(refer to the photo album here for more highlights)
Date: 28 Sep 2023
Time: 2:15pm-3:30pm
Venue: A403, The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong
HA Seminar – Student-Led Sharing on Elite Summer Programme (ESP) – Unleashing Ambition and Global Exploration
Eight HA students, spanning from the first to the third cohort, were selected to participate in the first-ever Elite Summer Programme (ESP) in the summer of 2023. With scholarships awarded by the University, they had the opportunity to spend three to six weeks at prestigious institutions such as Harvard University, the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Oxford. Upon their return, six ESP awardees shared their experiences during the HA Seminar – “Elite Summer Programme Sharing” on September 28.
The seminar began with a ceremony, adding an element of honour and recognition to the event. The senior HA students received custom-made name badges, symbolising their dedication and commitment to the Honours Academy. This gesture served as a reminder of their achievements and set the tone for the exciting activities that followed.
The seminar took an exciting turn with the introduction of the new Associate Head, Dr. Willy Yue. Dr. Yue’s presence brought anticipation and enthusiasm as he shared his vision and aspirations for the Honours Academy, igniting a collective drive for excellence among the attendees.
Next, the stage was handed over to the ESP students who took the audience on a captivating journey through their summer-school experiences at the three elite universities. They shared insights into the academic rigour, cultural immersion, and personal growth they encountered during their time abroad. Their stories were filled with moments of discovery, intellectual stimulation, and cross-cultural exchange, leaving the HA students in awe of the transformative power of global exploration.
Following the personal sharing sessions, the audience had a taste of what learning and living in world-renowned elite universities is like. They were divided into “Radical” and “Conservative” groups and tasked with a challenging group project on the topic of “Attracting Immigrants to Hong Kong” with an extremely tight deadline. Each group had to create a pledge and design a flag representing their party’s stance. They were also tasked with decorating a cupcake to visually represent their party’s values and ideas.
The activity fostered lively discussions, creative problem-solving, and collaboration among the participants. It provided a platform for students to explore different perspectives, develop communication skills, and think critically about pressing social matters. The atmosphere was filled with energy and excitement as each group presented their ideas, showcasing their ability to think innovatively and propose meaningful solutions.
The HA Elite Summer Programme (ESP) Seminar was a resounding success, leaving a lasting impact on the attendees. It celebrated the achievements of the HA students, introduced them to new leadership, and provided a platform for sharing experiences, engaging in interactive activities, and nurturing a sense of global citizenship and ambition.