‘Traditional X Contemporary’ You See 2.0 – College Assemblies of UC, 2024-2025 Term 1 (Part I)
A total of 12 sessions of college assemblies would be held in Term 1 of 2024-2025 with the theme of “‘Traditional X Contemporary’ You See 2.0”. Let’s recap the first to fifth assemblies:
【“Student Life Charter” Signing and Introduction of Student Union, 6 Hostels / Non-Residential Halls’ Student Societies】
The 1st College Assembly was to sign the ‘Student Life Charter’ with UC students on 13 September 2024 at Sir Run Run Shaw Hall.
College Member, Professor Stuart M McManus of the Department of History, was recognised by the College for winning the Dan David Prize, the largest history prize in the world. Notably, Professor McManus is the first scholar from a university in Asia to win this prize.
Professor Stephen H S Wong (left), College Head, congratulated Professor Stuart M McManus (right) for his outstanding achievement.
Afterwards, the College was honored to have Ms Lina H Y Yan, Chairman of the College Board of Trustees, College Management Team, Wardens of the six Hostels/Non-Residential Halls and the Warden-designated, to join the signing ceremony of the “Student Life Charter” on stage, with the Student Representatives of the College Student Union & six Hostels/Non-residential Halls. United College Student Union and Six Hostels/Non-residential Halls also introduced themselves, aiming to attract more new students to join their upcoming cabinet.
College guests and student representatives signed the “Student Life Charter”.
【Vivek Mabubani’s Journey of Cultural Diversity and Inclusion】
To exhibit the diversity and inclusiveness of the College, representatives from the United College Student Union (UCSU), United Club (UCUC), and Mainland Student Association (UCMSA) introduced and highlighted the initiatives undertaken by the College and their respective student bodies to promote diversity and inclusion over the past year at the 2nd College Assembly on 30 September 2024.
Student representatives talked about the efforts made by the College and their student bodies in promoting diversity and inclusion in the past year.
The College is honored to invite Indian-origin stand-up comedian Mr Vivek Mahbubani, who was born and raised in Hong Kong, to share his story about the challenges of living in a non-Indian environment and to promote the message of diversity and inclusion in a humorous manner.
Vivek shared his experiences in a funny and humorous way, making the audience laughed out loud.
In addition to Vivek’s sharing, he and three student representatives of UCSU, UCUC and UCMSA conducted an interactive session. This allowed students to engage in scenario-based learning and discuss their experiences with racial and cultural biases.
Vivek encouraged students to share the stereotypes they encounter in their daily lives.
Professor Stephen H S Wong (4th right), College Head, Dr John H W Lai (3rd left), Chairperson of the Committee on Inclusive Excellence, and student representatives presented a souvenir to Vivek.
【The Art of Chinese Calligraphy】
To better promote Chinese art and culture among students, the College, in collaboration with the Art Museum of the CUHK, launched the “Hop Wai Artist in Residence” programme. It was privileged to invite Professor Ambrose Y C King, former Vice-Chancellor of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, to be the very first Artist in Residence of the programme. He shared his experiences at the College Assembly on 4 October 2024.
Professor King is a renowned Chinese calligraphy artist who shared fundamental knowledge of Chinese Calligraphy, including the traditions and creativity it embodies. He emphasised that Chinese calligraphy is not just about appreciating beauty but also about the limitless ideas and artistic creation it inspires.
Click HERE to read more about the activities recap of The Hop Wai Artist in Residence 2024-2025.
Ms Lina H Y Yan (left), Chairman of the College Board of Trustees, and Professor Stephen H S Wong (right), College Head, presented souvenirs to Professor Ambrose Y C King (centre).
A cheque donation ceremony was held during this college assembly. The College received a generous donation of HKD 1 million from Professor Yeung Chung Kee, former Dean of General Education, to support the development of the College’s General Education. The College would also like to take this opportunity to thank Professor Yeung for his years of support.
Professor Yeung Chung Kee (2nd right), former Dean of General Education, took a group photo with Ms Lina H Y Yan (2nd left), Chairman of the College Board of Trustees, Professor Stephen H S Wong (1st right), College Head, and Professor Lee Hung Kay (1st left), Dean of General Education.
【‘The Lyricist Wannabe’ Movie Appreciation & Sharing by the Director】
The College held its first movie appreciation event at College Assembly on 8 October 2024. The film ‘The Lyricist Wannabe’, written and lyricised by College alumnus Ms Norris Wong, tells the story of a youngster’s pursuit of dreams and perseverance. Ms Wong adapted this work based on her personal experiences and filmed part of it on the College campus. The film was recently awarded the Best Original Film Song at the 42nd Hong Kong Film Awards. The College is delighted that Norris could return to her alma mater to share her unforgettable experiences and challenges during the production.
The student audience was deeply attracted by the storyline and cherished the opportunity to interact with Norris after watching the film.
Norris answered questions from the students during the interactive session.
Professor Stephen H S Wong, College Head, presented souvenir to Ms Norris Wong.
【UC 68th Anniversary Ceremony】
The College held the 68th College Anniversary Ceremony on 18 October 2024, with the presence of over 1,200 guests and students in Sir Run Run Shaw Hall.
The College was honored to have College alumnus, Mr Michael K M Hui, JP, the 40th Hong Kong Film Awards Lifetime Achievement Awardee, as the Officiating Guest. Being a successful actor and screenwriter, Mr Hui was pleased to share his personal experiences on his first and ‘unexpected’ encounter with acting, as well as the current challenges in global movie production.
At the ceremony, the College presented the ‘United College Mr and Mrs Joseph W N Cheung Research Excellence Award 2024 to Professor Tomohiro Inoue of the Department of Psychology, ‘United College Ming De Scholarship 2023-24’ to Ms Kwok Kin Ling Melody and ‘United College Xin Min Scholarship 2023-24’ to Mr Hui Chun Kit.
Afterwards, the College took the opportunity to sign the Sister College Collaboration Agreement with the Ling College, CUHK-SZ. Professor Stephen H S Wong, Head of United College, and Professor Lu Zongli, Head of Ling College, exchanged precious calligraphy and documentaries to celebrate the conclusion of the signing ceremony.
The Ceremony concluded with the cutting the birthday cake and distributing portions to the student audience.
Click HERE to read the full recap of the 68th anniversary celebrations events.