CUHK chief seeks more funding to develop in NM

Chinese University Vice-Chancellor Dennis Lo is urging the government to boost financial backing for university expansion in the Northern Metropolis, asserting that additional funding would provide institutions with greater certainty for future planning. Speaking on RTHK's On Broadcast Drive program, Lo noted that while the university's ranking and reputation are impressive, its size is insufficient.

He believes the Northern Metropolis could aid in the university's growth. Presently, the university operates like a boutique hotel - though its reputation and work are commendable, its size is not adequate. Lo emphasized the need to expand its scale by leveraging the Northern Metropolis. Although the government has allocated HK$10 billion in loans for universities to construct campuses in the Northern Metropolis, Lo hopes this sum can be augmented - potentially exceeding loans and incorporating grants - to facilitate easier future planning.

Lo cautioned that the swift advancement of artificial intelligence might be stifling scientific creativity, stating that while AI is potent, it also poses a risk of diminishing human originality. Describing himself as an old-fashioned scientist, Lo expressed concern that researchers are now merely seeking ideas from AI and selecting the most suitable options, potentially eroding the excitement inherent in scientific discovery.