The Centre of Development and Resources for Students (CEDARS) of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) organised the “HKU Ferry Ride” on 3 November. The President and Vice-Chancellor of HKU, Professor Xiang Zhang, was joined by around 100 local and non-local HKU students on the Victoria Harbour cruise and enjoyed the scenic views along the ride.
Professor Zhang recounted his cherished memories from his university days with students, expressing his hope that they too would build lifelong friendships at HKU. With the goal of nurturing cross-cultural understanding and fostering a sense of community among students of diverse backgrounds and various places of origin, the students were inspired by the shared experiences of student swimmer Cindy Cheung Sum-yuet, who competed in the 2024 Olympic Games, and a captivating magical performance by a talented alumnus, Wesley Chan, during the ferry ride.
Subhan Alamshahov, a first-year HKU student from Azerbaijan, shared his sentiments, "Sailing on Victoria Harbour with fellow students and our esteemed university President was a truly unforgettable experience. The breath-taking scenery and the joy of togetherness created a moment of pure happiness, fostering a deep appreciation for the diversity surrounding us. Studying in HK is truly an enriching experience, allowing me to immerse myself in a vibrant multicultural environment and broaden my perspectives.”
Alice Wut Ho Yiu, a fifth-year local student, expressed her delight in participating in the Ferry Ride event with President Xiang Zhang. She described the experience as amazing, unique, and memorable, emphasizing how it provided local students with the opportunity to showcase Hong Kong to their non-local peers. This event not only fostered a sense of community and cultural exchange but also served as a great way to achieve a good work-life balance.
CEDARS hopes the event not only facilitated connections and interactions among students but also underscored the University's steadfast dedication to promoting diversity and cultural exchange within its student body, thereby providing a quality learning environment for local and international students studying in HKU.
For information on upcoming activities organised by CEDARS, follow us on social media: #hku.cedars / cedars.hku.hk