Academic freedom vow (鄭重宣告) as new university nears

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen) moved a step closer (note 1) to reality (現實) with a groundbreaking (動土) ceremony at its Longgang site yesterday.

 

Some of the dignitaries (高官/要人) attending the ceremony were Guangdong Provincial Committee secretary Wang Yang, Shenzhen mayor Xu Qin, Chief Secretary of Administration Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, education secretary Eddie Ng Hak-kin, Chinese University vice chancellor Joseph Sung Jao-yiu and Mona Fong Yat-wah, chairwoman of the Sir Run Run Shaw Charitable Trust.

 

The site a located on the outskirts of (note 2) northeastern Shenzhen, in area of around 100 hectares (公頃). Both Hong Kong and mainland students will be admitted. It will be independently financed (note 3) with no cross-subsidy from the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

 

The main sources of operating income will come from tuition fees, donations, subsidies from the Shenzhen municipal government and other subsidies for scientific research.

 

Its executive board will be its governing body, to be chaired by the vice chancellor and president of CUHK and to comprise eight members, each nominated by CUHK and Shenzhen University. The chair man will have a casting vote (note 4). The president of CUHK (SZ) will be responsible for management, under the leadership of the executive board. Speaking at the ceremony, Sung said academic freedom (note 5) will be evident (明顯的) in the campus.

 

“We should ensure that there will be academic freedom. I believe both parties will follow the agreement we have made.” Applications for admission will commerce from as early as next year (note 6). Professors and instructors currently in the CUHK will not be asked to teach in the mainland.

 

Lam said more such exchanges between Guangdong and Hong Kong may take place. The proposed instruction will be bilingual-Chinese and English-and emphasis will be placed on general and college education.

 

(note 1) moved a step closer=向前邁進了一步。First mover=先著，先走棋者。make a move=動；(準備) 出發。On the mover=一直在動；開始活動；事件正在發展。

 

(note 2) on the outskirts=在城市邊緣 (in the areas that form the edge of a town or city)。clear Victor's skirts=為Victor洗去恥辱；表明Victor 清白無辜。

 

(note 3) independently financed=非政府支持 (not given any financial help from governments)。independent of one's parents=不倚賴父母。Independent thinking=獨立思考。

 

(note 4) the casting vote=決定性的一票 (a single vote given by the person in charge of a meeting if the number of votes about something is equal, and which therefore decides the matter)。A cast of the net=撒一次網。

 

(note 5) academic freedom=學術自由。Freedom of the press=出版自由。

 

(note 6) as early as next year=最快於來年。It is early days yet (to make up one’s mind)=(要下決心) 現在還為時過早。