SHSS Undergraduate Newsletter 2024

Laura (left) and Sophie (right) volunteered at the 19th Asian Games, working at the Hangzhou Olympic Tennis Centre, Their responsibilities included welcoming guests, directing audiences to their seats, and answering inquiries. During the trip, they met Hong Kong tennis representative Coleman Wong and built friendships with local volunteers. They also had the opportunity to explore tourist sites in Hangzhou, including the West Lake and Leifeng Pagoda, and enjoyed a boat trip to indulge in the beauty of nature. Laura ZENG (GCS), Sophie WONG (GCS) Timothy participated in the Barrier-Free Discovery Tour to Singapore, gaining valuable insights into the country’s progressive approaches to accessibility and inclusion. During the tour, he engaged in the “Dialogue in the Dark” activity, which allowed him to experience the daily challenges faced by individuals with visual impairments. He was particularly impressed by the innovative equipment designed to help people with physical disability to work comfortably and effectively during a visit to the NGO, Dignity Kitchen. This experience challenged his preconceptions and inspired him to contribute to building a more diverse and inclusive community in Hong Kong. Timothy LAM (GCS) Maggie, a second-year student, was honored to participate in the 3rd Global Peace Summit 2024 at the United Nations in Bangkok. As a peace ambassador, she had the opportunity to connect with young adults from around the world, including the United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, Korea and China. They were all dedicated to promoting world peace and engaged with one another in a friendly, open and inclusive manner. Maggie listened to speeches by pacifists from different backgrounds, including war survivors, refugees, peace activists and others. This summit provided her with firsthand insights into the experience of those suffering from war. She realized that news that seemed distant could be closely related to her own life. After attending the summit, she felt inspired to be more caring for the world. Maggie MA (GCS) Hazel participated in the Sail and Shine Program hosted by HKUST Connect during the fall semester of 2023. This unique experience allowed her to explore yacht operations and engage in voluntary work alongside other HKUST students. The marine environment was entirely new to her, requiring heightened awareness of safety precautions and the well-being of everyone on board. Hazel's volunteer group guided a team of F.3 students through a fresh yacht experience and offered insights into their elective choices. Her team was responsible for event planning and execution, including meal deliveries, hosting games, and addressing queries. Additionally, she co-hosted activities for children aged 6 to 8 during their inaugural yacht excursion. Spending time in nature and with children was a refreshing experience for Hazel. This program brought her immense joy, contributed to her personal growth and expanded her knowledge of event planning and management. Hazel KONG (GCS) Winky was grateful to represent AIESEC Hong Kong at the 2024 International Congress in Egypt. She visited iconic sites such as the Giza Pyramids, the Valley of the Kings and the Karnak Temple Complex. While exploring the Karnak Temple Complex in Luxor, she was awestruck by the sheer scale of the towering columns and intricate carvings. Winky also visited lesser-known sites like the Tombs of the Nobles, gaining a more intimate glimpse into the lives of Egypt’s ancient inhabitants. It was an extraordinary and memorable journey for her. Winky LEE (GCS) Other Learning Experiences Natalie participated in the Barrier-Free Discovery Tour – Singapore 2024. During the trip, she toured renowned universities such as the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University, engaging in meaningful conversations with their students about diversity and inclusion. In addition to visiting Singapore’s major attractions, Natalie visited local NGOs, including Dignity Kitchen and Enabling Village. This trip not only highlighted Singapore’s stunning urban greening but also deepened her understanding of how the country fosters inclusivity through innovative barrier-free amenities for individuals with diverse needs. It also underscored the importance of urban planning in enhancing inclusiveness and accessibility within society. Overall, she had a memorable and meaningful trip. Natalie LEUNG (QSA)

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