“In 1911, a group of visionaries sat down together and charted a dream to create and build the finest university imaginable. One hundred and eleven years later, that dream continues to come true,” Xiang said as he addressed the guests last night.

“Beyond results and rankings, what I believe in most are the values and ideas that shape our minds and souls.

“HKU has a new opportunity to transform. Improving the human condition is important at any time, but especially now, when our world is struggling with poverty, climate change, and disease outbreaks,” he added.

The university also revealed its plan to be a leader in helping to create solutions for the world by supporting the SAR’s ambition to be an international hub for innovation and technology.

The university is also activating a roadmap of milestone projects, including the Tech Landmark, the Global Innovation Centre, and the Pokfield Campus, which will change how the university works with the world through every academic discipline.

Yuen Kwok-yung, a government Covid-19 advisor and a professor at the university, was the keynote speaker at the dinner.

Yuen, in his speech, underscored the pivotal role played by microbiology researchers at the university in safeguarding public health, particularly during SARS and the Covid pandemic.

HKU said it is committed to the next 111 years of progress and achievements and that the past year was a time of grand celebration.

The High Table dinner is a cherished, time-honored tradition at HKU, bringing together students, staff, alums, and friends of the university to celebrate its rich history and bright future.

Convener of the Executive Council Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee and pro-establishment lawmaker Vincent Cheng Wing-shun were among the alums who attended last night’s dinner.