globally. This initiative encompasses organising international education conferences and exhibitions, and fostering collaboration between Hong Kong’s post-secondary institutions and their international counterparts. Dr. Wong emphasises that HKBU aims to leverage the advantages of the “Two Systems” framework to attract global talent and students, enhance its international profile, and support the HKSAR Government’s efforts to position the city as a centre for high-end talent.

“We have a natural advantage in attracting talent due to the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ policy,” Dr. Wong says. This constitutional principle allows Hong Kong to maximise its strategic position in connecting with the world. “As part of a nation with a population of 1.4 billion, while maintaining our unique system, we can engage effectively with countries around the world. This makes it easier for Hong Kong to attract international talent and students compared to the Mainland.”

He specifically notes the HKSAR Government has increased the admission quota of non-local undergraduate at the eight University Grants Committee-funded universities from 20% to 40%. This change provides HKBU with greater flexibility to recruit international students, enhance campus internationalisation, and better promote the “Study in Hong Kong” brand.

“Over the years, I have witnessed the dedication of our previous presidents and senior management in recruiting international students. I can confidently say that HKBU is well-positioned to attract more students.”

Future blueprint: Actively exploring the new model of “One University, Two Campuses”
In 2025, HKBU will see the completion or operation of several large-scale infrastructural projects, including the first Chinese medicine hospital in Hong Kong, contracted and operated by HKBU. Set to officially commence at the end of this year, the Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong will not only provide Chinese medicine services for local residents but also offer specific training and educational opportunities for local practitioners in both Chinese and Western medicine, thereby promoting the professional development of the local healthcare sector.

As Hong Kong gradually integrates into the broader national development framework, particularly within the GBA, a new landscape of shared resources, complementary strengths, and synergistic growth has emerged in higher education. Dr. Wong emphasises that the “One University, Two Campuses” model introduced by HKBU is a significant strategy in response to this evolving landscape. “This year marks the 20th anniversary of BNU-HKBU UIC, and over the years, we have built a strong foundation for collaboration. Our influence in the GBA has expanded significantly with our Kowloon Tong campus alongside the Zhuhai campus.”

He adds, “Strengthening our connection with the BNU-HKBU UIC campus in Zhuhai and our partner, BNU, has been one of my primary objectives since I assumed this role.” Through these collaborations, HKBU aims to better integrate into the broader development of the GBA, laying a stronger foundation for future growth.

Alumni power: Celebrating 70 years of HKBU alumni
On the eve of HKBU’s 70th anniversary next year, Dr. Wong highlights the importance of leveraging the University’s alumni network, which has grown to over 160,000 individuals from diverse professions and fields over the past seven decades. He refers to the alumni community as a “tremendous treasure” for HKBU.

Dr. Wong emphasises that alumni can provide valuable insights into the University’s development through their professional expertise. He advocates for allocating more resources to enhance communication with alumni, keeping them informed about the University’s latest initiatives and encouraging them to give back to their alma mater.

“Our alumni come from various regions, and their support is just as diverse. For instance, those passionate about academia may return to teach, while those with professional experience can serve as mentors, guiding students in career planning and beyond.”

Dr. Wong also suggests leveraging HKBU alumni associations in various regions as bridges between alumni and the University. This approach would strengthen connections and help identify potential talents among them.

“For example, I recently observed University management attending an alumni event in Shanghai,” he notes. The event attracted 300 outstanding alumni from the city and surrounding areas. Dr. Wong hopes that similar events can be organised in more regions in the future, exploring additional avenues for alumni to contribute to their alma mater.

“These 160,000-plus alumni are a tremendous treasure to us. I firmly believe they will support the University when called upon. We must seek more opportunities for alumni from different generations to make meaningful contributions to HKBU.”