(From left to right, first row) Dr Alice CHUNG, Director of Global Engagement; Ms Caroline RICE; Mr Andrew HEMINGWAY.
On November 13, 2024, the Centre for Global Engagement was pleased to welcome the Co- Directors of International Programmes, Ms Caroline RICE and Mr Andrew HEMINGWAY. They provided our students with an exciting opportunity to learn more about the 2025 Oxford Summer Programme at Hertford College, University of Oxford, and what participants can expect. This programme offers a unique chance for students to enhance their academic experience while exploring one of the world’s most prestigious universities.
We are delighted to report that over 50 students expressed significant interest in the programme. Even after the seminar concluded, many students remained eager to gather additional details about the application process and the unique opportunities the programme offers. Several students stayed behind to share comments and feedback. In response to the strong interest from our students, Mr HEMINGWAY indicated he would design this year’s programme with our students’ academic backgrounds and majors in mind.
The Centre for Global Engagement (CGE) of HKSYU is dedicated to creating an international learning environment that attracts students from around the world to study and work in Hong Kong. Our goal is to establish Hong Kong as a leading global hub for higher education. Between August and December 2024, the CGE signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the University of Warwick in the UK, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid in Spain, and Pembroke College, University of Cambridge in the UK—ranked 5th in the QS World Rankings 2025—for their summer programs. In December 2024, we also renewed a student exchange agreement with Guizhou University of Commerce in China. This renewal enhances opportunities for students to gain international experience and broaden their global perspectives.
In Spring 2024, 10 HKSYU students embarked on their exchange journey in Europe. CHIU Sze-yan, a Journalism and Mass Communication student, attended Adam Mickiewicz University in Poland.
Sze-yan felt lost when she first arrived in Poland. Fortunately, her study buddies, arranged by the host university, welcomed her and assisted with practical matters, such as applying for a student transportation card.
Sze-yan also shared her expertise by helping to film a video for their assignment. Additionally, she had the chance to visit their homes, share aspects of Hong Kong culture, and watch classic Hong Kong movies like “Infernal Affairs” and “Fight Back to School” with them.
Sze-yan also volunteered at a local organization in Ukraine, where she crafted camouflage suits for frontline soldiers. “I witnessed the hardships of living in a conflictridden country, including how people cope with daily air raid alarms. These experiences revealed realities that cannot be fully grasped through international news alone,” she said. Through the Study Abroad Scheme, she broadened her horizons and enriched her understanding of diverse cultures by meeting people from around the world and visiting various places.
The inbound exchange students had an unforgettable experience filled with friendship and fun. They were introduced to Mölkky, an exciting sport from Finland, and participated in a round-robin competition, with two teams emerging as champions. At the Central AIA Carnival, the students enjoyed games, delicious food, and lively performances, creating lasting memories through laughter and friendly competition.
Exploring the great outdoors, the students visited Shek O Beach and hiked to the Red Incense Burner Summit, enjoying stunning views and an incredible outdoor adventure within the first two weeks of their arrival. Additionally, they were treated to diverse local cuisine, sampling dishes like Mixian, Cha chaan teng, Tong sui, and Dai pai dong. This culinary journey offered a taste of Hong Kong’s traditional flavours, making their experience even more enriching.
The Eastern Police District organized an antifraud campaign on January 9, 2025, at HKSYU, attended by exchange students from Mainland China, Asia, the Americas, and Europe. Police officers introduced the “Scameter” app and demonstrated its use in recognizing and preventing different types of scams. They also shared real-life examples to provide students with a more comprehensive understanding of common fraudulent schemes. The police emphasized that any phone call claiming to be from Mainland Chinese officials or law enforcement is a scam. Students were advised to hang up immediately and call 18222 for assistance if they suspect anything suspicious.
Source: April 2025 Issue