Student Affairs Office E-newsletter Issue 7

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Welcome to SAO Connect!

This newsletter aims to inform you about the latest developments, remarkable student achievements and inspiring opportunities provided by the PolyU Student Affairs Office (SAO). We hope you find it engaging and that it fosters a stronger connection with our community!

PolyU Orientation Info Days 2025

PolyU hosted its annual Orientation Info Days on 27 and 28 August 2025, with more than 2,300 freshmen attending the President’s Welcome and 3,500 participating in the Orientation Showcase, marking the beginning of their university journey.

During the President’s Welcome, held at the Jockey Club Auditorium, Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, PolyU President, welcomed freshmen to the PolyU family and introduced the University’s rich history and its mission to nurture socially responsible professionals and leaders with a strong sense of national pride and a global perspective. Following that, Dr Bruce Wang, recipient of the Outstanding PolyU Young Alumni Award 2022 in Entrepreneurial Achievement and Founder and Chief Executive Officer of EcoFlow, shared some of his thoughts. This was followed by dance and musical performances showcasing PolyU’s cultural vibrancy.

During the Orientation Showcase, over 40 booths organised by administrative units, student-led interest clubs and societies were featured at the Shaw Sports Complex, providing freshmen with an excellent opportunity to gain insights into the University’s wide range of support services, co-curricular activities and campus life.

We express our gratitude to all participants and encourage freshmen to engage with PolyU’s diverse opportunities to help shape their future!

PolyU Student Wins Gold Medal in Women’s Changquan – Jianshu – Qiangshu at 12th World Games

PolyU student-athlete Lydia Sham, a Physiotherapy student, won the Gold Medal in Women’s Changquan - Jianshu – Qiangshu Combined event at the 12th World Games held in Chengdu, bringing glory to Hong Kong.

PolyU Student Athletes Shine at the FISU World University Games

Twenty PolyU student athletes represented Hong Kong, China at the recently concluded 2025 FISU World University Games. Comprising over a quarter of the Hong Kong delegation, PolyU formed the largest contingent from any local university this year. Competing across eight sports - archery, artistic gymnastics, athletics, badminton, fencing, swimming, table tennis and taekwondo, PolyU students showcased their exceptional skills and sportsmanship. PolyU student-athlete Lee Hoi Man Karen claimed the Bronze Medal in the Women’s Team Table Tennis at the Games. Congratulations to all our student athletes!

PolyU Wins Championship Rowing Competition at 60th Anniversary of Dongjiang Water Supply to HK

PolyU SAO Rowing Club outshone other teams in the 1,000m mixed coxed eight event, receiving the Champions’ trophy from the HKSAR Director of Water Supplies, Mr Roger Wong. Marking the 60th anniversary of the Dongjiang water supply to Hong Kong, the Competition theme -"Dongjiang River - An Inseparable Bond, Our Blessed Origin" - fostered recognition among our PolyU students of their strong national bond and of support from the Motherland.

The participation of our rowers in the Competition echoes the recent Hong Kong Premiere of the Musical Production – “The Legacy of Youth”, held on campus at the Jockey Club Auditorium in July.

PolyU Students Thrive with Diverse Scholarship Achievements

PolyU students continue to demonstrate exceptional talent and dedication through remarkable scholarship achievements. Four local undergraduates, Chan Wing Ching, Chik Long Tin, Leung Tze Ying and Hayden Yau, were awarded an Innovation and Technology Scholarship 2025, jointly sponsored by HSBC and the Innovation and Technology Commission of the HKSAR Government. They each received up to HK$150,000 in support of broadening their international exposure and gaining valuable industry experience.

Meanwhile, 24 students earned HSBC Scholarships 2024/25. The awards included the HSBC Greater Bay Area (Hong Kong) Scholarship, HSBC Hong Kong Scholarship and HSBC Social Work Scholarship, which aim to support and offer high-achieving young talents opportunities to develop into future leaders in Hong Kong. The awardees’ achievements were celebrated at the HSBC Scholars Day 2025 held on 16 July.

In addition, 12 students from the construction, real estate and engineering disciplines received a SHKP-Kwoks’ Foundation x PolyU Building Homes with Heart Scholarship 2024/25, with the presentation ceremony held on 6 August at the Sun Hung Kai Centre.

These recognitions not only celebrate our students’ outstanding performance but also reaffirm PolyU’s commitment to nurturing future leaders who will contribute their knowledge, creativity and passion to the betterment of society.

PolyU Admits 53 Outstanding Athletes through STARS

A total of 53 outstanding athletes were admitted to PolyU in 2025/26 through the Special Talents Admission and Recognition Scheme (STARS).

The newly admitted student-athletes have achieved remarkable results for Hong Kong in athletics, badminton, fencing, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, water polo and wushu, among other sports, in international and regional tournaments. They are enrolled in a wide range of undergraduate programmes, including Applied Social Sciences, Nursing, Radiography and Physiotherapy.

Another newly admitted student-athlete, Chan Tsz-ching, admitted under the Student-Athlete Learning Support and Admission Scheme, is a wushu athlete who won a Bronze Medal in the Women’s Sanda 60kg at The World Game 2025 in Chengdu this summer. She is now studying the Scheme in Food Science & Nutrition.

Admitted under the Outstanding Sportsmen Recommendation Scheme, Ching Tsz-shun, is a team member of the Hong Kong Water Polo Team representing the Hong Kong China Swimming Association, chosen to join the World Aquatics Water Polo Scholarship Programme for a year in Spain. He is studying the Scheme in Hotel and Tourism Management.

Seven Students Recognised at “80th Anniversary of Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression” Essay and Photography Competitions

The Award Ceremony for the “80th Anniversary of Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression” Essay and Photography Competition was held on 14 August at the Hong Kong Maritime Museum. The event was attended by Prof. Cao Jiannong, Vice President (Education), and Dr Laura Lo, Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement), who celebrated the achievements of the awardees.

We are proud to recognise the seven PolyU students who received awards, with one student, Mr Wang Yanchao, excelling in both categories.

Essay Category
Champion: Miss Feng Jiayuan
Second Runner-up: Mr Wang Yanchao
Merit Prizes: Miss Su Zeyu, Miss Cao Mengying, Miss Zou Xinyuan, Mr Yip Kam Shing, Miss Wang Yitong

Photography Category
Merit Prize: Mr Wang Yanchao

The Competitions encouraged students across Hong Kong to reflect on historical events, the spirit of resistance and the importance of peace. Congratulations to all awardees for their inspiring contributions!

2nd PolyU Inter-Collegiate Mixed Gender Water Polo Invitational Tournament

Organised by SAO and sponsored by the Shun Hing Education and Charity Fund, PolyU once again promoted women’s water polo at the 2nd Inter-Collegiate Mixed Gender Water Polo Invitational Tournament held at PolyU on 24 August.

Following last year’s competition beach water polo format, four other local universities, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University, The Chinese University of Hong Kong and The University of Hong Kong, joined PolyU to compete in the Tournament. Powered by their home advantage, our Water Polo Team won the Silver Medal, while our player Ching Tsz Shun earned the Men's Top Scorer award.

PolyU Celebrates National Milestones with Flag-Raising Ceremonies

PolyU recently hosted two significant flag-raising ceremonies. One was to celebrate the 28th anniversary of the HKSAR and another for the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Both events featured the PolyU Student Flag-Raising Team, who performed the ceremonial duties with pride and dedication. Students and alumni gathered to celebrate these important milestones.

The Ceremonies highlighted PolyU’s commitment to nurturing talent with a strong sense of national pride and the University’s role in supporting Hong Kong's development as an international innovation hub, reflecting the University's dedication to both the community and the Nation.

Chief Designer of the Chinese Lunar Exploration Programme Delivers a Talk, Encouraging Students to Chase their Dreams in Space

PolyU warmly welcomed Academician Wu Weiren, Chief Designer of the Chinese Lunar Exploration Programme, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Director and Chief Scientist of the Deep Space Exploration Laboratory, and Chairman of the International Deep Space Exploration Association, who delivered a talk titled “Chasing Dreams in Space, Knocking on the Cosmos” at the Jockey Club Auditorium on 16 September.

During the talk, Academician Wu shared insights with more than 600 students, academic staff, alumni and guests on the Nation’s latest developments and strategic plans for its aerospace missions. Following his talk, he engaged in a discussion with three PolyU student representatives - Li Zhaojin, Huang Jiubo and Tang Ho Yin - which was moderated by Prof. Wu Bo, Fiona Cheung Professor in Spatial Science, Associate Head (Research) of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, and Associate Director of the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations.

This event, reflecting PolyU’s contributions to deep space exploration, aimed to inspire students to pursue careers in aerospace and science. We express our gratitude to all participants for making this a memorable occasion.

SF&OC Vice-President Kenneth Fok Encourages PolyU Community to Embrace Spirit of Olympism and the 15th National Games

The Dean of Students Talk Series: “All in All the Way – The Spirit of Olympism and the 15th National Games” was hosted on 11 September. We were honoured to welcome The Hon. Kenneth Fok, BBS, JP, Vice-President of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC) and Chairperson of the Hong Kong, China Olympic Academy, who delivered an inspirational talk to the PolyU community.

The event attracted approximately 200 attendees. Mr Fok shared his extensive experience in sports development and highlighted the SF&OC commitment to nurturing elite athletes. He also talked about the spirit of Olympism and its significance as the 15th National Games approach. Facilitated by Prof. Horace Mui, Interim Dean of Students, Mr Fok engaged in a compelling dialogue with two respected Hong Kong athletes, Ms Au Hoi Shun Stephanie and Mr Nicholas Edward Choi. They shared their personal journeys, addressing the challenges and successes they had encountered along the way. Their reflections emphasised the importance of perseverance, dedication and the pursuit of dreams in sports.

Dean of Students Talk Series: The Commercial Value of the Common Law to Hong Kong

On 15 September, PolyU hosted the Dean of Students Talk of Academic Year 2025/26, which brought together over 100 participants, including students, staff, and esteemed members of the senior management team for an inspiring afternoon.

The event commenced with a warm welcome from Prof. Ben Young, Vice President (Student and Global Affairs), followed by an insightful presentation by Mr Justice Jonathan Harris, Judge of the High Court and President of the Competition Tribunal.

In his presentation, titled “The Commercial Value of the Common Law to Hong Kong”, Mr Justice Harris highlighted the key attributes of the common law that contribute to Hong Kong’s success as a leading international business hub. Drawing on his extensive experience from over 40 years in legal practice, he discussed how the common law facilitates commercial activity and drives economic development in the city.

Prof. Horace Mui, Interim Dean of Students, facilitated the Q&A session with Mr Justice Jonathan Harris. His engaging presentation prompted thoughtful questions during the subsequent Q&A session, encouraging students to explore the broader implications of common law in the region.

The event fostered a vibrant exchange of ideas and perspectives that align with the mission of the Dean of Students Talk Series. By featuring the experiences and journeys of distinguished leaders, this series serves as a platform for meaningful conversations that enhance the learning journeys of students.

Vibrant Welcome Activities for Non-local Freshmen

The Non-local Student Services Team (NLSST) welcomed over 2,500 non-local freshmen with a comprehensive orientation aiming to ease their transition into PolyU campus life. The journey began with the Hall Mass Check-in as around 1,200 new non-local and exchange students settled into Hung Hom and Homantin Halls with the help of a tailor-made welcome pack, streamlined registration and on-site volunteer support by senior student I-peers.

On 20 August, nearly 900 postgraduate students attended an Info Session at the Jockey Club Auditorium, learning about potential career pathways, counselling services and resources for non-local students. This was followed by guided campus tours showcasing libraries, study hubs and student facilities. On 29 August, around 800 undergraduates and exchange students were introduced to PolyU’s supportive community, receiving safety and data protection advice from the Hong Kong Police Force and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, adaptation tips from counsellors and an overview of NLSST services - including language support, social events and engagement opportunities.

Co-organised with I-peers, the PolyU Non-local Students Welcome Day 2025 on 28 August brought together over 340 freshmen and exchange students through various ice-breaking activities. On 6 September, the Orientation concluded with two Host Family Scheme Welcome Parties - one uniting over 80 host parents with international students from 27 regions and the other connecting over 200 host parents with Mainland students.

PolyU Student Flag-Raising Team: Fostering Patriotism and Unity Through Cultural Engagement

The PolyU Student Flag-Raising Team actively promotes patriotism and unity through various enriching experiences. Recently, members were interviewed by the China Media Group where they stressed their unwavering determination to conduct flag-raising practices, regardless of the weather conditions.

Additionally, the Team participated in a flag-raising delegation tour to Beijing, where a highlight was attending the National Flag-Raising Ceremony at Tiananmen Square, deepening their sense of national identity. Back in Hong Kong, the Team celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival with a lunch to welcome new members. These initiatives reflect the Team’s commitment to reinforcing community bonds through performances and camaraderie, to fostering a strong sense of belonging while inspiring others to engage with their culture and heritage, and to contributing positively to the PolyU community, Hong Kong and the Nation.

Government Career Fair 2025

In collaboration with the Civil Service Bureau of the HKSAR Government, the “Government Career Fair 2025” was held on campus on 30 September, featuring over 25 government bureaux and departments, and openings for more than 50 civil service grades.

Special thanks go to Ms Yeung Lai Shan, Alice, Principal Assistant Secretary (Appointments) of the Civil Service Bureau, and Prof. Horace Mui, Interim Dean of Students, for their participation in the Fair. The event provided students with an invaluable opportunity to connect with civil servants, gain career-related insights and envision their futures in public service.

Campus Life Festival 2025

Despite stormy weather forecasts, the PolyU community’s adventurous spirit shone bright at the Campus Life Festival 2025! From 10-12 September, over 10,000 students gathered at the FJ and FG podiums for an unforgettable experience.

Participants embraced curiosity and exploration, diving into a variety of activities organised by SAO and our 40 fantastic student organisations. From art to sports and culture to fun, each booth offered new treasures to discover.

The presence of distinguished guests Prof. Ben Young and Prof. Horace Mui on the final day provided extra support and enthusiasm for everyone involved. Though the Festival has ended, the adventure continues—here’s to a wonderful year ahead!

Dialogue with Vice President (Student and Global Affairs)

On 9 September and 24 October, Prof. Ben Young, Vice President (Student and Global Affairs), along with SAO management representatives, engaged in productive discussions with PolyU undergraduates and inbound exchange students. These sessions served as vital platforms for students to voice their concerns and share experiences, while enabling University management to connect directly with students and address their issues.

During the gatherings, students shared insights and expressed concerns on a range of topics, including career opportunities, campus facilities, accommodation support and academic issues.

Celebrating Unity and National Identity: PolyU Students Engage in Sport, History and Education

Six students from PolyU, including three badminton team members, participated in the Fourth “Panda Cup” Youth Badminton Championships and Summer Camp in Chengdu. This vibrant event fostered camaraderie among 14 teams from Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and Sichuan, allowing students to connect through their shared passion for sport.

PolyU also hosted a “Youth Student Exchange Forum” in collaboration with Renmin University of China to commemorate the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. This Forum stimulated much discussion on patriotism and historical understanding.

Additionally, a symposium organised by the Chinese Association of Hong Kong & Macao Studies and The Arete, participated by PolyU and focused on youth initiatives was held in September which highlighted the University’s commitment to patriotic education, aiming to empower students as responsible citizens in a changing world.

Through these experiences, PolyU students can deepen their sense of National identity and belonging to their Motherland.

Cultivating Student National Pride through Attendance at the 28th Congress of the All-China Students’ Federation

Echoing PolyU’s mission of nurturing socially responsible professionals and leaders with a strong sense of national pride and a global perspective, student delegate Yeung Pui Man, 2024/25 Ex-Com of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering Students' Society was nominated by SAO to attend the 28th Congress of the All-China Students’ Federation held in early July in Beijing.

Pui Man witnessed how the Nation recognised youth development and the remarkable work of student unions in the mainland universities. The five-day delegation trip, involving 30 youth leaders from universities and youth organisations in HKSAR and Macau SAR was enlightening and rewarding, with visits to Peking University, Tsinghua University and the Museum of the Communist Party of China.

PolyU Students Shine at the 10th “Friends of Diplomacy” Summer Camp

Three students from PolyU participated in the 10th “Friends of Diplomacy” Summer Camp from 1-9 June. Organised by the Commissioner’s Office of China’s Foreign Ministry in Hong Kong, the Camp aimed to deepen students’ understanding of international diplomacy.

Lau Yat Nam from the Department of Applied Social Sciences, Chan Tsz Tung from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Law Chun Kit from the School of Accounting and Finance joined 30 peers from various institutions on a journey through Beijing and Indonesia. They attended a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, gaining insights into China’s diplomatic framework. They also rode the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway, visited the ASEAN Secretariat and explored the headquarters of Tencent, learning about the intersection of technology and diplomacy while fostering connections with local university students.

Launch of the EAGLE Global Youth Leadership Hub

Resonating with PolyU and SAO’s dedication to nurturing ethical global youth leaders, the University has established the EAGLE Global Youth Leadership Hub (the EAGLE Hub). It aims to foster leadership ethics, a global mindset and a committed responsibility for shared sustainable development among young people. Through dynamic partnerships within the PolyU community and beyond, as well as innovative programmes and events, the EAGLE Hub unites the young to drive sustainable change worldwide.

In 2025/26, the EAGLE Hub presents various signature initiatives for student leadership development, including the EAGLE International Youth Leaders Summit 2026 and EAGLE the Adventurers 2025/26. A call for applications for Cross-institutional Student-led Social Projects has also been launched.

Education and Student Development Salon on “Career Development Support: Guiding Students’ Success and Future Pathways”

The 38th Education and Student Development Salon, on “Career Development Support: Guiding Students’ Success and Future Pathways”, was held on 30 September.

The Salon aimed to familiarise participants with career development support for students by showcasing best practices, fostering entrepreneurship and promoting engagement through interactive discussions. The speakers, Prof. Zhang Shaojun, Associate Professor of the School of Accounting and Finance, Dr Kelvin Cheng, Section Head of the SAO Careers and Placement Section, and Mr Moses Mo Yung, Senior Manager of the Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office, discussed strategies for students to better prepare for the real world, provided an overview of career services to enhance employability and highlighted approaches to fostering student entrepreneurship.

2024/25 ICAC Ambassador Programme Closing Ceremony

On 19 June, the ICAC Ambassador Programme for the 2024/25 academic year concluded with a memorable Closing Ceremony at the ICAC Headquarters. This year, 19 tertiary institutions across Hong Kong participated in the programme, including PolyU.

Mr Diman Mak, Director of Community Relations, presented certificates to the ICAC Ambassadors and their buddies. The highlight was a showcase where ambassadors re-created signature campus activities, with PolyU presenting the Instant Photo Booth to promote integrity and anti-corruption. Ambassadors visited the ICAC Exhibition Hall, enjoyed coffee at “Café 1974” and appreciated artworks on display in the current art exhibition, marking a fitting conclusion to their impactful contributions to the Programme.

Cultural Night Series 2025/26 Kicks Off with a Spectacle of Sound and Colour

The Chiang Chen Studio Theatre came alive on 19 October for the first event of the Cultural Night Series 2025/26. In a first for the community, the PolyU SAO Chinese Mainland Student Association led the unforgettable "C-O Night", supported by SAO to promote student integration.

The audience enjoyed a spectacular line-up, featuring Sichuan Face-Changing opera, graceful Chinese dance, energetic K-pop and Western classical melodies. The Theatre buzzed with excitement as students gathered to appreciate the dynamic cultural performances.

More than just a show, the evening fostered connections among students from diverse backgrounds, setting a wonderful tone for a year of enriching and unifying cultural nights ahead.

Welcome Tea Reception cum Thematic Talk for 2025/26 Ex-Com of Affiliated Student Organisations

The 2025/26 Executive Committees of faculty/school/departmental associations and interest clubs came together at the annual Welcome Tea Reception on 4 August.

Around 100 student leaders from over 50 affiliated student organisations celebrated the learning journey of past Ex-Com members and how they emerged to be socially responsible student leaders with national and global perspectives. The event kicked off with the premiere of the video “A Transformative Journey of PolyU Student Organisations”, setting the stage for the occasion.

The annual event came with a thematic talk on the Basic Law and National Security Legislation and an interactive anti-corruption presentation by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), emphasising the Reception’s role in nurturing PolyU student leaders to show their commitment to being law-abiding organisations.

China Care Fund Programme Exchange with PolyU Students

Coordinated by the China Care Fund, SAO was pleased to welcome a group of senior secondary students from Yunnan for an inspiring afternoon at PolyU on 14 August.

The visit began at U Garden, where students enjoyed the greenery and learned about the history of our campus. They then explored U Gallery, learning about PolyU’s heritage and achievements, before stepping into the Library, the PolyU hub of knowledge and resources. The tour concluded at the Industrial Centre, where they saw the innovative facilities that support hands-on learning and research.

The event not only showcased PolyU’s unique learning environment, but also fostered cultural exchange and broadened horizons for our young visitors.

PolyU Welcome Roadshow 2025

The three-day Welcome Roadshow attracted 1,700 enthusiastic freshmen who began their engaging journey from the moment they got their PolyU student cards in mid-August. This lively occasion showcased the diversity of the vibrant PolyU community, featuring an amazing line-up of 27 student organisations from different Faculties, Schools and Departments, and created an atmosphere of warm welcomes and exciting opportunities for the newcomers to explore.

This unique platform enabled newcomers to connect with current students who were on hand to share a wealth of practical tips and insider knowledge. This year, the administration of university-authorised orientation is certified with a cute icon (Q-mark icon), helping freshmen make well-informed choices, laying a foundation for a safe and healthy beginning to their university adventure.

Flourish Together: Nurture Within; Reach out Beyond

During this five-day event, a variety of activities—including the TourHeart+ Roadshow, Shutter Capsule photo-taking activity, message card writing, promotion of the iACT® programme and WellMind GO mobile application, as well as the Back-to-School Festival: Emotion Exchange Market—were held to nurture psychological well-being and empower students to connect with one another.

EXCELL - Advisory Group Meeting

The EXCELL Programme, a consistently well-received SAO initiative, continues to offer enriching learning opportunities that complement students’ academic journeys. To provide platforms for students to voice their perspectives and share their experiences, SAO not only collects feedback through surveys but also hosts advisory group meetings for direct engagement.

On 8 October, a group of student representatives from diverse backgrounds and academic disciplines joined our advisory group meeting. The session, led by Prof. Horace Mui, Interim Dean of Students, provided a valuable opportunity for students to share their insights and suggestions for programme enhancement.

During the discussion, students raised several important issues, including concerns about limitations in course quotas, the accessibility of Cantonese language courses for non-local students, and strategies to improve attendance and engagement. SAO appreciates the students’ thoughtful contributions, which will play a key role in guiding future improvements to the EXCELL Programme.

Outstanding Student Academy Unveils Latest Highlights

This September, the Outstanding Student Academy warmly welcomed its new Executive Committee at a gathering with Prof. Horace Mui, Interim Dean of Students. ExCo Presidents Wang Yanze (2024/25) and Chong Hung Lee (2025/26) shared their leadership visions, while scholarship recipients discussed their PolyU journeys of growth. Participants also heard reflections from students who joined the Vietnam and GBA learning trip in June.

The Academy further demonstrated its commitment to inclusive leadership through a Mid-Autumn Festival celebration. ExCo members partnered with other student leaders for a unique Mooncake Workshop guided by a visually impaired instructor. Through making symbolic black sesame mooncakes, participants learned powerful lessons in communication, trust and looking beyond surface appearances – an activity that embodied the Academy’s mission to inspire through interaction.

"Bright Hearts, Beautiful Bonds: Artful Moments of Caring for Self and Other" An exhibition with All Things Bright and Beautiful

This exhibition invited students to explore ways of connecting with themselves and with others during the busy mid-term period. Through the aesthetic expressions of local artists Joanne Liu and Ah Li, students were encouraged to practise self-reflection and acts of kindness—threads that weaved together the fabric of the community and nurtured self-belonging.

By casting a vote on their favourite artwork after visiting the exhibition, postcards with heartfelt messages were given to students as a token for their appreciation. Guests also enjoyed a relaxing and fun experience in the artmaking area, where they participated in colouring heart illustrations created by the artists. A specially designed Gratitude Journal, exclusively for PolyU students, was distributed to those who shared their wellbeing practices at our booth. By continuing their journaling journey, students will become eligible to receive an exclusive folder and canvas bag designed by All Things Bright and Beautiful in the second semester.

Reciprocal Student Organisation Exchange: A Dance Fusion Jam with the National University of Singapore

Collaborating with the National University of Singapore (NUS) Office of Student Affairs and the NUS Centre for the Arts, in mid-June four student leaders of the NUS Dance Societies were received by the PolyU SAO Dance Society. The dance exchange is the first of its kind between NUS and PolyU. It was a reciprocal campus visit further to the Student Leaders’ Greater Bay Area and Overseas Learning Trip when our 35-student PolyU delegation was immersed in multi-cultural exchange with the NUS Student Union in Singapore in May. Networking with overseas university student bodies has paved the way for more opportunities to inspire our student community to celebrate diversity and ignite a passion for bringing positive impact with a global perspective.

Inclusion in Action: Strengthening SEN Support at PolyU

At PolyU, inclusion is more than a principle—it’s a shared commitment to creating an equitable and accessible learning environment for all. SAO continues to promote inclusivity by enhancing support for students with special educational needs (SEN).

On 19 September, SAO hosted a Briefing on SEN Support, drawing nearly 50 dedicated staff members from across the University. The session aimed to deepen understanding of SEN learners’ needs and explore practical strategies for inclusive education.

A highlight of the event was a thematic talk by Ms Choi Yuk Ling from the Chinese Language Centre, titled “Between and Beyond: Pedagogical Ideals and Practices for SEN Learners.” Her presentation offered thoughtful reflections on teaching approaches.

The session also featured a thoughtful dialogue between Ms Choi and Mr Merrick Ho, a PolyU alumnus with SEN. Their exchange provided valuable insights into the lived experiences of SEN students and emphasised the importance of empathy and adaptability in supporting diverse learners.

SAO extends heartfelt thanks to all who participated in the briefing. Their engagement and dedication are vital to building a truly inclusive campus. We look forward to working together with different parties to ensure every student at PolyU is duly supported and empowered.