#Greater Bay Area #Hong Kong #CityUHK #Nie Liheng

CityUHK Celebrates Its Inaugural Commencement 2026

On June 22, 2026, City University of Hong Kong (Dongguan) held its inaugural commencement ceremony in Hong Kong, marking a significant milestone for the institution. Over 420 MSc graduates, who had traveled from Dongguan, gathered to celebrate their academic achievements and step into the vibrant global community of CityUHK. This event was notably attended by distinguished officials and academics, including Mr. Leung Chun-ying, Vice Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, and Ms. Li Jun, Vice Mayor of Dongguan Municipal People's Government.

The ceremony represented not just the culmination of students' hard work but also a significant moment in cross-border education within the Greater Bay Area. In his address, Mr. Leung emphasized the value of leveraging educational experiences to stimulate innovation and urged the graduates to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the Greater Bay Area. He recognized the critical role that CityUHK (Dongguan) plays in this context, highlighting it as a landmark project fueled by local industrial resources.

Ms. Li Jun also shared her thoughts, recognizing CityUHK (Dongguan) as a pivotal educational force in the region, capable of shaping future leaders equipped for the demands of local industries. Furthermore, Professor Michael Ngai, the Council Chairman of CityUHK, celebrated the university's prestigious global rankings, noting its designation as the "Most International University in the World" for three consecutive years according to Times Higher Education.

During the ceremony, Professor Chun-Sing Lee, the Acting President of CityUHK, encouraged graduates to nurture an entrepreneurial spirit, highlighting the necessity to adapt to the ever-evolving global landscape. He urged them to fully embrace the notion that, "The future belongs to those who dare to begin."

Reflecting on the essence of their journey, Professor Duan Baoyan, President of CityUHK (Dongguan), noted, "Life is a journey, and career is a marathon." He reminded graduates of the importance of starting strong and maintaining their resolve amidst global changes.

Recognizing the outstanding achievements of its students, Mr. Leung presented certificates to the Top 10 Graduates. Student representative Nie Liheng spoke poignantly about how his educational experience in Dongguan had fortified his resilience and broadened his perspective across borders, inspiring his peers to pursue their ambitions fervently.

In line with nurturing future alumni relations, Professor Ngai appointed the first Alumni Liaison Ambassadors, aiming to maintain strong ties between graduates in Dongguan and Hong Kong. The ceremony also marked the bright future ahead for graduates. Many have already secured prestigious positions with leading organizations such as Tencent, Alibaba, and Meituan, while others are exploring opportunities in Hong Kong through the IANG visa scheme.

Founded in 2024, CityUHK (Dongguan) has rapidly evolved over just two years alongside its first cohort of graduates. The institution aspires to continue cultivating interdisciplinary and industry-linked education, promising to offer international opportunities for its future students. As CityUHK (Dongguan) looks ahead, it envisions an academic ecosystem that nurtures the next generation of leaders, ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities of an interconnected world.