正如战略路线图为大学指引发展方向,为自己的人生制定蓝图同样重要。中国有一句古语:“凡事预则立,不预则废。”这句话所蕴含的深刻智慧,与英文谚语“Failing to prepare is preparing to fail”有着异曲同工之妙。同学们,我希望你们从现在开始,学会以战略性的眼光思考自己的人生。人生由一连串的选择铺就:重复的行动会固化为习惯,习惯塑造品格,而品格决定命运。请有意识地确立自己的人生方向。思考自己希望成为什么样的人,然后选择与之相契的习惯、同行者与人生道路。
It is truly my pleasure to welcome you to The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, as you begin this transformative journey of personal growth. I have looked forward to joining you today, surrounded by the energy of over 2,000 undergraduate students and 3,000 postgraduate students. This year, we welcome over 1,700 undergraduates spanning the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, alongside 450 international students, who now make up one fifth of our undergraduate freshmen cohort. I am eager to see how your time at CUHK-Shenzhen shapes you into innovative leaders with a global perspective, deep roots in Chinese cultural traditions, and a genuine commitment to social responsibility.
You join CUHK-Shenzhen at a time when important developments are taking place in our country, in Shenzhen, and at the University.
First, our country is launching its 15th Five-Year Plan — the national policy framework for 2026 to 2030 that sets China’s trajectory for technological self-reliance, green development, and economic transformation.
Second, Shenzhen will host APEC 2026—the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit that brings together leaders and business representatives from across the Asia-Pacific region. Its theme, “Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together”, and its priorities of openness, innovation, and cooperation, reflect the importance of dialogue and collaboration in shaping the region’s future.
Third, CUHK has launched its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan: Leaping to Greatness, to advance our regional, national, and global impact.
This alignment places you in a city where national strategy, global engagement, and technological innovation meet. Your learning will extend far beyond the classroom.
Just as a strategic roadmap guides the University, crafting a blueprint for your own life is equally important. There is a profound wisdom in the Chinese saying “凡事预则立,不预则废” resonates well with the English idiom: “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.” Apply strategic thinking early. Life builds on a chain of decisions: repeated actions solidify into habits, habits forge character, and character determines destiny. Set your compass intentionally. Decide who you want to become and choose the habits, relationships, and paths that lead there.
As you map out your journey, seize three extraordinary opportunities:
First, embrace China's rapid transformation. Studying in Shenzhen connects you directly to the country’s startup and technological ecosystem. Acquire the courage to ask "Why not?" and break past traditional academic boundaries. In an era of artificial intelligence, balance technical mastery with uniquely human strengths. Machine learning automates routine tasks; human intelligence provides empathy, moral sensitivity, and critical reasoning. Develop these qualities so that technology remains a tool that serves humanity.
Second, step up as a global citizen. The defining issues of our century — climate change, AI ethics, food security, and inequality — require transnational cooperation. At CUHK-Shenzhen, engage with peers across diverse backgrounds, develop cultural sensitivity and bridge differences. Channel your ideas into real-world solutions that serve the common good.
Third, immerse yourself in our unique collegiate community. Your College offers a supportive environment to live, learn, and grow. Through sports, cultural projects, and service, embody our University motto: “Through Learning and Temperance to Virtue”(「博文約禮」). Use this holistic education to build character alongside intellect.
Dear students, I hope you will regard the University as your second home. Let the lessons you learn and the connections you make here take you far and serve you well throughout your journey. Make every moment you spend at CUHK-Shenzhen count. Navigate your future with purpose and direction by prioritising the needs of the community, the country and the world.