Welcome Message from the President and Vice-Chancellor
Dear Students,
Welcome to Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU)!
As you begin this exciting chapter of your academic journey, I invite you to embrace the boundless opportunities that lie ahead. At HKBU, you are joining a vibrant, diverse and forward-looking community where curiosity is nurtured, creativity flourishes, and bold ideas are born.
We are living in an age where knowledge is constantly evolving, and technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we live, work and connect. The University attaches the utmost importance to equipping students with the mindset and skills to embrace technological advancement. You will be the first cohort of HKBU Year 1 students to study a new foundational general education course named “AI Literacies for Social Good”, which enables you to acquire AI knowledge, application skills and ethics. This is not just about machines or technical skills, but about learning to think critically, ethically and creatively about the technologies that are shaping our future.
But technology alone does not define progress. The value of education lies in your ability to ask the right questions, to collaborate across disciplines, and to harness innovation with purpose. In the past, it was said that a person should “master a skill” and become an expert in a field; today, we must go further—we must learn to see connections across fields, and develop both the technical fluency and human insight to lead meaningful changes.
At HKBU, we believe in whole-person education. Our new spaces and initiatives, such as the Jockey Club Campus of Creativity which officially opened in March 2025 and transdisciplinary second majors, are designed not only to facilitate learning, but also to inspire collaboration, foster imagination, and encourage transdisciplinary dialogues. The University offers an engaging environment where ideas meet action, and where your passions can truly take shape.
While academic pursuits are essential, so is prioritising your well-being. Make time for rest and self-care, build friendships, and cultivate an enriching social life. Adopt a sustainable and healthy lifestyle to enhance your mental and physical resilience. These qualities will serve you well at the University and in all your future endeavours.
Last but not least, HKBU is about to celebrate a most meaningful milestone, our 70th Anniversary in 2026. You have joined just in time to share the joyfulness of the HKBU family in commemorating our remarkable achievements and rich heritage on this momentous occasion. Do make sure you participate in the diverse events throughout the year-long celebration, and I sincerely look forward to seeing you there.
Once again, a warm welcome to HKBU. I wish you all a rewarding and fulfilling academic journey ahead!
Professor Alex Wai
President and Vice-Chancellor
Chair Professor of Photonics
June 2025