CUHK inaugurates Dennis Lo as ninth Vice-Chancellor

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) celebrated the inauguration of Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming as its ninth Vice-Chancellor in a grand ceremony attended by over 700 faculty members, students, alumni, and distinguished representatives from academic institutions worldwide.

During the proceedings, CUHK Council Chairman John Chai Yat-chiu presented Lo with the university's ordinance and the vice-chancellor's official seal, marking the formal beginning of his tenure.

In his address to the assembled guests, Lo discussed the university's role in turbulent times. He emphasized that CUHK, as a pivotal hub of knowledge and a cradle for talent, must maintain a clear focus, demonstrate unshakable resilience, and adapt flexibly to the waves of change. 

The newly inaugurated vice-chancellor outlined his immediate priorities, which include developing CUHK's strategic plan for 2026-2030, enhancing student learning experiences, establishing a postgraduate college, and strengthening global recruitment of both faculty and students.

The ceremony featured a special introduction by Professor Ho Che-wah from CUHK's Department of Chinese Language and Literature, who highlighted Lo's remarkable journey with the institution.

Having joined CUHK's Department of Chemical Pathology in 1997—the same year he made his groundbreaking discovery—Lo revolutionized prenatal medicine by developing non-invasive techniques to detect Down syndrome and monogenic diseases through maternal blood tests. 

This innovation, now used in over 100 countries, earned him the prestigious Future Science Prize in Life Science and the title "Father of Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing."

Ho's tribute noted the profound connection between the new vice-chancellor and the university itself. He remarked that, born in the same year as CUHK's founding, 

Lo has walked side by side with the university for 28 years through challenges and triumphs. He described Lo as having the tranquil wisdom of a scholar, the far-reaching vision of a leader, and extraordinary scientific achievements, now guiding CUHK as it moves beyond its 60th anniversary into a new chapter of growth.