On 13 March 2025, the new HA Room officially opened its doors, and its heart, to the HA community. HA students and staff gathered for a cosy afternoon filled with laughter, stories, and celebration at the HA Opening cum Global Immersion Programme (GIP) Viewing Party. It was a moment to mark new beginnings, reflect on shared journeys, and simply enjoy being together.  

The event began with a warm welcome from Professor Jeanne Fu, HA’s Founding Head and Vice-President (Learning and Student Experience), who spoke about how HA has always been about transformation, not just academic, but personal. Her words beautifully echoed the meaning behind the symbolic butterfly cake, which reminded everyone that HA is a place where growth takes flight. 

The spotlight of the event then turned to the students of the 2025 Global Immersion Programme, who had spent 11 days in the Australian rainforest earlier in the year, learning about sustainability, conservation, and cross-cultural connection. But instead of formal presentations, they let their creativity do the talking — through a series of short, vibrant Instagram REELS. 

Each video was produced by one GIP participating student team, built around a theme that captured a part of their journey: 

GIP REELS Showcase 

Recreational Spaces  — Berrie, Ocean & Rachael 
A light-hearted glimpse into the fun and downtime that helped strengthen team bonds.  

Green Living & Transport  — Isaac, Osman & Wilson 
A thoughtful reflection on sustainability in everyday life, seen through a new lens.  

Wildlife Conservation — Ming, Zoe & Vichy 
A touching tribute to the natural world and the team’s hands-on conservation work.  

Greening & Reforestation — Aaron, Alex & Robert 
A visual journey through the team’s efforts to restore and protect the land.  

Environmental Protection & Recycling — Arti, Chloe & Tracy 
A creative reminder of how small actions — like sorting waste — can make a big impact.  

The videos were fun, sincere, and full of personality — and they captured exactly what GIP is all about: learning by doing, growing through reflection, and sharing those experiences with the wider world. 

The whole event felt like a homecoming, literally with the new HA Common Room being a  home base for our growing community. A space to gather, to reflect, to dream big — and to just be. 

We look forward to seeing more HA students make this space their own. Whether you’re dropping by between classes, planning your next big idea, or simply looking for a place to laugh and recharge — this room is for you.