Zhang also said criticism of his own comments on the protests had been fair and that he needed to show the younger generation more understanding.

In a forum attended by 600 students and alumni, Zhang called on those from across the political spectrum to talk to each other and learn to “agree to disagree”.

“This is probably the first time in HKU and even Hong Kong, that we can sit down and talk since June,” Zhang said.

Leong cited China’s founding father, Sun Yat-sen, who said in the very same hall in 1923 that his revolutionary thoughts had originated in Hong Kong. Leong urged Zhang, as part of the establishment, to avoid leaving youngsters with no option but violence.

“I mention this to make the point that violence may somehow be the solution to end a problem,” Leong said.

Zhang categorically rejected the argument, saying violence was never a solution in modern society.

Referring to his earlier comments, made in the aftermath of protesters storming and vandalising the city’s legislature, Zhang admitted he had failed to address the young protesters’ frustrations and vowed to listen more carefully in the future.

“I maintain my stance that condemning violence is the right thing to do. After two weeks, we are seeing society further polarised, things getting more violent, there’s bloodshed, a downward spiral. We have to save society, we have to end this,” he said.

The 90-minute forum was generally calm, although there were cheers and jeers towards the end as some mainland Chinese students spoke of the recent row on campus and in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong braces as protesters from both camps to take to streets

“I applied to study at HKU for its good reputation and the resources it gave me, but these past two months, I think [what has happened on] our campus is too political,” one mainland Chinese student said.

Another, speaking in Cantonese, called for dialogue, but was immediately heckled when he said “We’re all Chinese”.

“Hong Kong is not China!” local students shouted back.

“The dialogue was frank and sincere. It’s a good start, but we need more dialogue to settle differences and the school needs to show more willingness to protect students,” graduate Liu Chun-wah said.

Some pressed Zhang to categorically condemn the police handling of protests.

“[Your statement] shows your lack of concern about Hong Kong, that’s not what a HKU president should have done,” one student said.

But they gave credit to Zhang for appearing at the forum, saying it served as an example to their fellow alumnus and embattled Hong Kong leader, Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor.

Respected medical professor Rosie Young Tse-tse said Lam should follow suit and talk to the younger generation.

“[Lam] may be used to being an official and not like the vice-chancellor who always has to work with students,” Young said. “She should come to the young, and talk to them on an equal footing, with respect.”

Police warn organisers they may block Hong Kong rally over unrest fears

Chairman of the HKU Convocation Patrick Poon Sun-cheong said he would be willing to consider a forum with Lam if there were a strong enough call from alumni.

Political scientist Joseph Chan Cho-wai, however, was pessimistic whether a similar “good start” of dialogue could be repeated if officials were to meet students.

“The students feel there is no point meeting Lam and that she should create the environment for a dialogue,” Chan said. “If she rejects demands from the students, what’s the point of a meeting?”

The call for peaceful resolution came as the city prepared for another weekend of demonstrations.

The pro-establishment camp announced on Thursday that they would stage a second rally at Tamar Park on Saturday, a day before the city was expecting another huge anti-government march to take place from Victoria Park to Central.

The “Safeguard Hong Kong” rally would call on residents to condemn violence and show support for the police force.