On 10 September, City University of Hong Kong (Dongguan) celebrated the commencement of its 2025 academic year with a grand Opening Convocation Ceremony, also marking a significant milestone with the official opening of the university library.

Distinguished guests including Leung Chun-ying, Vice Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, Wei Hao, Municipal Party Secretary of Dongguan, Li Jun, Vice Mayor of Dongguan Municipal People's Government, Michael Ngai, Council Chairman of CityUHK, Prof Freddy Boey, President of CityUHK and Chairman of CityUHK (DG)'s Governing Board, Prof Duan Baoyan, Member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and President of CityUHK (DG), Lin Haichuan, Founder and Chairman of Guangdong Great River Group Co.Ltd. and other guests, alongside students of the 2025 cohort, attended the ceremony. The event was hosted by Prof Lu Chun, Executive President of CityUHK (DG), and Prof Li Juan Julie, Vice President (Academic) of CityUHK (DG).

Leung Chun-ying, serving as the guest of honour, encouraged students to leverage Guangdong and Hong Kong’s advantages, actively engage in the Greater Bay Area’s development, and contribute to national progress with innovative and global perspectives.

Li Jun, Vice Mayor of Dongguan Municipal People's Government, delivered heartfelt thanks on behalf of Municipal Party Secretary Wei Hao and the municipal government, appreciating the community's support for CityUHK (Dongguan) and offering festive greetings to educators. She underscored the university's pivotal role in advancing higher education collaboration between Guangdong and Hong Kong, encouraging students to immerse themselves in Dongguan’s vibrant landscape of technological innovation and industrial transformation, aligning with national development goals.

Michael Ngai highlighted CityUHK’s impressive global standing, ranked among the top 100 universities worldwide in the 2025 ShanghaiRanking’s Academic Ranking of World Universities, and noted its distinction as one of the only two universities in Hong Kong ranked as the top 100 universities across all major global rankings. 

Prof Freddy Boey spoke of CityUHK’s recognition as the world’s most international university for two consecutive years, offering students access to global resources to develop a worldwide perspective. He stressed that learning should transcend classrooms and exams, encouraging exploration and curiosity.

Prof Duan Baoyan emphasized three transitions for new students: evolving from knowledge recipients to creators, establishing robust academic foundations and practical research skills, and cultivating a refined academic taste. He encouraged students to embrace the academic ethos and contribute actively to national and GBA’s advancements.

The library opening ceremony featured a unique jigsaw puzzle of the library building, with students of 2025 cohort completing most of it and the distinguished guests adding the final pieces, marking the library's official inauguration. This new academic landmark will serve as a "smart engine" for driving teaching and research innovation at CityUHK (DG).

Representatives of new students, reflecting on their own experiences, expressed their aspiration for holistic growth and their appreciation for a diverse campus culture. All new students put on the university badges in the ceremony, symbolizing a new identity and a new beginning.