Student Affairs Office E-newsletter Issue 6

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

PolyU Sports Team Secured Grand Slam Championship for Seven Consecutive Years

PolyU Sports Teams have once again dominated their competitors, clinching the Grand Slam title for the seventh consecutive year at the 2024/25 Inter-Collegiate Competition organised by the University Sports Federation of Hong Kong, China (USFHK).

Throughout the year, PolyU Sports Teams have achieved remarkable success, securing a total of 10 championships, nine 1st runners-up, and nine 2nd runners-up positions across 34 sports events. A total of 10 PolyU students have also been recognised as “USFHK Most Valuable Players” or “USFHK Individual Champions”, acknowledging their exceptional performances in their respective events. In addition, Chan Chung Yin was named “Sportsman of the Year”, recognising his impressive performances this year.

Furthermore, the PolyU Sports Team Annual Prize Presentation Ceremony was held on 14 May to recognise outstanding student athletes with scholarships and awards, and to acknowledge the generous support of donors. The vibrant atmosphere during the Ceremony fully demonstrated PolyU's sporting spirit.

Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, President, delivered a speech congratulating all the award-winning athletes and expressed his anticipation for even greater achievements from our student-athletes in future competitions.

Olympic Fencing Gold Medallist Vivian Kong Inspires PolyU Community to Pursue Dreams with Passion and Perseverance

PolyU is committed to fostering whole-person education through diverse activities, including by inviting accomplished leaders from the community to share their success stories, encouraging young people to embrace their aspirations and create their own futures. In line with this commitment, SAO hosted the Dean of Students Talk Series: “Together We Dream, We Fly” at the Jockey Club Auditorium on 31 March.

As part of the Series, Ms Vivian Kong, a three-time Olympian who made history by winning Hong Kong’s first-ever fencing gold medal in the women’s individual épée at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, delivered an inspirational talk to the PolyU community. Ms Kong urged students to persevere in facing life’s challenges and appreciate the support and praise they receive along their life-journeys. President Jin-Guang Teng encouraged PolyU students to learn from Ms Kong’s pursuit of excellence as well as from her determination and resilience, which are vital for navigating life’s challenges and creating a positive impact in terms of both individual growth and societal advancement.

PolyU SAO Judo Club Triumphs at the 33rd Joint College Judo Competition

The PolyU SAO Judo Club triumphed at the 33rd Joint College Judo Competition on 12 April, clinching the Overall Championship and Team Competition Champion titles. The event united 200 student-athletes from nine universities, from diverse cultural backgrounds. PolyU’s 32-member team, featuring local, Mainland Chinese and Kazakh students, secured 20 individual medals across Junior and Senior Divisions, showcasing their dedication to excellence, discipline and the University’s inclusive ethos.

The Competition promotes sportsmanship and camaraderie among universities. It also serves as a valuable platform for cultural exchange and networking, helping to advance broader goals in talent development and cross-institutional engagement. As the hosting unit, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to all competitors on their remarkable performance.

Student in EAGLE the Adventurers 2023/24 Received an Outstanding Service Award for Tertiary Students

In March, Jacky Law (School of Accounting and Finance) in EAGLE the Adventurers was recognised at the “Outstanding Service Awards for Tertiary Students”, co-organised by the Hong Kong Student Services Association and the Hong Kong Outstanding Tertiary Students’ Services Association. Around 20 students are selected for an Award each year. In EAGLE, Jacky worked with his teammates on the “School Garden” project in Nepal, which aims to transform recycled materials into a thriving garden and converts food waste from Tarun school into organic fertilizer. The resulting produce is served in the school canteen, fostering a system that reduces waste and promotes self-sufficiency. From his EAGLE experience he learned that leadership is not defined by age, title or education, but rather is about influence, initiative and life experience.

Presentation Ceremony for Outstanding Student Award and Presidential Student Leadership Award 2024/25

The Presentation Ceremony cum Luncheon for the Outstanding Student Award and Presidential Student Leadership Award 2024/25 was held on 3 April at Hotel ICON. Members of the Central Management Team, Deans of Faculty/School, Heads of Department, as well as awardees’ family and friends attended the Ceremony to celebrate and recognise the awardees’ remarkable achievements.

The Outstanding Student Award Scheme operates annually to identify and honour final-year students who demonstrate great character, academic excellence, exceptional attainments in extra-curricular activities and a passion for contributing to society. This year, a total of 29 such individuals were selected as outstanding students at the departmental, faculty/school and university levels. Mr Hui Tsz Kwai from the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences was honoured as The Most Outstanding PolyU Student of the year.

In addition, 28 students were awarded the Presidential Student Leadership Award, which aims to recognise student leaders who possess, display and apply exemplary leadership qualities and skills, as well as to encourage students to develop their full potential. Mr Man Ka Hei, also from the Faculty of Health and Social Science, was selected for the President’s Most Distinguished Student Leadership Award 2024/25.

The PolyU High Table Dinner cum Dean of Students Talk Series 2024/25

On 9 April, the PolyU High Table Dinner cum Dean of Students Talk Series 2024/25 brought together over 270 participants—including students, senior management, distinguished guests and alumni—for an inspiring evening. The event began with a warm welcome from PolyU President Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, setting an uplifting tone for the night. One of the evening’s highlights was the speech by Ir Yau Kwok Fai, Executive Director of Able Engineering Holdings Limited and PolyU alumnus, who received a PolyU Fellowship in 2017. His talk, “Guiding Lights: The Mentors Who Shaped My Journey”, emphasised the profound impact mentorship has on personal and professional development. He paid a heartfelt tribute to one of his mentors, Prof. Jan-Ming Ko, Emeritus Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, who was also an honourable guest at the Dinner.

In addition to engaging speeches, the event featured the “Integration” video that showcased PolyU’s dynamic and culturally diverse campus life, and a classical music performance by the PolyU Orchestra that resonated with the audience. With around 230 students in attendance, including many non-local students from 27 countries, the Dinner underscored PolyU’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and vibrant academic community.

Dean of Students Talk Series 2024/25: Spirit of the Two Sessions 2025

On 30 April, we were honoured to welcome Ir Prof. Chan Fan, HKSAR Deputy to the National People’s Congress and Vice President of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, along with Mr Hendrick Sin, HKSAR Deputy to the National People’s Congress and Chairman of China Prosperity Capital Fund, as our distinguished guest speakers for the Dean of Students Talk Series 2024/25. This engaging event was held at PolyU and attracted around 100 students, staff and management, fostering a deeper understanding of the country’s development direction and its significant impact on Hong Kong.

The event commenced with welcoming remarks from Prof. Kwok-yin Wong, Vice President (Education), followed by a souvenir presentation to our esteemed guests by Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, President, along with Prof. Wong. The interactive Q&A session was moderated by Prof. Horace Mui, Interim Dean of Students.

Appreciation Reception for Scholarship and Bursary Donors 2024/25

The Appreciation Reception for Scholarship and Bursary Donors 2024/25 was held on 15 April. This joyous gathering brought together over 150 esteemed donors, guests, students and PolyU staff members.

PolyU President Prof. Jin-Guang Teng expressed his sincere appreciation for the unwavering commitment of our donors and introduced the latest developments at PolyU. He also presented Certificates of Appreciation to the scholarship and bursary donors supporting PolyU for 15 years or more.

A special thanks to Ms Brandy Tsang of Altruist Financial Group Limited, who shared her inspiring experiences and vision for supporting education at PolyU. The event was made even more special by the captivating singing performance from our talented scholarship recipients, Ms Pataramasakul Pavaris and Ms Pham Thuy Bich. Dr Sunny Chai, Chairman of the PolyU Foundation, concluded the event with a heartfelt vote of thanks, recognising the invaluable role our donors play in fostering a vibrant educational environment for our students.

Hearing Every Voice: Dialogue Promotes Inclusion – The Way We Talk Film Screening and Pre-Screening Sharing Session

On 11 April, SAO collaborated with the Office of Institutional Advancement and the Culture Promotion and Events Office to organise the Hearing Every Voice: Dialogue Promotes Inclusion movie screening and a pre-screening discussion of the film The Way We Talk at the Jockey Club Auditorium. The event attracted around 720 participants from among the PolyU community and the public, demonstrating our commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all.

Director Adam Wong Sau Ping, lead actor Marco Ng, along with a student and an alumna with special educational needs, participated in the pre-screening discussion. Their experience sharing enriched inclusion awareness and highlighted the significance of diversity and inclusion. Child actors Wong Wai Hang and Cheng Chun Hei delivered an impressive musical performance.

The film explored communication difficulties among deaf youth and the societal prejudices they encounter. Discussing the identity, self-worth and struggles of the deaf community, the event not only provided an enjoyable evening for participants but also deepened their understanding of the deaf community and promoted values of respect and inclusion.

PolyU Career Fair 2025

The PolyU Career Fair 2025, themed “Together, We Empower Your Career”, was held from 25 to 28 March and showcased PolyU’s commitment to supporting students on their career journeys through diverse services and University partnerships across different sectors.

The opening ceremony of the four-day Fair was officiated by esteemed guests of honour, and tokens of appreciation were presented to employer partners to recognise their long-term support for PolyU students’ employment and workplace inclusiveness. Over 300 employers participated in the Fair, providing information about more than 1,000 job openings for PolyU students.

In addition to physical booths, the Fair featured an array of enriching resources and services such as themed talks, training workshops, AI CV clinics, AI photobooth and CV photo-taking, allowing students to better prepare for career exploration and development.

EAGLE the Adventurers 2024/25 Social Innovation Leadership Trip to Nepal

EAGLE the Adventurers 2024/25 in Kathmandu empowered PolyU and Tarun Secondary School students to drive social innovation and co-creation. Over six days, they engaged with World Vision International Nepal and the UN House, learning about Sustainable Development Goals and some of the challenges Nepal faces. They launched tech-driven projects—oil filtration, solar ventilation, soap dispensers, and deodorants—addressing sanitation and resource issues for 1,800 students in Tarun school. Visits to the Chinese Embassy inspired global mindsets and a sense of responsibility for global development. Through resilience, adaptability and empathetic leadership, students transformed lives and deepened their sense of global citizenship, fostering sustainable change in alignment with PolyU’s mission to nurture innovative and socially responsible leaders.

PolyU Flag-Raising Team Embodies Patriotism and National Education

On 6 April, the PolyU Student Flag-Raising Team made their debut at the National Flag-Raising Competition, organised by the Hong Kong Army Cadets Association in Tsing Yi. Competing against 46 teams and over 300 participants, the team showcased exceptional discipline and teamwork using standardised Chinese marching techniques. This experience deepened their understanding of the national flag and anthem, and the culture of our Motherland, reinforcing their national pride and commitment to security.

From 14 to 20 May, fourteen team members participated in the Guizhou National Education Tour, organised by SAO. The tour included visits to significant historical sites, such as the Zunyi Meeting Site and cultural sights at the Chinese Yangming Cultural Park. A highlight was a plaque unveiling at Guizhou University and the cultural exchange facilitated through a flag-raising ceremony and seminar, enhancing participants' skills and national pride.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of victory in the War of Resistance. As the culmination of their experience, on 25 May, the team gathered at the Cenotaph for Martyrs in Wu Kau Tang to honour the courageous revolutionaries who sacrificed their lives, fostering unity, resilience and a strong sense of national identity and pride.

Student Leaders’ Greater Bay Area and Overseas Learning Trip 2025

An inspiring mix of 16 locals, eight Mainland Chinese and 11 overseas student leaders from affiliated student organisations visited the National University of Singapore and Singapore Management University in May 2025 for an immersive exchange. This 7-day trip - with new destinations added this year to Nansha Innovation Bay and a visit to the Singapore Headquarters of Carousell, one of Asia’s leading innovative marketplace applications - was crafted to instill national and global perspectives, blending a focus on artificial intelligence and entrepreneurial spirit in student organisation management with the pursuit of ambitious aspirations.

The 35 student leaders will continue to explore, connect and inspire, bringing a positive impact to PolyU campus life and internationalisation, leveraging the diverse PolyU student organisation network.

Dialogue with Vice President (Student and Global Affairs)

On 17 April and 23 May, Prof. Ben Young, Vice President (Student and Global Affairs), along with SAO management representatives, engaged in productive discussions with PolyU student organisations’ representatives and postgraduate students. These occasions served as vital platforms for students to voice their concerns and share their experiences, while also providing University management with the opportunity to engage directly with students and address the issues raised.

During the gatherings, students shared insights and expressed concerns on a range of topics, including campus facilities, student organisation regulations, the University's future development and Hall-related issues.

ReST Hub Celebration

Resilient Students Training Hub (ReST Hub), co-organised with SAO, held a celebratory event on 3 April with generous funding support from the Seal of Love Charitable Foundation. The event featured performances and interactive sessions with music artist, Mr Alfred Hui and Olympic badminton player, Mr Lee Cheuk Yiu, as well as a music performance by the PolyU Music Society. Two-hundred and fifty participants from PolyU and the local community joined the event at Block X Sports Centre. The Celebration was attended by Guest of Honour Dr the Honourable Lam Ching-choi, SBS, JP; Prof. Horace Mui, Interim Dean of Students; Prof. David Shum, Dean of Faculty of Health and Social Sciences; Prof. Sylvia Chen, Interim Director of the Mental Health Research Centre; and Prof. Justina Liu, Associate Head of the School of Nursing.

Career Exploration Programme 2025

The Career Exploration Programme, designed to provide undergraduate students with immersive career-related experiences outside Hong Kong, was held in Beijing from 18 to 24 May and in Singapore from 25 to 31 May.

During the programme, a total of 57 participating students engaged in company visits across various sectors, including business, technology and innovation, non-profit organisations and pharmaceuticals. Through interactions with employers and guided tours, the students gained firsthand insights into the latest industry trends, employment opportunities, work environments and global career prospects.

A series of interactive career-related training workshops and cultural activities were also arranged as part of the programme. While having a fun time with their peers, these activities also equipped students with essential skills in career path navigation, professional branding, and networking, and enriched their cultural understanding.

PolyU Greater Bay Area and Overseas Learning Trip 2025

From 2 to 9 June, 32 students from diverse disciplines participated in a learning trip to Vietnam and Guangzhou. Led by Prof. Ben Young, Vice President (Student and Global Affairs), Prof. Geoffrey Shen, Associate Vice President (Global Partnerships), Prof. Horace Mui, Interim Dean of Students and Miss Joyce Cheung, Section Head (Student Resources and Support), the students engaged in cultural exchange with students from Ton Duc Thang University and University of Science, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, while immersing themselves in Vietnam's vibrant culture.

The Guangzhou journey, led by the Outstanding PolyU Alumni Awardee cum University Fellow, Mr Liu Sing Cheong, JP, featured visits to innovative enterprises, architectures, and Haizhu National Wetland Park, deepening students’ global citizenship by exploring sustainability and urban development in the Greater Bay Area.

PolyU Annual Talent Show 2025

The PolyU Annual Talent Show 2025 was held at the Jockey Club Auditorium on 20 March. Co-organised by the PolyU Special Talents Admission and Recognition Scheme Residential College and the Red Student Halls of Residence (Homantin), the event showcased some of the remarkable talents of our PolyU students.

The evening featured a captivating array of performances, including exquisite violin pieces, traditional dances, vocal performances and dynamic musical acts. Our students dazzled the audience with their diverse skills, highlighting the variety and richness of talent within PolyU community.

SEN Caring Team Amplifies Inclusion Through Dialogue and Experiential Learning

To help students with special educational needs (SEN) to relax and to enrich their campus life, the SEN Caring Team organised two art workshops and a virtual sharing session about Korea, attracting a total of 40 students to participate.

The Scented Candle Workshop on 20 May and Resin Fluid Art Workshop on 22 May provided relaxing environments for students to explore their creativity and connect with peers. On 23 May, a PhD student at Seoul National University led a virtual session on Korean culture, offering insights into Korean society, including appearance, eating, lifestyle and behaviour. This session provided an enriching experience and first-hand learning opportunities about Korean culture, with SEN students gaining valuable perspectives on life in Korea.

Additionally, the 36th Education and Student Development Salon, titled “Overview of Support for SEN Students at PolyU”, was held on 23 April. The Salon aimed to familiarise participants with the diverse services offered by the SEN Caring Team. Speakers included Miss Joyce Cheung, Section Head of the SAO Student Resource and Support Section; Dr Elaine Tang, SAO Senior Manager; Dr Herrick Wong, Lecturer in the Department of Applied Social Sciences; and Ms Sue Wong and Miss Jada Mark, SAO Executive Officers, who highlighted the invaluable support provided by SAO for SEN students. This includes an accessible learning environment, an inclusion enhancement campaign, emotional wellness and personal development support, assistive technology and an employability enhancement programme.

2025 National Security and Home Security Star Folding Campaign

The “2025 National Security and Home Security Star Folding Campaign” was held at PolyU on 15 April. The event set new records for both “Most Paper Stars Folded in 30 Minutes (Team)” and “Most Paper Stars Folded in 30 Minutes (Individual)”, with a remarkable 11,314 stars folded. Through this artistic endeavour, over ten thousand hands folded stars to express the commitment to safeguarding national security.

Organised by the Hong Kong Community & Construction Association and The General Association of Hong Kong Heyuan Societies, this event received full support from PolyU, which provided the Shaw Sports Complex as the venue. Prof. Miranda Lou, Executive Vice President of PolyU, accepted the “Special Thanks Flag for the National Security and Home Security 2025 Star Folding Campaign,” marking the integration of national security education into creative craftsmanship.

PolyU Co-organises "Building Dreams in the Bay Area" with The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions

The youth science outreach event themed “Building Dreams in the Bay Area” was launched at PolyU on 12 April. Co-organised by The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions, the Zhong Nanshan Medical Foundation of Guangdong Province, Science and Technology Association of Guangzhou Laboratory, and Guangdong Respiratory and Health Association, with support from PolyU, the event featured an opening ceremony and a science carnival. Attracting nearly 500 teachers, students, and parents, activities included presentations by science academics, science quiz games and booths focused on traditional Chinese medicine and microbiology.

Academician Zhong Nanshan and Hong Kong's Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, delivered video messages emphasising that young people are the hope for technological innovation and encouraging them to strengthen exchanges in science education through outreach activities. Prof. Horace Mui, Interim Dean of Students, expressed his belief that this event would provide learning and growth opportunities for youth in the Greater Bay Area.

SHALL WE TALK Offline Tertiary School Tour - Talk with the Flow 2024-25

In collaboration with SHALL WE TALK, SAO promoted mental well-being, self-care and stress-relief through series of events held from 24 to 28 March. The “Lift-you-up Cart” mobile kiosk parked at PQ Wing offered emotion-smoothing tools and techniques to help students unwind. The live performance by our PolyArts kicked off the campaign with healing power of music. Followed with a series of workshops, such as “Mind Bath Classrooms” and “Stress-relieving Yoga”, participants experienced moments of peace and calmness. A sharing session by our alumnus and singer-songwriter, Ms Moon Tang, crafted an ideal finale to the School Tour roadshow with insights from her emotional journey.

Exploring Hong Kong Series

The Non-local Student Services Team (NLSST) took students to explore various aspects of Hong Kong in March.

On 1 March, the "Exploring Hong Kong: Foodie – Walking Food Tour” attracted around 60 students for a journey with local delicacies and cultural insights. They enjoyed Hong Kong-style milk tea, pineapple bun with butter, roasted goose and dim sum with schoolmates, learned the origins of these local dishes from tour guides, and visited a local market and Tin Hau Temple.

On 29 March, NLSST hosted a private movie screening for “Exploring Hong Kong: Arts & Culture: Movie Day”. While watching the local movie Little Red Sweet and eating popcorn with schoolmates, around 50 non-local students learned more about Hong Kong from a local perspective.

On 30 March, more than 20 non-local and local students discovered the history and heritage of Central together, led by tour guides on the "Exploring Hong Kong: Neighbourhood - Local District Tour". They also savoured the iconic local delicacies — egg tarts and sugarcane juice!

Envoy Programme 2025: Empowering the I-peers

The Envoy Programme 2025 kicked off with an inspiring training camp which was designed to equip I-peers with the necessary skills and knowledge to support their new non-local and exchange students.

To fully prepare themselves to become peer mentors, a total of 80 I-peers from 15 different nations joined the intensive two-day Envoy Camp at Ma Wan Island on 12-13 April. Through coordinated team-building activities, I-peers learned to apply their skills effectively. They also showcased their ideas for orientation activities, demonstrating their capability to assist and support new students.

I-peers formed a vibrant international community during the camp, setting the stage for a nurturing environment for incoming students.

Strive and Rise Programme – Exploring with the PolyU Sports Team

“Exploring with the PolyU Sports Team” was held on 5 April to support the "Strive and Rise Programme" led by the Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR. The event brought together students from various social welfare organisations, fostering meaningful connections between the PolyU Sports Team and the wider community.

Through interactive sessions and structured sports training, the initiative aimed to inspire youth by showcasing the transformative power of sports, emphasising values such as teamwork, perseverance and dedication. Participants gained first-hand insights into the life of a student-athlete, learning how to balance academic excellence with athletic commitment.

A highlight of the event was the engaging exchange between attendees and the PolyU Volleyball Team, where participants enjoyed friendly interactions and deepened their appreciation for sports. By opening its doors to the community, PolyU continues to promote an active lifestyle and strengthen ties through the universal language of sport.

Vibrant and Dynamic Hall Life

Hall events and activities reached the height of excitement as resounding cheers for the competing teams at the Inter-Hall Tug-of-war Competition echoed around the venue.

After a month of rigorous training, students of diverse cultural backgrounds across all nine halls in the Hung Hom residence came together to compete for the championship on 27 March. This not only fostered teamwork and sportsmanship but also promoted intercultural exchange and connections.

Beyond the thrill of competition, it was also the season of harvest where students’ hard work came to fruition. On 29 March, student farmers from over 10 countries enjoyed the fruits of their labour, nurtured with dedication over the past two months.

Gathering with 2024/2025 Student Representatives of University Committees and Institutional Services

On 8 April, Student Representatives of University Committees, Institutional Services and student members of Faculty Boards were invited to a gathering with Prof. Horace Mui, Interim Dean of Students and Mr Edward Shen, the Registrar.

During the dialogue, representatives shared innovative ideas on ways to improve the two-way communication between student representatives and the broader student community. Discussions centred around bridging the feedback gap, co-creating outreach strategies and effectively addressing issues raised by students.

The event highlighted the University's dedication to building a thriving environment that encourages mutual support and proactive engagement with the student community.

Sustainability Young Leaders Enrichment Programme Completion Ceremony

The Outstanding Student Academy concluded its Sustainability Young Leader Enrichment Programme with a memorable ceremony on 26 May at The Henderson.

The Ceremony recognised students’ remarkable achievements in environmental leadership, including their impactful Kuk Po Beach revitalisation project. Attendees gained valuable insights from the World Wide Fund for Nature’s Ms Joanne Chu during her inspiring conservation talk, while student representatives Kwok Hin Chi Haley and Yim Sheung Kit Cedar shared their transformative learning experiences.

Interim Dean of Students, Prof. Horace Mui and the Chairperson of Engineers without Borders Hong Kong, Ir Dr Edward Chan took part in this special occasion, networking with participants during the exclusive Sky Garden reception. The evening encapsulated the Programme’s mission to nurture sustainability leaders through hands-on projects and expert knowledge-sharing.