The launch ceremony of PolyU’s 85th Anniversary celebration was held on 25 November 2021 at the Jockey Club Auditorium. More than 600 guests, alumni, staff and students attended the occasion under the theme of “We Are PolyU • Together We Excel”.

Mrs Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of Hong Kong SAR, officiated the launch ceremony with other distinguished guests and the University management. She shared how she has marvelled at PolyU’s achievements over the years.

“PolyU today is now a global powerhouse in post-secondary education,” Mrs Lam said. “PolyU is known for its ground-breaking innovations… is clearly committed to excellence, to elevating its academic and research standards. You continue to attract gifted innovation and technology academics from around the world.”

University Grants Committee (UGC) Chairman Carlson Tong also congratulated PolyU on its remarkable achievements in research and development. “Among the many things which the UGC and PolyU have in common, the most important one is our mutual vision that world-leading academic research can also be impactful and beneficial to society.”

At the anniversary celebration launch ceremony, PolyU’s Orchestra and Choir performed the 85th Anniversary theme song, while current students from around the world performed a joint parade and shared their favourite moments on campus and in halls.

Dr Lam Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU, said that PolyU had nurtured more than 400,000 alumni, empowering the development of Hong Kong. He said, “PolyU will continue to work together with the Government and support Hong Kong’s integration into the Nation’s development, develop Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology hub, and make greater contributions to Hong Kong, the GBA and the Nation.”

Professor Jin-Guang Teng, President of PolyU, said that PolyU is devoted to enhancing the long-term competitiveness of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area at the international level. He also said, “Over the years, I have proudly witnessed the development of the institution into a global top 100 university. The rich legacy of the University and its continued success is the outcome of the hard work, passion and perseverance of the PolyU community over the past years and decades.”

The launch ceremony will be followed by a series of distinguished lectures, international conferences, concerts, art and cultural events, and alumni homecoming activities throughout the next twelve months.

Other highlights of the celebration in the coming months include the publication of a book on PolyU’s history, the opening of a University history museum, the enhancement of the southern entrance at Core A as the University’s main entrance, and the hosting of an innovation and technology day. An anniversary gala dinner next November will wrap up the celebration on a high note.

For details of these exciting programmes and other celebratory activities, please visit the 85th Anniversary mini-website at www.polyu.edu.hk/85anniversary.