CUHK
News Centre

Professor Rocky S. Tuan, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University met with students today. A summary of his remarks are as follows:

1.  I am deeply saddened and concerned that several students (8) have been charged yesterday with rioting. Colleagues from the Colleges and the Office of Student Affairs have immediately initiated contact with them, and have also provided contact information for legal support to individual students. 

2.  Some of the arrested students described their unfavorable experiences during their detention, which we will further look into. If the students had been subjected to any unreasonable treatment, the University will assist them in defense of their legal rights.  As for those students from earlier arrests, I will also meet with them individually to understand their needs.  For some of the students who require legal or financial support, the University has connected them with appropriate alumni members to provide support.  If there are additional individual students who require support, please contact the College or Student Affairs Office as soon as possible.

3.  I am concerned that some students are suffering from insomnia and anxiety resulting from the trauma during this period. The University has made appropriate arrangements for the assistance of psychiatrists and clinical psychologists to address these needs. Mental wellbeing is one of our greatest concerns, and we will continue to introduce additional mental health support measures in the coming weeks and months. We strongly urge all students to be always mindful of their physical health and mental wellness. 

4.  The University understands that the students’ actions were motivated by the pursuit of justice and their rights, and that their anger has grown with time. The societal issues, which originate from many deep-rooted causes, are not only challenges faced by the University but also the entire Hong Kong community. To get to the root cause will require time, and wisdom is needed to solve the problems.  I strongly urge the Government to fully commit to developing solutions and to act expeditiously, including the initiation of comprehensive independent investigations to get to the truth.

5.  The University is a place for education, learning, and service to society.  I have recently invited relevant scholars in the University to establish a special archival project for the recent social events in Hong Kong. The purpose is to collect verified news materials and footages, that will be available for future relevant social research and study. The University has allocated resources to support this challenging undertaking, which we believe will result in an important, factual, historical information base to document these events.

6.  I have read all the letters previously posted to me from the students. Regarding their concerns and worries about the dual degree programmes and the internship of Chinese Medicine students in the mainland, the Pro-Vice-Chancellors of the University have followed up with the relevant departments and will also meet with the students of the concerned groups to communicate with them in more detail, with the goal of providing clarification and initiating some practical actions. For example, concerning the internship arrangement of Chinese medicine students in the mainland, the University is studying the feasibility of arranging alternative, certifiable internships for students in Chinese medicine hospitals in other countries or regions.

7.  I fully understand that, given the fast changing pace of events, students may feel that many of their appeals could not be solved in a timely manner. I would like to point out that there are many different stakeholders of the University. We must uphold the principle of mutual respect, and not to place blame on others who hold different opinions. Violence is never the solution of any problem, big or small. 

8.  Today, some students forced their way into the University Administration Building, resulting in serious physical damages at many parts of the building. This act severely violated the code of conduct of students, and is entirely unacceptable. The University reiterates that students must always act in a mutually respectful manner when expressing their opinions. Radical and destructive behaviors cannot solve any problems.

9.  Finally, it is my sincere hope that all CUHK members will always uphold our school motto of ‘Through learning and temperance to virtue’.