Meet Dennis Lo: CUHK’s New Vice-Chancellor and President
Dennis Lo, a renowned molecular biologist, has been appointed as the new vice-chancellor and president of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), following a unanimous decision by the CUHK Council. With a track record of groundbreaking contributions to improving health and wellness through his research, Lo is set to take the reins from Rocky Tuan and lead the university into a new era of academic excellence and innovation.
Lo’s appointment was met with enthusiasm and optimism by members of the CUHK community. John Chai, chairman of the institution’s governing body, expressed confidence in Lo’s ability to drive substantial advancements in academics, research, and innovation during his five-year term. Chai highlighted Lo’s commitment to nurturing exceptional talent and meeting social expectations, as well as his plans to leverage the university’s strengths to support Hong Kong’s innovation and technology development.
Praise from Peers: Tuan’s Endorsement and Council Members’ Support
Rocky Tuan, the outgoing vice-chancellor and president of CUHK, welcomed Lo’s appointment with high praise. Tuan commended Lo’s visionary thinking and insightful planning, citing their past collaborations as a testament to Lo’s leadership abilities. Tuan expressed confidence that Lo would guide the university to new heights while upholding its legacy of excellence.
CUHK Council member Bill Tang, also a lawmaker of the Federation of Trade Unions, emphasized the importance of an international outlook for the university. Tang expressed hopes that CUHK would attract students and talent from around the world, enhancing the campus’s diversity and creating a highly international atmosphere. Another Council member, Tommy Cheung of the Liberal Party, voiced support for Lo’s appointment and expressed confidence in his ability to balance management responsibilities with continued research efforts.
Student Perspectives: Calls for Communication and Focus on Humanities
As CUHK looks towards the future under Dennis Lo’s leadership, students like fourth-year student Jasmine Kan are calling for improved communication between students and the university head. Kan highlighted the need for a better relationship between students and university administration, emphasizing the importance of student input in decision-making processes. Additionally, Kan expressed a desire to see more focus on students pursuing Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees, citing concerns about the integration of multiple majors without sufficient consultation with current students.
In response to such feedback, CUHK under Dennis Lo’s leadership could prioritize enhancing communication channels with students and ensuring that their voices are heard in shaping the university’s direction. By fostering a more inclusive and transparent decision-making process, the university can build stronger relationships with its student body and create a more student-centric environment.
As CUHK embarks on a new chapter with Dennis Lo at the helm, the university community looks forward to a period of growth, innovation, and academic excellence under his leadership. With a strong foundation in research and a commitment to nurturing talent, Lo is poised to guide CUHK towards a future of continued success and positive impact in Hong Kong and beyond.