Student Affairs Office E-newsletter Issue 8

If you cannot view this message properly, please click here .

Welcome to SAO Connect!

This newsletter is designed to keep you updated on the latest news, outstanding student achievements and exciting opportunities from the PolyU Student Affairs Office (SAO). We hope you enjoy reading it and that it helps strengthen your sense of belonging to our community!

PolyU Representation at the 15th National Games and the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities

Both held every four years, over 60 PolyU student-athletes and alumni represented Hong Kong, China at the recently concluded 15th National Games and 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities, the Nation’s largest and highest-level multi-sport competitions.

Notable achievements at the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities included Wong Hon Lam (Department of Applied Mathematics, admitted through the Outstanding Sportsmen Recommendation Scheme) winning a gold medal in the XD14 Mixed Doubles, silver medals in the TT8 Men's Doubles and the TT8 Men's Team event, and a bronze medal in the TT8 Men's Singles in table tennis; and Tong Chi Ming (Department of Applied Social Sciences, admitted through the Student-Athlete Learning Support and Admission Scheme) winning a silver medal in the TT7 Men's Doubles in table tennis. Meanwhile, at the 15th National Games, student sprinter Yip King Wai set a new Hong Kong record in the Men’s 100 metre event, beating the previous Hong Kong record that had stood for 15 years.

Two outstanding student-athletes, triathlete Yip Tak Long and hurdler Liu Hiu Long, were honoured to serve as torchbearers during the torch relay for the National Games in Hong Kong. They were among 200 torchbearers from various sectors who carried the flame across Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau as part of the first-ever cross-boundary torch relay for the Games.

SAO coordinated 49 selected students to serve as Torch Relay Bearer Assistants for the Relay in Hong Kong. PolyU students also attended the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Games. These activities provided opportunities for students to engage with the wider community and contribute to a National event.

PolyU Student Wins Championship at the 15th Hong Kong Students National Knowledge Contest

Yung Kwok-wah, an Occupational Therapy student, won both the Individual and Group (University Division) Championships at the 15th Hong Kong Students National Knowledge Contest.

Kwok-wah has a passion for Chinese history which began in secondary school and deepened through his taking a PolyU elective course on the subject. This marked his third participation in the Contest, and he described the Nation’s history as fascinating, with the Nation’s contemporary history holding special meaning for him.

Kwok-wah’s outstanding achievement reflects his dedication and the effort he has put into his learning.

PolyU Student Shines at 2025 Hong Kong Outstanding University Students Award

Law Chun Kit Jacky, from the School of Accounting and Finance, has been selected as one of the Hong Kong Excellent University Students in the 2025 Hong Kong Outstanding University Students Award. Jacky has demonstrated outstanding achievements in his academic studies, leadership and community service, reflecting the University’s holistic educational values.

The Award presentation ceremony took place on 10 November at B P International Hotel. This annual Award encourages university students to participate in public service, using experiential learning to engage in volunteer activities and capacity-building workshops, highlighting the importance of giving back to the community. Over 200 university students participated this year and, after professional review and interviews, ten Outstanding University Students and ten Excellent University Students were selected.

Jacky is an EAGLE Graduate in 2023/24 EAGLE the Adventurers under the Student Affairs Office and has been selected for the “Top EAGLE Awards”. His EAGLE group worked with the Nepali community and constructed planters and a school garden for sustainable farming. He has also been awarded the “Outstanding Service Awards for Tertiary Students” in 2024, upon his remarkable achievements. Check out his interviews at the EAGLE Spotlights!

President’s Sharing Session with Students of the 2025/26 Academic Year

The first President’s Sharing Session with students of the 2025/26 academic year took place on 11 November, bringing together nearly 90 students for an engaging and constructive dialogue with University Management.

President Prof. Jin-Guang Teng opened the session by sharing updates on the latest PolyU developments and future directions. He was followed by Prof. Ben Young, Vice President (Student and Global Affairs), who highlighted the University’s wide range of student support services and encouraged students to make the most of the opportunities available for both personal and academic growth.

The interactive Q&A session covered topics from communal facilities and course curriculum, to career support. The Central Management Team listened attentively and provided thoughtful responses, reaffirming the University’s commitment to fostering open communication and building a student-centred community.

Exercise is Medicine® on Campus: 10K Night Run

The “10K Night Run” of the “Exercise is Medicine® on Campus” programme took place on 10 November, providing an opportunity for students, staff and alumni to engage in a preparatory activity for the 2026 Standard Chartered Marathon. With President Prof. Jin-Guang Teng’s presence to encourage participants, the enthusiastic runners tackled the 10K round-trip route from the campus to West Kowloon. The event promoted physical well-being and encouraged the PolyU community to incorporate regular exercise into their daily lives.

EAGLE the Adventurers 2024/25: Appreciation and Showcase Dinner

On 3 November, EAGLE welcomed over 110 guests to mark the achievements of EAGLE the Adventurers 2024/25. This year, 27 students led sustainable social innovation projects in Kathmandu, Nepal, working with the local community to address key challenges. Joined by CEOs, enterprise founders, faculty deans, department heads, society leaders and alumni from the previous EAGLE cohort, the graduating cohort shared their leadership journeys through drama and video presentations. The event also introduced new initiatives under the EAGLE Global Youth Leadership Hub, further expanding opportunities for youth leadership and social impact.

Discover more about the students’ transformative year in the EAGLE the Adventurers 2024/25 Yearbook and Video, highlighting their projects and development.

PolyU Alumni Career Sharing Night 2025

On 14 November, the PolyU Alumni Career Sharing Night was held, bringing together over 100 students and alumni from various industries. Recent alumni from various industries included those from accounting and banking, aviation, logistics and transportation, building and construction, business, education, engineering, government and information technology. They shared their job experiences and first-hand insights on career planning and latest market trends with the students.

The event provided students with an invaluable opportunity to enhance their career readiness, acquire essential industry knowledge and explore potential career paths. It also served as an important platform to support students’ career development.

Wellness Recharge: Nurturing Your Mental Health

The WellMind GO: Recharge your Wellnergy event was held on 24, 25 and 27 November at VA Core, bringing much-needed relaxation and positive energy to PolyU students during the busy exam period. Students participated in a variety of engaging activities including the WellMind GOAL: Ball Shooter game and Recharge Message Exchange, as well as having the chance to receive exclusive Recharge gifts. The event generated a supportive atmosphere, encouraging students to take a break, connect with peers and prioritise their mental well-being. The WellMind GO initiative, both online and offline, continues to serve as a valuable psychological go-to for students, fostering a “Chill Hard Play Hard” attitude and recharging their Wellnergy in the face of their academic commitments.

Many participants expressed their concern and support to the community in relation to the Tai Po fire incident and the effects it is having, and will have, on those affected.

Also in November, the Mind HK’s Psychological Wellness Workshop Series, “Help Seeking – Strong Enough to Ask,” held on 19 November, provided students with practical knowledge about help-seeking. The programme of workshops plays a vital role in promoting mental wellness and early intervention on campus by offering convenient access to resources, timely support and professional assistance tailored to individual needs.

PolyU Hall Festival 2025

The PolyU Hall Festival 2025, held from 2 to 19 November, brought together thousands of local and non-local students in a month-long series of culture, sports and academic exchanges. The Festival began with the Dragon Boat Activity cum Opening Ceremony in Sai Kung, where nearly 130 residents and staff paddled together in an energetic start that set the tone for the events ahead. The momentum continued at the International Food Fair, as over 210 students connected through global cuisines, cultural displays, performances and interactive games, strengthening intercultural awareness across the Halls.

Building on this spirit of engagement, the “Innovations for a Sustainable Future” Symposium on 8 November showcased the academic aspirations of Hall residents. Co-organised by the Student Resources and Support Section of SAO, CURI Residential College and Boyan Hall, the event featured keynotes and parallel presentation sessions, with more than 60 students sharing their research passions with an enthusiastic audience. The Festival’s energy further extended to the first-ever Tug-of-War Competition between Hung Hom and Homantin Halls, which drew 364 contestants and over 300 spectators for an evening of teamwork.

The Festival concluded on 19 November with a Closing Ceremony, where awards and performances highlighted the strong sense of belonging fostered throughout PolyU Hall Festival 2025.

PolyU Commemorates 88th Anniversary with Flag-Raising Ceremony

On 25 November, PolyU hosted a flag-raising ceremony to commemorate its 88th anniversary, officiated by Mr Song Yipin, Deputy Director of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR. Among the distinguished attendees were PolyU President Prof. Jin-Guang Teng and over 700 guests, staff, students and alumni.

A highlight was the exceptional contribution of the PolyU Student Flag-Raising Team. Comprising 24 dedicated students, this spirited team demonstrated unwavering commitment through extensive rehearsals and flawless execution. Their enthusiasm and attention to detail not only elevated the event but also fostered unity and pride, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees.

PolyU × NUS: Exploring Holistic Student Development

On 17 December, PolyU welcomed a delegation from the National University of Singapore (NUS), led by Associate Prof. Ho Han Kiat, NUS Dean of Students, for a vibrant exchange of experiences and views on holistic student development. The visit included discussions on key aspects of student development and support, fostering meaningful knowledge exchange and collaboration.

Participants also joined a guided campus tour and enjoyed a delightful dinner at Hotel ICON hosted by Prof. Ben Young, Vice President (Student and Global Affairs), further strengthening connections between the two institutions and paving the way for future collaboration.

This visit follows our earlier collaboration at the 39th Education and Student Development Salon on 4 November, highlighting our shared commitment to nurturing well-rounded, future-ready students through innovative and student-centered approaches.

Cultural Night Series 2025/26: Gratitude and Community

Our “Cultural Night Series 2025/26” showcased the unique cultural traditions of our new non-local student associations. The SAO Thai Student Association presented Loy Krathong on 9 November, a beautiful festival of light and gratitude. The SAO Filipino Student Association then held Pamaskong Pinoy on 23 November, sharing the spirit of an early Filipino Christmas, a tradition focused on togetherness and hope. The event was honoured by the presence of the Consul-General and other honourable guests from the Philippine Consulate.

Newly established this September, both associations have quickly become vital to our cultural tapestry. SAO is proud to support their growth in organisational leadership and cultural integration. These events created shared understanding and helped our newest associations shine.

Dialogue with Vice President (Student and Global Affairs)

On 18 November and 22 December, Prof. Ben Young, Vice President (Student and Global Affairs), together with SAO management representatives, engaged in productive discussions with PolyU postgraduate students and hall tutors. 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 concerns.

During the session, students shared insights and expressed concerns on a range of topics, including internship opportunities, campus facilities and career development support.

“W.I.S.E.R.: Whole-person Induction for Student ExComs and Representatives” Team-building Day Camp

Nineteen students have been selected and appointed as student representatives across seven University committees and student liaison groups for the term from 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2026.

The appointed representatives received student development opportunities under the Whole-person Induction for Student ExComs and Representatives (W.I.S.E.R.). The Team-building Day Camp held on 2 November was thoughtfully designed with various team challenges and high-element rope courses, which not only built trust among student representatives and fostered a proactive mindset but also enhanced their ability to gather and share opinions. By the end of the Camp, our W.I.S.E.R. participants had acquired some of the core skills needed to take initiative and effectively represent their peers in the coming terms.

Browse the profiles of the 2025/26 Student Representatives here.

Building Friendships Across Cultures: Highlights from Non-local Student Events

This autumn, the Non-local Student Services Team of the Student Resources and Support Section organised a series of cultural activities for local and non-local students.

On 10 October, around 160 students from diverse backgrounds participated in a Hong Kong-style BBQ, sampling Chinese roast pig and DIY egg waffles with I-peers. The “Exploring Hong Kong” series continued throughout the semester, providing hands-on experiences and opportunities to learn about others’ cultures. On 18 October, 75 students attended the “Foodie: Local Drinks Workshop” to learn how to prepare HK-style milk tea and Yuenyeung. The following week, over 55 participants joined the “Wildlife Conservation: Mai Po Eco-tour” for a day of birdwatching and wetland experience. On 21 November, around 40 students took part in a private guided tour of the “M+ Sigg Collection: Inner Worlds” at M+ Museum, gaining insights into contemporary Chinese art.

These activities provided opportunities for engagement, cultural exchange and practical learning, supporting students’ understanding of Hong Kong’s heritage and fostering a sense of connection among the non-local student community.

Students Understand their Health-related Physical Fitness at the EIM-OC Fitness Challenge

The Fitness Challenge 2025, a well-received SAO health and wellness initiative, engaged more than 300 participants from across the PolyU community at the Kwong On Jubilee Sports Centre on 27 and 28 October. The event provided an opportunity for students and staff to assess their personal fitness levels. With support from student helpers, participants rotated through a series of stations where they learnt about health-related fitness, such as body composition, flexibility and muscular strength. Qualified fitness consultants provided expert interpretation of results and practical guidance for students to develop an individual exercise plan aimed at achieving specific fitness goals.

The Fitness Challenge fostered a sense of community around health and active living. Thank you to everyone who joined and supported the Challenge, and please stay tuned for upcoming wellness workshops and other activities.

The Outstanding Student Academy: Sustainability Young Leader Enrichment
Programme

The Outstanding Student Academy, in collaboration with Engineers Without Borders Hong Kong, delivered the Sustainability Young Leader Enrichment Programme 2025/26.

Students participated in immersive experiences and explored cutting-edge green innovations during their visit to The Henderson, a prestigious recipient of the Green Building Award, complemented by insightful presentations from industry experts. The journey continued with explorations of local social enterprises, providing valuable and practical knowledge of circular-economy practices in Hong Kong.

The experience also featured a visit to the Ping Shan Heritage Trail, where a guided tour highlighted the role of scientific Feng Shui in fostering harmony between rural and urban environments. These enriching activities, enhanced by engaging discussions, broadened students' understanding of sustainable development and ESG principles, empowering them as future sustainability leaders.

Student-led Activities Reshaping the Landscape of Campus Life

On 18 October, the PolyU SAO Chess and Boardgames Club collaborated with the Alumni Chess and Boardgames Club and the Alumni Affairs Office to co-organise “Strategic Moves: The Rise of MonoPOLY Tycoons”. The event attracted over 100 alumni and students, with 10 ExCom students ensuring smooth operations and offering friendly help to the alumni team. It created valuable cross-generational connections, with one club ExCom member seizing the championship.

From 24 - 27 October, nine members of the PolyU SAO Red Castle Softball Club travelled to Fujian, for the Cross-Strait Four-Region University Students Slow Pitch Softball Exchange Competition. Among 38 teams and 800 players from Hong Kong, Taiwan and Mainland China, our students exchanged skills and techniques with peers from universities including Xiamen University and Nanjing Tech University, cultivating a valuable mainland experience.

Meanwhile, the Campus YMCA of PolyU and the South Asian Society co-hosted “Memories of Gaza: Voices That Won’t Be Forgotten – From Awareness to Action: Sustaining Humanitarian Spirit on Campus”. Dr Au Yiu-kai from the Hong Kong Red Cross (HKRC) shared reflections on dilemmas and resilience. Over 30 participants gained deeper insight into HKRC’s fundamental principles and vital humanitarian efforts in Gaza. This meaningful session helped foster global awareness and motivated continued humanitarian engagement on campus.

Fostering Connection Among Student Associations

As part of the Cultural Diversity Ally Programme, over 100 executive committee members from interest clubs, non-local student associations and faculty/department associations came together for a transformative Intercultural Workshop and Lecture series focused on intercultural competence. Through workshops, role-play sessions and an event-design competition, they developed practical skills to handle cultural differences, reduce unconscious bias and organise activities that welcome everyone.

In October, led by the SAO South Asian Society, the Inter-Society Sportathon 2025 was organised and nine non-local student associations came together as one, fielding 38 teams and over 150 players in futsal, basketball and badminton matches. The event provided an inclusive platform for students from different backgrounds to compete, connect and build friendships.

Both initiatives highlight the active role our student organisations play in promoting understanding and unity across the campus community.

Green Living Programme: Urban Farming at Student Halls

The Green Living Programme has recently concluded with an urban farming harvest.

With the guidance of a local organic farmer, residents of PolyU Student Halls began growing various crops, such as cherry radish, coriander, cabbage and bok choy at the start of the academic year. Over seven weeks, the participants cared for their plants, leading to a bountiful harvest at the gathering on 15 November.

This programme not only supported the growth of fresh vegetables but also brought together 82 students from 13 countries—Bangladesh, Canada, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Norway, Pakistan, the Philippines and Thailand—who worked together to nurture their crops and forge meaningful friendships.