Setting a president

"Growing up in multiple cultures equips me with a strong international outlook, useful communication skills and problem-solving abilities, as well as support network of friends around the globe," says Lu, adding that he hopes that more young Chinese people will embrace the international-study experience and become globally minded.

Lu also points out that it's a favorable time for Chinese students to pursue higher education in the UK, considering that its government announced a new post-study work visa in September, which allows eligible international students to stay in the country and build a career for two years after completing their studies.

"Then, the expiration of the visa won't be a problem for students wishing to attend their graduation ceremony in the UK," he says.

The university currently has over 900 students from the Chinese mainland. Hospitality and tourism, business, computer science and electrical and electronic engineering, are the most popular courses according to Dave Ferguson, head of Communications and Public Relations at the university.

Lu says more interdisciplinary studies related to artificial intelligence, data science and other cutting-edge technologies have been conducted, which may also be attractive to digital savvy students who are willing to make a difference.

Moreover, the university has set a professional training year for juniors which ensures them access to work placements in charity organizations, government bodies or related enterprises before graduation. That is the university's "unique selling point" when enrolling students who want to tap into their professional, academic and personal potential while in college, Lu says.

He also holds that he himself, as the only China-born president of a UK university at present, could increase Chinese students' sense of recognition at the university.

"We have many alumni and partners in China; this is one of our treasures. They can be united to help each other, while boosting the development of their alma mater."

Wu Ning, president of the institution's alumni association in China, says: "After Lu's appointment as the head of the University of Surrey, tighter bonds have been formed among the university's alumni through frequent networking events. I feel that we are a big family." Wu adds that there are over 8,000 former attendees of the university on the Chinese mainland and around 2,000 in Hong Kong.