The Cultural and Sports Committee is once again kicking off CityU's annual cultural festival, the fifth this time. The two-month festival--this year called Hands Across the Water--will begin in February, and a "World City Cultural Night" extravaganza will mark the opening.

As reflected in its theme, "Hands Across the Water" CityU Cultural Festival this year brings into limelight cultural performances of many different countries.

If the winter blahs have gotten you down, you'll be happy to learn that a guaranteed cure is available this week in Multi Purpose Room C, on the ground floor of the Amenities Building.

Aseries of antique Chinese plaques that travelled through time and space are now on exhibition at CityU Gallery. "Imperial Dragon--Wood Carvings" features a collection of rare plaques, some nearly 1,000 years old, carved with dragon motifs.

Pure, Julian Lee's recently published photo album, portrays his creative life as a photographic artist through works from five of his exhibitions--"five sentimental journeys obsessively searching for the origin of truth."

Professor David Tong, Chair Professor of Physics at the Department of Physics and Materials Science, joined the ranks of China's scientific elite this past week with his election to the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

With all its depth and variety, China is difficult to beat in the arts department. But when it comes to presenting events in Hong Kong featuring Chinese culture, CityU wins hands down every time.

The presence of renowned scholars at a university is an indication of its standing in the world academic community and reflects its reputation for academic excellence. CityU is privileged to have no less than eight world academicians on campus, one of whom is our President, Professor H K Chang.…