The Honours Academy (HA) showcased our students’ talents and leadership at the “Embark on a Journey of Global Exposure as an Honours Academy Student” event, part of the HSUHK Summer Academy series, dated 30 July 2024. Designed to introduce secondary school students to the numerous global exposure opportunities available through the HA, the event was a resounding success, attracting nearly 30 participants.

From the moment participants entered the venue, they were greeted by the warm and organised efforts of our HA cross-cohort students, Charlotte Ho from the 2nd cohort, Isaac Li from the 3rd cohort, and Nicole Chan from the 4th cohort. The event began with an introduction to the Honours Academy, where Dr Holly Chung, Head of HA presented the Academy’s mission and the transformative benefits it offers, especially focusing on the HA’s commitment to cultivating global citizens and future leaders through broadening our students’ global horizons.

Nicole then energised the room with a lively trivia quiz on global cultures using Kahoot, filled with engaging visuals and humourous memes. This icebreaker set an enjoyable, educational tone for the day. This icebreaker set an enjoyable, educational tone for the day. Another highlight was the World Map Challenge, where participants worked in groups to identify and mark countries they were familiar with or had visited on digital maps or handouts. They also shared interesting facts about these nations, fostering a sense of global exploration and curiosity.

Charlotte and Isaac then detailed the various global exposure options available through the HA, namely graduation trips, semester-long exchanges, summer study programs and week-long study tours. Their presentations, enriched with personal anecdotes and lesser-known facts, provided a comprehensive glimpse into these enriching experiences.

The most interactive segment was the Global Exposure Adventure Game. Participants, divided into teams, received scenario cards describing specific overseas opportunities. They created posters and presented their travel plans, which were judged on creativity, enthusiasm, and practicality. Each team’s presentation was a testament to their ability to think on their feet, harness their creative potential, and devise practical, feasible travel plans that showcased their understanding of global cultures and logistics.

The event not only inspired secondary school students but also showcased the HA’s dedication to nurturing future leaders and global citizens. The contributions of HA students to this university event underscored their role as ambassadors of the university community, demonstrating their commitment to excellence and leadership.