Home | Archives | About | Media Links

October 1999

Prof. Wu Chia-wei: "Don't Play to Gallery"

By Kwong Sum Yin

See also:
The Cream Churns
Silence is Golden

Prof. Wu Chia-wei, 61, the vice chancellor of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, keeps an open mind about students organizing various kinds of activities.

"The university is not a place for professional learning; instead, it should be for an all round education. Student should excel in all ways.

"In Hong Kong, students in primary and secondary schools seldom take part in extra-curricular activities.

"In order to gain knowledge, they have to think and experience things," he said.

He agreed that joining the student union was one way to enhance one's experience.

"This year we had two groups of students running for the election. Students then voted for their own representatives.

"In the process, students had lots of debates. It was good as they can break their own mode of thinking and exchange opinions endlessly.

However, he holds a discreet view on student movement.

"Demonstration is not the only way. Sometimes it may even worsen the situation.

"Expressing one's view per se is not meaningful. One should rethink," said Prof. Wu.

"I can't say whether the student movements reflect students' concern of society or not. However, there are different degrees of concern.

"Shouting out the slogans is easy. In the past, I also joined some demonstrations. But then I rethought, 'Am I really clear about that event?'

"Therefore you can develop your own stance if you truly concern and rethink,"

Prof. Wu said, "Moreover, social problems are problems of the whole society. Responsibility should not solely lied on students.

"I think students can put more emphasis on their university," said he.

Prof. Wu said that there are numerous tasks waiting for university students.

"For example, Hong Kong's environment, voluntary work and basic politeness of teenagers should be given attention.

"Taking care of the old and the weak can also show your concern towards society.

"Thus, instead of crying out, why don't you think of a solution?"

Prof. Wu also expressed his views on why students think society did not pay attention to their opinions.

"People in society get their perception of university students from the mass media. Thus, I think the media should shoulder some responsibilities.

"They are interested in reporting the negative things of university students. I think it is unfair," said he.

"However, students themselves should ask whether they are well prepared when expressing their views.

"Are their ideas innovative?

"Our university students are no worse than other countries'.

"The prime thing they should do is to open themselves. Respect themselves and then others will naturally respect the,." he said.

Home | Archives | About | Media Links