The 2023-24 academic year marks a rejuvenating new chapter with COVID restrictions completely lifted. I’m delighted to witness the restoration of pre-pandemic vibrancy on campus as we welcome new and returning students and colleagues. 

This year, our full set of undergraduate, postgraduate and professional nursing programmes welcome over 500 new students, particularly around 260 students admitted into our Bachelor of Nursing programme with the consistently highest average admission score via JUPAS among all local universities. This influx of elite students will further contribute to our legacy of success and excellence.

The Pass-it-on Ceremony (see recap below), held earlier this month for our pre-registration nursing freshmen, signalled the beginning of a new academic term/journey. This event fostered a sense of unity and continuity across generations, inspiring newcomers to continue passing on the virtues of their predecessors, and embracing the spirit of harmony and collaboration to reach new heights for themselves, the School and the nursing profession.

Our recent globalisation efforts have yielded fruitful results, particularly with the recruitment of Prof. Ying LAU, a distinguished nursing scholar from Singapore. She is the first recruit in our Faculty under the ‘Vice-Chancellor Professorship Scheme’ and was newly inducted into the 2023 Class of Fellows of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN). Her appointment, along with recent and new recruits of professorial and research staff from different parts of the world, undoubtedly enhances the capacity and diversity of our teaching and research communities. Furthermore, our community’s actively engagement in outbound academic exchanges, alongside the recent visit of Prof. Michael BROWN from the UK under the ‘Visiting Fellowship Scheme’, significantly elevated our global presence for fostering more impactful collaborations.

With such a promising start to the academic year, I eagerly anticipate a fulfilling and rewarding journey ahead!

Wai Tong CHIEN
Director and Professor