Student Affairs Office E-newsletter Issue October 2024

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Welcome to SAO Connect!

This newsletter aims to keep you informed of the latest news, major student achievements and exciting opportunities from the PolyU Student Affairs Office. We hope you enjoy reading the Newsletter and stay connected with us!

PolyU Orientation Info Day and Welcome Activities

PolyU hosted its annual Orientation Info Day on 29 August, welcoming incoming PolyU students and ushering in the 2024/25 academic year with the theme “Navigate Your Future”, ensuring a warm and supportive introduction to the university. Around 1,900 and over 3,000 freshmen participated in the President’s Welcome and the Orientation Showcase respectively, gaining valuable insights into PolyU and the diverse opportunities available.

The University’s series of orientation events also warmly welcomed new non-local students into the PolyU family. Starting with Info sessions on 22 and 28 August, over 1,000 undergraduates and around 800 postgraduates received vital academic and campus insights. Meanwhile, mass check-ins on 26 and 27 August ensured smooth transitions into Hung Hom and Ho Man Tin Halls. On 30 August, the Non-local Students Welcome Day provided 375 students with an opportunity to discover PolyU through a “Campus Hunt” and to socialise with others. The Host Family Scheme Welcome Party on 7 September further helped foster community bonds, making every student feel part of the PolyU family. Finally, on 5 October 2024, "City Hunter" welcomed 90 freshmen to explore Hong Kong’s vibrant streets and hidden gems while enjoying a rich experience of food, culture, and heritage.

PolyU Students Awarded Three Silver Medals at 2024 FISU World University Squash Championship

Two PolyU squash athletes, representing Team Hong Kong, won three silver medals at the 2024 FISU World University Squash Championships held in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 2 to 8 September.

To Wai Lok Oto, student of the BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Engineering, and Cheng Nga Ching Sara, student of the BSc (Hons) in Surveying, won three silver medals in the Mixed Team, Men’s Singles and Women’s Singles events. The remarkable successes achieved by our PolyU athletes in international competitions highlight the great efforts we put into sports development.

PolyU Students Clinch Championship and Individual Men's Titles at the 2024 Nike University Elite Challenge Marathon Road Relay

The PolyU team achieved the championship among the elite university teams and swept the individual men's titles at the 2024 Nike University Elite Challenge Marathon Road Relay, held in Shanghai on 28 September.

Comprising 5 male and 5 female student-athletes, the PolyU team passed the baton through 10 legs, sprinting a total of 42 kilometres around the stadium and ultimately outpacing five other challenge elite university teams to seize the championship. Notably, Chan King-hei and Tse Chun-yin won the Overall Men's Individual Champion in the 4km leg and 5km leg respectively.

The unity and determination embodied by all 10 student-athletes were truly commendable. Our sincere congratulations to the PolyU team for their outstanding achievement!

PolyU Students Awarded One Gold, Two Silver and One Bronze Medals at AUSF 1st Asian University Wushu Championship

Three PolyU Wushu athletes achieved outstanding results at the AUSF 1st Asian University Wushu Championship held in Harbin, China, from 19 to 22 June.

Leung Yu Hong, student of the BA (Hons) Scheme in English and Applied Linguistics, won the gold medal in the Men’s Sanda 60kg. Cheung Ophil, student of the BBA (Hons) in Marketing, won the silver medal in the Women’s Compulsory Taijiquan. Meanwhile, Sham Hui Yu Lydia, student of the BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy, won the silver and bronze medals in the Women’s Traditional Quanshu and Women’s Traditional Weapon respectively.

Our heartfelt congratulations to all the winning athletes. Let’s look forward to further PolyU successes in the future!

PolyU SAO Rowing Club Women’s Team Seizes Gold Medal at HILX Challenge Cup 2024 Hong Kong Universities Rowing Championships

The women’s rowing team from an SAO-affiliated sports club seized the gold medal at the Hong Kong Universities Rowing Championships in August 2024.

This year, 24 elite members formed 11 race teams with their adrenaline surging to enter the finals on the gleaming waters of the Shing Mun River. Riding on the success of their 1st runner-up achievement in this sporting event last year, our women’s team topped the overall scoreboard and brought home championship.

Our gold medallists celebrated with the Acting Dean of Students, Prof. James Dai, at the prize-giving ceremony. “Going from strength to strength, we are ready to take it to the next level,” echoed among our Rowing Club winners.

PolyU SAO Softball Club Women’s Team Clinches Second Place at 25th Hong Kong Inter-University Softball Competition

Congratulations to the PolyU SAO Softball Club Women’s Team for clinching second place in the 25th Inter-University Softball Competition in Hong Kong.

After a year of hard work preparing, the Red Castle Softball Club returned to the annual Inter-University Competition with rich experience and impressive skills. Club members delivered their best performances in each match. We were excited to see their strong cohesion and sportsmanship, each with their hopes and confidence high throughout the event. In fighting form on the softball field, they defeated strong opponents in their progression towards the final.

Despite the contest being postponed to August 2024 due to bad weather, the Red Castle Softball Club team persevered until the last minute and finally seized the silver medal.

PolyU Students Awarded Innovation and Technology Scholarship 2024

Five students won an Innovation and Technology Scholarship 2024, offering them the opportunity to widen their international/Mainland exposure, gain industry experience, and nurture their passion and commitment toward science and technology.

Each awardee will receive up to HK$150,000 to participate in a series of initiatives, including the Overseas/Mainland Attachment Programme, Mentorship Programme, Local Internship Programme and Service Project Programme.

SHKP-Kwoks x PolyU Building Homes with Heart Scholarship Presentation Ceremony

Nine outstanding PolyU students were presented with a SHKP-Kwoks’ x PolyU Building Homes with Heart Scholarship 2023/24 at the Scholarship Presentation Ceremony held on 28 August.

SHKP also arranged a guided tour to the GO PARK Sports project in Sai Sha on the same day, with the awardees being briefed on the project design and SHKP’s development plan for the mega recreation complex.

HSBC Scholars Day 2024

In the 2023/24 academic year, two PolyU students received an HSBC Greater Bay Area (Hong Kong) Scholarship, 11 received a HSBC Hong Kong Scholarship and 10 received a HSBC Social Work Scholarship.

The HSBC Scholarships enable students to pursue their dreams and ambitions in Hong Kong and beyond. Together with the awardees, Miss Joyce Cheung, Section Head (Student Resources and Support) of SAO, attended the event held on 10 July, to celebrate their achievements.

PolyU Holds Flag-Raising Ceremonies to Celebrate 27th Anniversary of the HKSAR and National Day

The PolyU Student Flag-Raising Team led flag-raising ceremonies on campus to commemorate the 27th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on 1 July and National Day on 1 October. These events marked significant occasions for the University community, emphasising the importance of national identity and pride.

The PolyU Student Flag-Raising Team was honoured to collaborate with the Guangdong National Flag-Raising Team for the ceremony on 1 July. Their participation not only enhanced the significance of the event but also provided an opportunity for the exchange of knowledge and experience in flag raising. Members of the Guangdong National Flag-Raising Team generously shared their extensive experience and techniques with the PolyU Team, fostering a valuable and memorable interaction.

As a result of the collaboration and insights gained, the PolyU Student Flag-Raising Team delivered an outstanding performance at the ceremony on 1 October.

HKSAR Government Officials and LegCo Members Gather at PolyU for Friendly Futsal Match

The HKSAR Government Football Team and the Legislative Council Football Team organised a friendly indoor futsal match at the PolyU Sports Centre on 20 July. The Chief Executive of the HKSAR, Mr John Lee, and the President of the Legislative Council, Hon. Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen, officiated at the friendly match and cheered for the Hong Kong, China Delegation to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

PolyU Acting President, Prof. Wing-tak Wong, and Executive Vice President, Dr Miranda Lou, extended a warm welcome to the Chief Executive. Joined by HKSAR government officials and LegCo Members, they chanted the slogan “Stand shoulder to shoulder in support of the Hong Kong team and cheer for Hong Kong athletes” to cheer on the Hong Kong team and wish the Hong Kong athletes every success in their competitions.

Government Career Fair 2024

On 26 September, PolyU collaborated with the HKSAR government to hold our first Government Career Fair, which was supported by 30 government bureaux and departments, showcasing over 50 civil service grades. The Fair provided PolyU students with an invaluable opportunity to explore potential career pathways within the Government.

We were honoured to have Mrs Ingrid Yeung, Secretary for the Civil Service, as the Fair’s distinguished guest. Accompanied by Prof. Ben Young, Vice President (Student and Global Affairs), she participated in a panel sharing session with PolyU students and visited the booths to understand students’ career aspirations and provide valuable insights into public services.

Campus Life Festival

The Campus Life Festival 2024, held in late September, was a resounding success, uniting nearly 40 SAO interest clubs and non-local student associations. With nearly 14,000 attendees, the Festival showcased an exciting array of booths featuring music, arts, culture, sports and many other engaging activities, all celebrating vibrant U-life and student integration.

This week-long event not only highlighted the diverse talents and cultures of our student organisations but also fostered an atmosphere of joy and community. By providing a platform for students from various backgrounds to come together, the Festival encouraged meaningful interactions and exchanges, inspiring ongoing engagement and collaboration among students.

EAGLE the Explorers: 11 Students Learn about UNSDGs and Sustainable Development in Vietnam

As part of the “EAGLE Global Youth Leadership Programme”, EAGLE the Explorers took 11 students to Vietnam in July, to experience achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in person, especially SDG No. 11 with its focus on Sustainable Cities and Communities. Before the trip, students completed a thematic workshop on the SDGs through the 2030 SDG Game and participated in a volunteer activity at Food Angel in Hong Kong to learn how these goals relate to their lives. Lubaba Hassan from Bangladesh explained, “Social enterprises like Cocohand, Datfood and Limart taught me that making a positive impact doesn't require massive projects or drastic lifestyle changes. Instead, it's the accumulation of small, conscious decisions that can lead to meaningful change.”

Dialogue with Vice President (Student and Global Affairs)

On 16 September, Prof. Ben Young, Vice President (Student and Global Affairs), together with SAO management, had fruitful discussions with PolyU undergraduate students. The Dialogues serve as an essential platform for students to express their concerns and share their experiences, while also providing an opportunity for University management to engage and address these matters directly.

During the gatherings, students shared their experiences and raised concerns on various topics, covering academic studies, campus facilities, IT services, catering and financial assistance at PolyU.

Education and Student Development Salon on “Introduction of Sportsmen Recommendation Schemes and Possible Supports to Student-athletes at PolyU”

The 30th Education and Student Development Salon, on “Introduction of Sportsmen Recommendation Schemes and Possible Supports to Student-athletes at PolyU”, was held on 16 September.

The Salon aimed to familiarise participants with PolyU sportsmen recommendation schemes, gauge insights into the lives of student-athletes at PolyU and understand the support currently available to them. The facilitators, Dr Florence Wu, Section Head of the SAO Counselling and Wellness Section, and Miss Zoe Lee, SAO Executive Officer, introduced the sportsmen recommendation schemes and the comprehensive support provided by PolyU to student-athletes. Two Student-Athlete Learning Support and Admission Scheme (SALSA) recipients, Miss Wai Sze Wing and Mr Adrian Chan, shared their experiences of internships and study tours during the Salon.

Immersive Orientation Luncheon 2024

The Immersive Orientation Luncheon 2024, held on 10 July, brought together incoming international student interns, PolyU students, as well as PolyU host professors and associates. Professor James Dai, Associate Dean of Students, kick-started the event by warmly welcoming the incoming international interns who joined us for their summer internships in various academic units across PolyU.

The event also featured an inspiring sharing session on cultural collaborations, accompanied by teambuilding activities led by Mr William Sung, Founder and Principal Coach of Wilosophy Limited. Lively conversation among participants greatly contributed to the Luncheon’s success, fostering connections and cultural exchanges.

SAO Courtesy Visit

SAO paid a courtesy visit to the new Director of Finance, Mr Ken Lam, on 22 July. This provided valuable opportunities to share important information about SAO and identify areas of collaboration that will ultimately benefit students and the University as a whole. Prof. Albert Chan, Dean of Students, had a fruitful discussion with Mr Lam, and both parties expressed enthusiasm for future cooperation aimed at enhancing student services and University operations.

Cultural Connections for Non-local Students

In September, the Non-local Student Services Team at PolyU hosted several events to foster community and cultural connections among current non-local students. The “Survival Cantonese” sessions on 6 and 10 September helped over 200 Mandarin and English-speaking students learn essential Cantonese phrases for daily life in Hong Kong. Over 40 students enjoyed making traditional and snow-skin mooncakes at the Mid-autumn Workshop on 13 September, creating memorable experiences and new friendships. On 20 September, around 200 students gathered for a Hong Kong Style BBQ on the beach at Lung Kwu Tan, providing a relaxed setting for the students to bond and experience local culture. These activities aimed to help non-local students feel more connected and integrated into the PolyU community.

Green Living Kick-off

On 2 September, the SAO Residential Education Team introduced Green Living Community to 64 hall residents, inviting them to participate in various green-friendly activities. These included urban farming at the Landscaped Garden of the student halls, practising environmental-friendly ways to live in their daily hall lives and meeting fellow green-minded hall residents to inspire each other with green ideas.