The educational and family backgrounds of CUHK students and their socio-geographical profiles have changed over time, along with transformations in social structure and in the educational system. In the University’s early days, the majority of undergraduate students came from local Chinese secondary schools. The University spared no effort in providing support to students from modest backgrounds to help them complete their studies. To keep pace with the changing times, CUHK has gradually increased the proportion of non-local students. In 2014, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen) was established to bring quality education to students on the mainland and lay a strong foundation for development in the Greater Bay Area. The Mentorship Programme was launched in 2002 to support students in their personal and professional development. The CUHK Alumni Torch Fund was set up in 2014 by a group of devoted alumni to strengthen the competitiveness and entrepreneurial exposure of young alumni. In 2021, CUHK partnered with over 60 corporations to launch the Co-operative Education Programme to forge closer ties with industry and groom future leaders for the community. As of 2022, the alumni community of the University has surpassed 260,000 in membership, with a worldwide network of more than 130 alumni associations. It is an immense pool of talent, driving the continual development of the University, Hong Kong, and the nation.
