7 September 2023

The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK) held a Convocation on campus today to welcome some 1,700 new undergraduate students, including exchange students, to the 2023-24 academic year. 

 In his address, Professor Simon Ho Shun-man, President of HSUHK, extended his warmest welcome to the new students. He said in the AI era, people worry that technological advancements will replace a large number of jobs and affect people’s livelihood, but he noted that AI is not capable of reasoning and thinking like humans, saying “Human thinking is not just logical but is also shaped through sensory perceptions, feelings, and abstract intuition. AI is yet to learn, simulate, or digitise human characteristics such as emotions, crying, touching, tasting, smelling, desires, and willpower. What truly makes humans unique is our soul, which cannot be computed or programmed. Therefore, it is essential for students to enhance their unique human qualities, cultivate their personal values and transferable competencies, so that they become soulful and responsible global citizens who can confidently handle challenges in their future work on life with fulfilment.” 

 Professor Ho said HSUHK’s unique “Liberal + Professional” education model can nurture students five core humanity qualities (5Cs): Critical Thinking, Creativity, Communication and Collaborations, Caring Attitude, and Continuous Active Learning. “These qualities and attitudes are hard to be replaced by AI machines,” he added. 

 Professor Ho also encouraged new students to make good use of the learning opportunities and resources at HSUHK, such as engaging in international exchanges, internships, service learning, independent research projects, arts and sports activities, residential college life, pursuing entrepreneurial endeavours, etc, as these experiences would widen their horizon, help them explore their potential and build their personal values. 

Anson Li, The Acting President of the Executive Committee of HSUHK Students’ Union also shared his HSUHK experience with the new students, noting that being a university student is a wonderful part of one’s identity. He encouraged new peers to plan every step for themselves and take responsibility for every decision they make. He also urged students to be creative in different ways, as he believes that by creating, students identify themselves, face themselves, and surpass their own expectations. 

President Ho’s welcome remarks: https://bit.ly/3Et87yJ