Sponsorship Scheme

Korea University International Summer Campus

August 4, 2024

Kathy WANG Xingyu, a third year IBGM student, participated in a three-week summer exchange programme at Korea University in South Korea. The summer program offers various business courses for Kathy such as Strategic Management and International Business. Apart from the lecture time, Kathy attended some cultural activities organized by Korea University, such as going to the Lotte World. Also, the university organized some events to help her better understand the Korea culture. She went to the Namsan Tower and Hongdae Street. The summer school not only provides Kathy an opportunity to learn in a different university, but also broaden her horizon and know more about Korea culture.

LSE Summer School 2024 - FM250 Finance

August 3, 2024

Mateo Rafael Roman SY, a first year IBGM student, participated in a three-week summer exchange programme at London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) in the United Kingdom. Through studying corporate finance course at LSE, Mateo could have a better understanding of different asset types and the future values of various types of financial instruments such as bonds, linear growth assets and differing cash flows. Utilizing summer time by studying at the LSE was a meaningful experience for Mateo.

Furthermore, by learning from a diverse group of educators from Spain, Sweden, and Turkey, Mateo gained valuable insights from various perspectives regarding financial markets and the companies operating within them. Attending this prestigious institution with his IBGM peers who named Kevin Hsu and Kevin Xia was a fantastic experience for Mateo's academic path.

Study Spanish in Cadiz - Intensive Spanish Courses, University of Cadiz

July 4, 2024

Kathy WANG Xingyu, a third year IBGM student, participated in a three-week summer exchange programme at University of Cadiz in Spain. The intense language summer school aims to enhance students’ Spanish ability. Meanwhile, the accommodation which Kathy stayed in for the summer programme was offered by the local people and this created chances for Kathy to have daily communication with the local people as so to improve her Spanish-speaking ability. 

Kathy also visited several famous places in Spain during her spare time to have a better understanding of Spain's unique culture and customs. Overall, studying in Spain provides Kathy a truly pleasant environment to enhance her Spanish language ability and expand her global exposure.    

LSE Summer School 2024 - FM250 Finance

June 28, 2024

Kevin XIA Yunchu, a first year IBGM student, participated in a three-week summer exchange programme at London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) in the United Kingdom. The summer programme offers a comprehensive exploration of financial markets and corporate finance which gives Kevin a deeper understanding of asset markets and strategic financial decision-making by introducing different key financial concepts such as risk, return, diversification and the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM).

Apart from gaining knowledge from lectures, Kevin explores the heart of London, soaking in the city’s vibrant culture and rich heritage by visiting The British Museum, the Tower of London, and Tate Britain. At the same time, LSE organized several activities for exchange students, such as seminars, workshops and networking events that added layers to Kevin’s London experience. The summer programme is not just about academic growth but also a journey of personal financial empowerment and a stepping stone into the financial industry. 
 

Winter Abroad at Yonsei program 2023-2024

March 14, 2024

Harsh Kalpesh SHAH, a fourth year IBGM student, participated in a three-week winter exchange programme at Yonsei University in South Korea and it was an eye-opening experience for Harsh.  Harsh took courses in strategic management as well as econometrics, which added layers to his academic knowledge. On top of that, through interacting with professors and Korean business representatives, Harsh has more insights regarding East Asian culture and developed a more internationalized way of thinking.

Besides, Harsh also participates in extra-curricular activities which are organized by the Yonsei winter abroad team to give him a profound insight into Korean culture and business practices. He also took spare time travelling around Korea and understood the cultural differences between cities such as Busan and Seoul, which was an incredibly enriching experience for Harsh.

University YMCA® (HKU): "TOYtopia Adventure" Philippines Service and Cultural Tour

March 14, 2024

LEUNG Sum Yuet, a first year IBGM student, joined "The TOYtopia Adventure Philippines Service and Cultural Tour" which was organized by the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong, University YMCA® (HKU). The cultural tour focuses on a toy library construction project and children’s literacy level enhancement in the Philippines. Before the trip, a wide range of toys were collected in Hong Kong and then donated to a local primary school in Makati. The goal of this project is to benefit Filipino children by giving them access to toys and playtime. This is expected to help children engage in imaginative play, relieve stress as wells as improve their interpersonal skills by interacting with their peers. 

Apart from building a toy library for the children, Sum Yuet also spent valuable time tutoring children who joined the Children Literacy Program. It was a truly unforgettable and rewarding experience as this cultural tour inspired Sum Yuet to the importance of children’s play rights and its impact on children’s personal growth. The radiant smiles on children’s faces during the grand opening of the toy library were still vivid in Sum Yuet’s memory.

Korea University International Winter Campus program 2023-2024

January 23, 2024

Yani YANG Zi, a third year IBGM student, participated in a three-week winter exchange programme at Korea University in South Korea. Strategic Management and International Business are the courses which Yani took for the winter programme. Throughout the programme, Yani completed two group projects which were analyzing the cost-leadership structure of BYD and internationalization and strategy recommendation for Eu Yan Sang respectively. By finishing the group projects, Yani recognized the key principles of management as well as international business theories such as principle-agent problem and economies of scope.

Meanwhile, this programme allowed Yani to talk to many international friends, such as Indian, Korean, and Japanese students. They shared their business views from different perspectives and their cultural status, which brought diverse business experience to the class. Besides, Yani took the chance to wear the Hanbok in Gyeongbokgung Palace to experience the unique Hanbok culture in Korea. This was a truly fruitful adventure for Yani to gain a cultural understanding of Korea and its business. 
 

Korea University International Winter Campus program 2023-2024

January 23, 2024

YU Yue, a third year IBGM student, participated in a three-week winter exchange programme at Korea University in South Korea. For Yue, the winter campus not only allowed her to learn from lectures and classmates from around the world, but also provided her with an immersive experience in South Korea. In terms of academic achievements, Yue took two courses at Korea University, which are International Business and Strategic Management respectively. After attending the lectures, Yue has a better understanding of how to sustain a business in a globalized environment by forming business-level or corporate-level strategies. 

For cultural activities, Yue experienced Korean culture through visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace and trying different types of local food at local street markets. At the same time, this winter programme provided a valuable opportunity for Yue to practice her Korean and carry out language exchange with the locals during the trip. 

Korea University International Winter Campus program 2023-2024

January 15, 2024

HAI Fengrou, a fourth year IBGM student, participated in a three-week winter exchange programme at Korea University in South Korea and was an enriching adventure for Fengrou. It was the first time for her to learn Python and the course was a stepping stone to know more about data analytics. Exploring extensive data analysis with python provided not only valuable skills but also a global perspective on data trends for Fengrou. At the same time, the other course which Fengrou took was brand management. The brand management course illuminated the intricate world of strategic marketing, intertwining cultural insights into brand dynamics. 

Beyond the classroom, Fengrou took a trip to some historical sites such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and navigating bustling districts like Myeong-dong district. Furthermore, immersing herself in the Korean lifestyle through K-pop concerts and traditional tea ceremonies rounded out Fengrou’s time in Seoul. Apart from academic growth, the winter program in Korea became a memorable journey of cultural exploration and forging lasting memories for Fengrou.

The Seventh Global Creative Industries Conference

November 16, 2023

Yani YANG Zi, a third year IBGM student, participated in the Seventh Global Creative Industries Conference organized by the Graduate School of Humanities and Faculty of Letters, Kobe University in Japan. Yani presented "Wenzhou Entrepreneurship: Thriving Through Determination and Innovation.". The conference has brought university professors as well as business professionals together around the world on the topic of the creative and entertainment industry. 

Yani also had a valuable chance to discuss with a Japanese entrepreneur regarding the film industry dynamics in Japan. More importantly, engaging with numerous professors also provided critical feedback on her research technique, exposing the possibility for subjectivity in interview-based research. These discussions were invaluable, providing diverse perspectives and challenges to improve her research methodology for her final year project.

ASEAN Internship Scheme for Hong Kong Higher Education Students 2023

August 26, 2023

LAU Kwok Pan, a first year IBGM student, joined the internship organised by HKSAR government. He was assigned to work at Hong Kong Trade Development Council in Kuala Lumpur. Being an intern in the official trade promotion agency of Hong Kong, he was able to engage in a wide variety of tasks, primarily managing the data bank, assisting in organisation of business activities as well as joining different exhibitions.

Moreover, throughout the internship, he was mentored by experienced colleagues, whom he could take a leaf from, particularly the skills and etiquette for meeting with representatives from diverse backgrounds. What is more, working in HKTDC overseas office has flourished his global exposure and enabled him to gain a first-hand look into the general business environment of the ASEAN region, in turn laying a more solid ground for his future global career. The 3 weeks immersive experience also allowed him to delve into the amazing cultures of Malaysia which added immense excitement to my summer break.

2023 Ewha International Summer Session I – Ewha Womans University

July 24, 2023

Charlotte WONG, a third-year IBGM student, participated in a one-month summer exchange programme at Ewha Womans University in Korea and was provided chances to mingle with students around the world. There are more than 30 courses related to Korean society, culture, arts and other disciplines, participants in this programme can gain knowledge extensively under a tight schedule. The small class size (5 to 25 students) also allowed her to bond with professors and classmates and engage in lively interactions. 

Charlotte took courses related to North Korea and Korean ceramic which cultivated her global mindset. Moreover, she joined field trips organized by full-time students at Ewha to various tourist attractions, and it was a great opportunity for her to meet locals and know more about the Korean society. This experience was very fruitful and has enriched her summer.
 

International Conference on Business, Banking, and Finance (ICBBF–23)

June 9, 2023

TSUI Ka Man, a final year IBGM student, participated in the International Conference on Business, Banking, and Finance organized by IITER in Paris. The conference brought together professionals and experts from various corners of the globe, which provided Ka Man an inspiring environment for knowledge exchange and networking. This experience also broadened her horizons and deepened her understanding of the latest trended, the captivating discussions were on a diverse range of topics, such as the price dynamics of cryptocurrency and the financial stability of family businesses in ASEAN countries. Ka Man also had the chance to interact with fellow participants from diverse cultural backgrounds, it enriched her perspective and fostered valuable connections. The conference not only enhanced her knowledge but also provided an opportunity to explore the enchanting city of Paris, adding a touch of wonder to the overall experience.
 

Korea University International Winter Campus

FONG Leong Sing, Year 4 (Academic Year 2021-22)

January 17, 2022

“I took a course on international business which is closely relevant to my curriculum. The course was conducted virtually and it involved class discussions and presentations, allowing me to interact with students from all over the world. I joined a group with a Korean, Japanese, and Indian to work together on a presentation and report. We shared our viewpoints from our respective cultures and learned about education being carried out in different countries. Such experience is rare and invaluable as we were being exposed to and working with unfamiliar people.”

WONG Sin Yu, Year 4 (Academic Year 2021-22)

January 16, 2022

“I had the opportunity to take business and language courses offered by such an esteemed university, which allowed me to understand and compare the differences between the mode of teaching and learning in Korea and in Hong Kong, while at the same time experiencing the local Korean culture and forming friendships with students from different universities. Such experience allowed me to further develop my global mindset and to embrace and understand cultural differences, which greatly enriched my university life as an IBGM student.”

Shannen CHANG, Year 4 (Academic Year 2021-22)

August 11, 2021

“Overall, I felt that attending the course virtually at Korea University has been an intriguing and rewarding experience. Upon the completion, I realized how sustainability is a far more complex and wider topic than I thought. I have learned about the importance of sustainability and also the different sustainability strategies from different companies and countries. I believed that this course has taught me a framework that could easily be applied and practised in real life.

Working in a team with people from all over the world was also very interesting as we had to communicate completely online with very different time zones. I am also very grateful that the Professor has been very accommodating throughout the class, given that he was based in the UK and teaching in Korean time.”

NG Yeuk Yu, Year 4 (Academic Year 2021-22)

January 27, 2021

“I was granted the opportunity to immerse myself in the virtual learning with professors from Korea University and I enjoyed having fruitful lecture discussion with professors and classmates from all around the world. My classmates had offered me a lot of insights into different business examples regarding their successful strategies during classes. The effective discussion between us had facilitated my learning and increased the communication between me and my classmates. The programme also allowed me to investigate business issues from diverse perspectives and take different cultural values into consideration.”

CHAN Ching Sze, Year 4 (Academic Year 2021-22)

January 20, 2021

“I have studied three courses in Korea University – Strategic Management, International Business, and Beginner Korean. Classes ran every weekday for three weeks. My most memorable part of the experience is the diversity of students. As KU International Winter campus opens to students from all around the world, I have made friends with people ranging from Australia, Canada, Switzerland and so forth. Among the three courses, I enjoyed Korean the most. Aside from the feeling of achievement from learning an additional language, my Korean professor was also very good at teaching beginners and provided me a very enjoyable experience. My Strategic Management professor was also very experienced in the subject. When students from diverse backgrounds gave examples from their own cultures, the professor’s extensive business knowledge enables him to give instant feedback to all students. Overall, I was very impressed by his knowledge scope.”

CHENG Sum Mei, Year 4 (Academic Year 2021-22)

January 18, 2021

“The programme has offered me a precious opportunity to engage in a mini exchange experience during this global pandemic. Although the program had moved online, alternative face-to-face interaction was possible by turning on the webcam and answering questions raised by the lecturers. I gained valuable insights from delivering examples to the international business strategies and receiving immediate feedback from lecturers. Moreover, I learnt about the diversified perceptions of students from different cultures on business strategies and international frontier issues. We utilized functions on e-platforms such as Zoom and Blackboard to exchange ideas.”

LSE Summer School 2020-2021

September 13, 2021

LAM Chun Ming, a Year 1 IBGM student, participated virtually in the summer school of the London School of Economics and Political Sciences (LSE), a prestigious school in the field of Business and Economics. The programme provided Chun Ming a great opportunity to go through far more in-depth topics such as logit and probit models and lagged models during the three-week introductory econometrics course.

“The Summer School in LSE was a wonderful experience. The lecturers there are friendly and really experts in the field of econometrics. It was cool talking to two professors from two countries, with different thoughts and insights in econometrics.”

The London Winter Internship Program

February 17, 2020

Steven WAN Yik Hay, a third-year IBGM student, participated in “the London Winter Internship & Exchange Programme” organized by HK Careers in January 2020.  He had spent four weeks interning in Tapoly, an insurtech firm in London.

The programme gave Steven a precious opportunity to hone his knowledge/skills learnt in class by enabling him to apply them in real working life.  Through performing a series of financial projection and analysis, Steven was able to make use of the theories learnt in Finance and it was a unique learning experience.  Apart from that, the programme also furnished him with first-hand experience in thriving in a co-working environment, which was truly refreshing as he could interact with people from other companies that share the same floor with Tapoly, which broadened his horizons to learn different cultures and workplace environment.

As for Steven, the most fruitful part of this journey was the invaluable cultural exchange experience gained, “London is one of the most racially diverse cities on the planet, staying there is definitely an eye-opener for me. I have met and worked with a lot of people from different countries. This allowed me to be more familiar with foreign cultures and histories”.

 

Korea University International Winter Campus

 

January 29, 2020

 

Over the past winter break, two IBGM graduates - Inda LI Chui In and Harris YUEN Wai Hing from Class of 2020, participated in “The Korea University International Winter Campus”, a three-week condensed semester hosted at Korea University (KU), taught by distinguished professors.

 

According to Inda, the most rewarding experience of the programme was she could be fully immersed into the Korean learning environment by taking two academic courses at KU.  During her time spent in Korea, she had the chance to interact and network with students from culturally diverse backgrounds around the world including Malaysia, Indonesia and Mainland China. The programme also greatly polished her Korean listening/reading/speaking/writing skills. The cultural immersion activities (i.e. skiing and Korean cooking classes) further enhanced her understanding about this thriving economy with rich historical context.  “The one-month experience in Korea particularly helped develop my global vision as an IBGM student”.

 

According to Harris, the programme gave him a great opportunity to learn from experienced professors from around the globe.  Not only could they bring foreign business insights, but also the diverse learning activities – he had the chance to visit the Samsung Innovation Museum and its research centre by virtue of the network of the professor from University of Wisconsin – Whitewater.  As for Harris, the learnings and knowledge exchange were very fruitful in terms of international exposure.  Moreover, he gained the unique Korean culture experience by engaging in various cultural activities and visits organized by KU IWC, such as Nanta show, Jisan Forest Resort, Running Man Experience Centre and etc.  “I had come to know more about the Korean traditions and the development of its entertainment and tourism industry”.

 

The Internship Scheme for Hong Kong Students in Europe 2019

 

September 13, 2019

 

Kento SAKATA, a fourth-year IBGM student, participated in “the Internship Scheme for Hong Kong Students in Europe 2019” organized by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in Summer 2019.  He had spent six weeks interning at the HKETO in Brussels.

 

During the internship, Kento had the chance to explore the key economic ties between Hong Kong and different European nations and gain first hand understanding on how diplomatic ties are formed.  The experience also helped Kento gain a better understanding of the current socio-economic situation in Europe.  As for Kento, the most rewarding part of the internship was to take away and to apply the new knowledge he had gained on international business, economics and relations into his studies at HKU.  In addition, interacting with the local colleagues from Brussels and exploring their living environment also had deepened his knowledge of the unique culture of Belgium.

 

Global Volunteer Programme 2019 - SIA Project: Education for WELL-BEING

 

August 15, 2019

 

The IBGM graduate, Anisa LAU Tin Lok, attended the “Global Volunteer Programme” organized by AIESEC in last summer, a six-week project based in Seoul.

The experience was a remarkable journey in the midst of culture shocks and self-realization. Together with four other volunteers from Indonesia, the Philippines, France and Turkey, they worked with the Korean students from Sungkyunkwan University to deliver a one-week teaching programme for two local high schools with the theme “well-being”.  The programme aimed to educate students about well-being so as to help them address preventable problems on a personal level, e.g. drug abuse.  On the other hand, as volunteers, they shared their traditional sports and games with local students for the sake of cultural exchange and to improve students’ physical well-being.

Although Anisa and her teammates had contrasting personalities, living habits and working styles, they shared the same passion towards Korean culture and teaching.  Through cultural exchange, she learnt a lot more about the traditions and cultures of each other’s country and developed friendships within one and a half months.

In addition to the unique cultural experience, Anisa had the opportunity to understand more about well-being in Korea and some of their social issues through the class preparations and teaching.  As for Anisa, this project was a rewarding experience in terms of developing her leadership skill and global vision.

 

Fudan University International Summer Session 2019

 

August 12, 2019

In summer 2019, Year 2 IBGMer BAIK Seo Woon took part in the Fudan International Summer Session (FISS), which was organized by Fudan University and provided a 4-week course study and cultural experience.

Apart from attending academic courses at Fudan University, FISS offered students numerous extracurricular activities to help them bond and familiarize with the local culture, such as ping pong tournaments, archery lessons, Taiichi exercises, historical and cultural visits etc.  As for Seo Woon, FISS was an eye-opening experience. He not only learned a lot about the business environment and economic opportunities in China, but also was able to meet people from all over the world with different nationalities and from different economic backgrounds all gathered in one international city, Shanghai.

To conclude, during his time in Shanghai, Seo Woon had the opportunity to get to know China, experience Shanghai and be part of the Fudan community.  This program helped him achieve multicultural understanding, establish a global vision, and get connected with peers from all over the world.

 

 

 

Company Visits to PwC, KPMG and Microsoft in Amsterdam

 

August 7, 2019

On June 7 2019, five IBGM students JU Jiin, Hazel LEUNG, ROH Youngsoo, TANG Tin Lok and WHANG Ho Young were invited to visit the KPMG, Microsoft and PwC offices in Amsterdam, Netherlands.  The firm visits brought forth unique learning experiences, aimed at learning about each firm’s culture and the different working environment of the Netherlands.

During the firm visits, they were able to know Microsoft’s current and prospective innovations as well as future direction, while PwC shared their insight on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and working opportunities in Amsterdam.  In KPMG, a stimulating discussion was hosted regarding the Dutch business environment and current international business scandals related to auditing and taxes.

According to the students, meeting various people from these organisations had provided invaluable insights that could not have been attained otherwise. In addition, touring around the offices had enhanced their understanding of organisational structures within these multinational corporations.  Overall, the journey had left an indelible mark to their career development and perception of the international business environment.

 

 

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Playground Builder 5.0

 

June 21, 2019

 

Philip MAK Chun Wing from the Class of 2019 joined a service trip called “Mission Until Dawn,” organized by the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong, aimed at building playground facilities in under-developed countries.

This was the first time for Philip to visit Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia.  He was surprised by the heavy traffic and crowds there as he expected Mongolia to be more rural.  Philip was responsible for building a new playground in the National Park of Ulaanbaatar, which was quite a challenge since Philip rarely had a chance to build anything before, not to mention a playground with slides, swings, a wooden house, as well as tables and chairs made of natural woods.  Fortunately, with the effort of the team, Philip completed all the assigned tasks and developed a diverse range of skills throughout the whole construction work as well.

 

Apart from the cultural exchange with local volunteers during the trip, it was a memorable and meaningful experience to Philip.  According to Philip, not only was the playground built successfully, but he saw the local children having fun in the playground, which brought them joyful memories.

 

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Singapore Career Exploration Programme 2019

 

January 28, 2019

 

CHAU Ching Kiu, a third-year IBGM student, participated in the Singapore Career Exploration Programme in January 2019. The programme included attending company visits, training workshops and networking events with an aim to enrich students’ global exposure and help them discover the career interests as well as learn the practical skills essentials to their future careers.

 

The training and guest speaker sessions conducted by domain experts from industries and academic fields helped improve the knowledge and skills of Ching Kiu.  Through visiting various companies, Ching Kiu gained a deeper understanding on the functioning and daily operations of companies across different fields.  The experience enabled him to know more about the job market, working culture and innovative approaches of Singapore corporations.  By engaging in rapport with professionals from various industries in Singapore, Ching Kiu also gained valuable insights into his future career path.

 

Finally, Ching Kiu was required to deliver a group project presentation on a real market research topic with other teammates, which further enhanced his communication, collaboration and presentation skills.

 

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Indonesia Model United Nations

 

November 21, 2018

 

Shivang SINGH, a fourth year IBGM student, joined the Indonesia Model United Nations (IMUN) conference in November 2018 in Jakarta.  The IMUN conference was an annual United Nations simulation conference in Indonesia open to both high school and university students from Indonesia and abroad, which provided an effective platform for delegates to engage in the discussion of international matters in a diplomatic manner.

The IMUN conference strived to expand the network of its participants and to deepen their interpersonal skills in order to prepare delegates to become future leaders of the world.  Above all, it aimed to uphold the values of diplomacy, human rights, and justice among all its participants.

During this conference, around 200 students from all over the world came together to simulate the workings of organs of the United Nations and other international organizations, such as UN Women, International Panel of Climate Change, World Health Organization etc.  Hence, Shivang got the opportunity to taste the true flavor of International Business and Global Management as well as develop and enhance personal and technical skills that included communication, research, negotiating, and consensus building.  “On the whole, I had an extremely memorable experience at IMUN and I am grateful to the BBA(IBGM) Sponsorship Scheme for giving me the resources and motivation to participate in it”.

 

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"Meet One Belt One Road" South Africa Field Trip

 

November 19, 2018

 

In October 2018, the IBGMer Jonathan IP Long Hei joined the field trip to Cape Town in South Africa.

 

It was a truly rewarding experience as for Jonathan. Not only did he immerse himself into local diverse culture and spectacular sceneries, but he also gained the opportunity to know more about the impact of China’s ‘Belt and Road’ Initiative (BRI) on South Africa.

Throughout Jonathan’s stay in Cape Town, he actively participated in formal interviews with local officials, Chinese diplomats and representatives from Chinese enterprises. The topics they discussed were mainly related to the Sino-South African relationship, particularly on how China’s ‘Belt and Road’ Initiative had impacted South Africa economically, socially and culturally.  He also had the chance to talk to local Chinese who had settled down in South Africa for a certain period of time, who were more than willing to share their initial reasons for moving to South Africa, difficult encounters over past years in their businesses and daily lives as well as their thoughts on China’s prominent rise and BRI.

In addition, the visit to Kayamandi in Stellenbosch enabled him to understand the living conditions of the people and the government policies there.  Jonathan was very touched by their optimism and simple happiness in life amid daily difficulties and struggles arising from poverty and economic stagnation.

 

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The 3rd China / Israel Youth Exchange

 

November 8, 2018

 

Year-4 IBGMer, Lucas HO Wing Cheung joined the 3rd China/Israel Youth Exchange Programme funded by the Elman Family of Hong Kong and supported by Rotary in October 2018.  The cultural exchange aimed to foster the understanding of Israeli history, culture and heritage as well as to establish precious friendships with youth leaders of Hong Kong and Chinese universities and from the start-up communities.  It also facilitated participants’ discovery on how Israel became the “Startup Nation” by visiting revolutionary companies including Google, Mobileye and the innovation centre “State of Mind,” and understanding the innovative technology ecosystem of Israel.

 

During the 10-day trip to Israel, Lucas experienced a lot, from the history of the Jewish people to the contemporary achievements that had made them the name “Startup Nation.”  Lucas was stunned by the history of the Holocaust, by its cruelty in nature and, at the same time, the resilience of the Jewish people.   Lucas and his teammates also visited some successful Israeli start-ups, for example, Waze, the mobile app acquired by Google.  In addition, floating in the Dead Sea and watching stars in the desert were some the very unique experience Lucas had for the first time.

 

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Qinghai and Tibet Cultural Exchange Programme

 

October 31, 2018

 

During the reading week in October 2018, IBGM student Kenneth YUEN Wai Chun participated in the Qinghai and Tibet Cultural Exchange Programme held by the School of Chinese, The University of Hong Kong.  The Programme was a meaningful experiential learning activity and academic-oriented exchange program.  Participants had attended the lectures and delivered academic presentations before the trip.

 

According to Kenneth, the experience was remarkably impressive, as he could learn more about the precious cultural treasures of Tibetan Buddhism and enjoy all the stunning sceneries.  Kenneth visited the Potala Palace in Lhasa, which is a World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most important examples of Tibetan architecture.  The visits to the Potala Palace and famous temples helped Kenneth reflect about outlook on life and gain insights into personal values.

 

 

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Asia Investment and Banking Conference 2018

 

September 13, 2018

 

Two IBGM students, Lucas HO Wing Cheung and Michael QIAN Yizhen participated in the Asia Investment & Banking Conference 2018 on September 10 & 11, 2018 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Asia Investment & Banking Conference is the largest student-run conference in Asia on corporate advisory and financial markets. Launched over a decade ago as a platform for vibrant exchange of ideas and perspectives amongst established professionals and students from leading universities worldwide, the conference attracts more than 350 of the brightest and most talented students from approximately 93 renowned universities across the globe each year.

 

Lucas regarded the conference as an ‘eye-opener’ for him that allowed him to learn several valuation methods like Discounted Cash Flow (DCF), Comparable Company Analysis and Precedent Transaction Analysis. The conference also gave him a great opportunity to meet a handful of successful professionals from the financial industry and learn from their unique points of view. This allowed him to have a better understanding towards the whole picture of the industry and to make a better choice of his future career path.

 

And according to Michael, he had deepened his knowledge in key business realms regarding investment and banking, specifically asset management, investment banking, mergers and acquisition, and sales and trading. Apart from something that he had not yet learned in school, he also believed that his communication skills and interpersonal skills had improved significantly after attending all the 22 sessions provided throughout the conference.

 

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Yonsei Korean Language Institution Summer 3 Week Programme

 

August 27, 2018

 

During the summer break in August 2018, IBGM student Erica CHAN Tsz Ching participated in the “Yonsei Korean Language Institution Summer 3 Week Programme,” an intensive three-week programme hosted at Yonsei University.

 

According to Erica, the programme acted as a stepping stone for her in the pursuance of Korean Studies as her second Major. Not only did she improve in Korean grammar, listening, writing and reading skills, her participation in cultural activities such as cooking and handcrafting also allowed her to develop a deeper understanding of traditional Korean culture. Other than academics, the biggest takeaway from this fruitful experience was the opportunity to meet people from different cultural backgrounds, who share the same passion and interest in Korean culture.

 

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2018 Seoul Auction <Art & Auction>

 

August 23, 2018

 

In the summer of 2018, IBGMer Jane LEE took part in the 2018 Seoul Auction <Art & Auction>, which is a 10-day programme for students who wish to learn about the art industry professionally. The lectures were delivered by Seoul Auction, the leading art auctioneer in the Korean art market, as well as experts in different fields in the art world.

 

According to Jane, participating in this programme was a truly valuable experience. The lectures and field trips allowed her to discover new opportunities within the industry such as the potential applications of blockchain and artificial intelligence that can shift the business landscape in the art world. The group project, presenting an auction proposal to Seoul Auction Marketing and Auction Departments, also gave her better insights into marketing, artwork selection, and price estimation in an auction house.

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“Future Leader in Finance” Summer Internship Programme 2018

 

August 11, 2018

 

Three IBGM students, Ryan HO Wai Yiu, Lucas HO Wing Cheung, and Sharon WONG Ho Ting, participated in “Future Leader in Finance” Summer Internship Programme 2018 organized by the Fin Society in Summer 2018. They spent seven weeks interning in a top financial institute in Beijing, China.

 

During the internship at China Investment Corporation, the world's second largest sovereign wealth fund, Lucas experienced its unique corporate culture and gained insight into the Chinese financial industry. Working in its Research Institute allowed him to get in touch with experienced researchers with PhD degrees from renowned universities such as Warton Business School. According to Ryan, the programme gave him a precious opportunity to broaden his horizon and allowed him to discover outside of his comfort zone. As for Sharon, one major take-home message after the programme was to be open-minded in exploring possibilities beyond the geographical boundaries of the HKSAR.

 

Apart from formal work, the programme also included visits to financial institutions such as the Infrastructure Investment Bank and sharing sessions by CEOs of upcoming companies, many of which are revolutionizing their respective industries.

Exploring the Silk Road and Huaxia Culture

 

July 30, 2018

 

Brian MOK Cheuk-yiu, a second-year IBGM student, participated in “Exploring the Silk Road and Huaxia Culture,” an eleven-day programme organized by HKU China Vision, in July 2018.

 

According to Brian, one of the highlights of this trip was following the Silk Road of ancient China, starting from Lanzhou and ending at Dunhuang. He also had the chance to do a whole lot of things that he had never done before, including riding on a camel and sandboarding. This programme not only enhanced Brian’s knowledge of Chinese history, but it also provided him with opportunities to learn the cultural differences of “two shores, four places” (兩岸四地) by mingling with students from Lanzhou University, National Tsing Hua University and Macao University.

Service Trip: Growing Seeds of Love in Sri Lanka

 

July 15, 2018

 

The nine-day volunteer service trip organized by Golden Z Club, HKUSU, has brought IBGM student Elvis NGAI Siu Chung to Sri Lanka in June 2018.

 

According to Elvis, it was his second time to join a volunteer service trip in Asian countries. He conducted voluntary teaching classes for underprivileged primary school children in Anuradhapura in the northern part of Sri Lanka. Teaching aside, he also contributed to the construction of a primary school. The interaction with the locals enabled him to gain a better insight into the local cultures. Similar to his past service experience in Indonesia, he was impressed that the children in Sri Lanka were very passionate about learning and that they were knowledgeable. What also impressed him was that they were very friendly and nice to strangers. Most of them even asked him for personal contact to keep in touch.

International Youth Legal Exchange Programme 2018

 

April 21, 2018

 

Kelvin LI Ki Fung, a fourth year IBGM student, participated in the “International Youth Legal Exchange Programme 2018” during Easter 2018.

 

The 14-day programme aimed to broaden participants' exposure to the economic and legal environment in U.K. and Europe. Moreover, it provided leadership training and volunteering experience as well as experiential learning. Some highlights of the programme included having exchange visits to London City Hall, the Embassy of China, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London, as well as performing volunteering services in China Town.

 

According to Kelvin, the comprehensiveness and broad exposures of the tour were undoubtedly beneficial for his personal development as well as the enhancement of business and legal acumen. Apart from being able to meet with students from University of Oxford and King's College London, he greatly appreciated the opportunity of visiting the Supreme Court of England and the Royal Court of Justice. These experiences could definitely aid him in better coping with the global legal and ethical environment for his future career.

 

Exchange Tour to Australia

 

April 20, 2018

 

Jovy MOK, a first-year IBGM student, participated in an exchange tour to Australia over the past reading week. According to Jovy, it was her first time to be in Australia and she was impressed by the hospitality of the inhabitants.

 

During the trip, Jovy was granted opportunities to communicate with local scholars from world recognized institutions such as the University of Melbourne and the University of New South Wales. The invaluable visit enabled her to learn about the intricacies of the Australian education systems and about diverse career paths offered to fresh graduates. In addition to touring around the historical academies, she also visited several popular tourist spots, namely the Sydney Opera house, Blue Mountains, Eureka Skydeck 88 and Brighton Beach which refreshed her from her usual hectic lifestyle in Hong Kong.

Nepal Service Trip Jan 2018

 

January 28, 2018

 

The eight-day volunteer service trip had brought IBGM student Lucas HO Wing Chung to Nepal in January 2018.

 

According to Lucas, when he arrived at Kathmandu on the first day, the temperature was a few degrees Celsius above zero due to its high altitude, but there was no hot water for taking a shower at all. He conducted voluntary teaching classes for secondary school students in Bhotechaur for three days. "It is better to light the candle than to curse the darkness" — the idiom painted on the wall of Shree Saraswati Higher Secondary School had reminded him of the attitude that he should uphold when encountering any stumbling block on his road. Teaching aside, he also tried rafting in Charaudi and visited a Jungle Safari and enjoyed the Tharu Cultural Show in Chitwan. The trip has become an invaluable memory to him.

Cambodia Local Culture and Environmental Protection Investigation Program Session 2017-2018

 

January 23, 2018

 

Nicole LEE Tsz Yu, a fourth-year IBGM student, participated in “the Cambodia Local Culture and Environmental Protection Investigation Program Session” organized by HKUSU in January 2018.

 

According to Nicole, the Cambodia trip has allowed her to better understand the history of Cambodia. She has visited the Ankor Wat Temple area and was amazed by how the ancient Cambodian Kingdom managed to build these magnificent temples. She was also able to gain a better insight towards the current development of Cambodia through home stays. She learnt about the various environmental initiatives that help preserve the natural habitats as they have been one of the most important resources to support the livelihoods of Cambodians.

 

 

Experiential Chiang Mai Service Trip

January 18, 2018

Two IBGM students, Peter MA Chuangsen and Harris YUEN Wai Hing participated in the Experiential Chiang Mai Service Trip organized by the YMCA in January 2018.

During the nine-day service trip, they participated in many meaningful activities. They visited a local orphanage in Chiang Mai. Apart from bringing fun to the orphans and students in a local school through playing games with and organizing some performances for them to celebrate the National Children’s Day in Thailand, Peter and Harris also conducted voluntary teaching by instructing the children in English and Mathematics. Apart from that, they also had chances to experience the traditional culture of Thailand and exchanged insights with Thai university students.

According to Peter, this trip was a life-changing and eye-opening experience for him. As he had never been to any service trip before, he always had the wrong perception that ‘service’ was all about what he could offer to the local community. But he found out that it was indeed a reciprocal process, he was also able to take away something when he chose to give.

According to Harris, he had much fun during the period of home-staying in a local countryside village. The host family was so nice that they were just like a real family. Also, he felt blessed to see the smiling faces of the children. With limited access to technology or electronic devices and even water supply, people there still led a happy life. It was a profound memory and meaningful trip to him.

Harvard College Visiting Undergraduate Program

 

January 15, 2018

 

Avis CHAN Wing Hang, a fourth-year IBGM student, participated in a semester-long exchange program at Harvard College in the United States from August to December 2017.

 

According to Avis, it had been a very fruitful experience at Harvard. She took three history courses and all of them involved a new field in history that she had not encountered before. In particular, she had the precious opportunity of leveraging the primary sources at Harvard to write a 20-page long research essay on China for the research seminar course “The Secrets and Lies in European History.” Outside of academics, she also actively took part in various extra-curricular activities. For instance, she was a member of the Harvard College Impact Investment Group, Harvard-Radcliff Asian American Christian Fellowship, Harvard College African Business Group, and the Greater China Club at Harvard Business School. She also frequently travelled to the other side of Cambridge to MIT to join open events.

 

 

 

CVTD HKU Vietnam Service Trip

 

October 30, 2017

 

Jhalak Sunil SHAH, a fourth-year IBGM student, participated in “CVTD HKU Vietnam Service Trip,” a seven-day programme organized by HKU, in October 2017.

 

The Center for International Cooperation and Vietnam Talent Development (CVTD) Vietnam is a non-profit NGO and the goal of the service trip was to install tablet computers in remote villages in Sapa to make electronic aided education more available for the children there. According to Jhalak, this trip was eye-opening as she did not live in the city centre, but rather in two of the small villages of Sapa. Every day, she saw how the local men carried out manual work, while the local women and children spent hours selling merchandise to tourists. When she visited the schools, she was surprised by the above-average infrastructure. However, due to their remoteness, she felt as if they were quite detached from the rest of the world. Technology had become crucial in modern education and she thought that students living in developing countries should not be left behind as well.

 

 

The Exeter College Summer Programme in the University of Oxford 2017

 

August 21, 2017

 

Angelique WONG Hui In, a second-year IBGM student, attended “the Exeter College Summer Programme in the University of Oxford” in the summer of 2017, a six-week summer programme at Exeter College, Oxford.

 

According to Angelique, she was given the opportunity to experience the undergraduate collegiate life of such a prestigious university, attend eye-opening evening lectures, participate in a bunch of ‘Oxonian’ activities, and most importantly, sharing her journey with an entirely new group of friends from all over the world. The program was academically challenging and the courses were designed to stimulate critical thinking. She loved attending the one-to-one tutorials as well as the seminars as the discussions and presentations that would take place each session enabled her to learn about each issue and topic with a wider perspective. Though the workload was very heavy, it was the people in the programme who allowed her to enjoy every bit of the journey and make this adventure ever so memorable.

 

 

 

"Future Leaders in Finance" Summer Internship Programme 2017

 

August 2, 2017

 

Two IBGM students, Inda LI Chui In and Philip MAK Chun Wing, participated in the “Future Leaders in Finance” Summer Internship Programme 2017 organized by the Fin Society in Summer 2018. They spent seven weeks interning in a top financial institute in Beijing, China.

 

Inda interned at the Fixed Income, Currencies and Commodities (FICC) Department of China Securities Co. Ltd. According to Inda, interning at such a top-tier securities firm in China was a truly memorable and challenging experience for her. Under the guidance of mentors, she analyzed the asset-backed securities and FOREX markets in China. She was astonished by the rapidly developing economy in China, as well as the professional role taken by Chinese securities firms in conducting IPOs and sales of financial products. Realizing the increasing importance of the Chinese economy in the global business environment, she became more interested in knowing about Chinese businesses and financial markets, in order to sharpen her competitiveness in this fast-changing world. As for Philip, he had a very fruitful summer being an intern in Beijing. He learnt a lot by doing research and writing reports in the securities firm. Regular trainings were also provided which allowed him to know more about the China financial market and different aspects in the finance field. Although the Hong Kong market is quite small compared to the one in China, he thought that we can still have the mindset of innovation and make use of technology to help us gain an important edge in this small market.

 

Apart from formal work, the programme also included firm visits and cultural visits which allowed students to better understand how different successful Chinese firms operate and also the history and culture of China. This enabled students to gain exposure in different industries, not limited to the financial sector.

 

 

 

Travelling to France to Study the French Language and Culture

 

July 31, 2017

 

IBGMer Carmen YAU Ka Man, attended a French language and culture course offered by the University Centre for French Studies (CUEF) in Grenoble, France from July 3 to 28, 2017.

 

The course aimed to strengthen student’s language abilities as well as knowledge of the contemporary French culture. According to Carmen, studying French in France and in Hong Kong were two completely different experiences. She got to experience the authentic French culture through interacting with the locals, observing the behaviour of the people and immersing in their daily lives. She even picked up some slangs and expressions which could not be learnt in normal class time. Most important of all, she was more confident in speaking French. In Hong Kong, she rarely has chances to talk in French apart from the five or six hours class per week, but while she was in France, she heard, read and spoke in French at every occasion. It forced her to practise her language even though it was far from perfection. Unlike in Hong Kong, the courses there were taught entirely in French without the support of any English medium. It posed some difficulty for her at first, but she slowly accustomed herself to it as time passed by and could witness her improvement.

 

Shanghai-Hong Kong Future Leaders Internship Program 2017

 

June 26, 2017

 

Two IBGM students, Brian MOK Cheuk-yiu and Harris YUEN Wai Hing, participated in the “Shanghai-Hong Kong Future Leaders Internship Program 2017” organized by the Hong Kong-Shanghai Youth Association from June to July 2017. They spent eight weeks interning in Shanghai, China.

 

Brian interned at one of the Big 4 accounting firms—Deloitte. According to Brian, not only did he gain insight into the accounting industry, but he also sharpened his communication and workplace skills. He was also one of the masters of ceremony who helped coordinated the flow of events on the closing ceremony. As for Harris, this was the first time he worked in the marketing, promotion, and public relations fields for the real estate firm under K. Wah Group (K. Wah (China) Investment Co., Ltd.). Not only did he acquire a clearer picture of this industry, but he also exposed himself to more working experiences. Meanwhile, the program offered him chances to interact with many outstanding mentors and even CEOs in various fields such as the Vice Chairman Greater China of Gap Inc. and the Co-founder of Boxful. He could thus know more about their respective business and industry and how they were motivated to strive for excellence.

 

Apart from formal work, the programme also included a wide range of sightseeing and company visits in one of the most developed financial and commercial centres in China, which enabled them to understand more about the development of Shanghai.

Peak Time 2017: International Business Competition

 

May 21, 2017

 

Two IBGM students, Fion CHEUNG Ming Yan and Kelvin WONG Yat Nam, participated in the “Peak Time 2017: International Business Competition” from May 5 to 7, 2017 at Stockholm School of Economics in Riga, Latvia.

 

Due to a 5-hour flight delay, they were unable to participate in the welcoming events. On the second day, they participated in the business simulation challenge, in which they had undergone five rounds of simulations as a mobile headset company and came in third in their assigned universe. Following the simulation was a guest lecture given by a Hungarian coach about case cracking and presentation. On the last day, they were given four hours to crack a case about an air handling unit for a 15-minute presentation followed by 10-minute Q&A session in front of the judges, formed by professional consultants in the industry.

 

Peak Time was their first international case competition to participate in. According to Fion, being overseas to meet the finalist teams from all over the world was truly eye-opening. The competition involved numerous calculations that had to be carefully done for the formulation of strategies. It reminded her to look for ways to solve her carelessness in order not to commit any calculation mistakes. Kelvin mentioned that it was his honor to take part in the grand final of the competition after finishing several preliminary rounds with over 300 teams from all over the world. As a university student, he seldom had the chance to spend time in Eastern Europe, especially in Riga, a place with strong cultural background. Beside the competition, he also had a chance to engage in cultural exchange with other students and get to know more about this special city.

Harvard College Visiting Undergraduate Program

May 17, 2017

McQueen SUM, a third-year IBGM student, participated in a semester-long exchange program at Harvard College in the United States from January to May 2017.

According to McQueen, it had been a year well spent at Harvard. The courses she had taken were truly enlightening. One of the most eye-opening classes was Democracy and Human Rights co-taught by Professor Amartya Sen, Professor Eric Maskin and Professor Cass Sunstein. To enrich academic experience, she had enrolled in a contemporary dance course, an introductory anthropology course, and a PhD research class at the Harvard Business School.  Outside of academics, she took advantage of Boston’s proximity to countries bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to visit Canada, Iceland, and Bermuda during the Spring semester. These travelling experiences reinforced her interest in ethnography and in understanding other cultures.

AIESEC in Mongolia Winter National Leadership Development Seminar 2017

February 1, 2017

IBGM student Hazel CHAN Ka Ching participated in the “AIESEC in Mongolia Winter National Leadership Development Seminar 2017” organized by AIESEC from January 14 to 18, 2017.

According to Hazel, the five-day Winter National Leadership Development Seminar had been intense but truly rewarding. The gist of the whole conference was to develop university students into leaders who could shape a better future for their home country. Some sessions majorly focused on leadership development and they enriched her with useful skills to pass on the impact to youth in Hong Kong.

Before attending the AIESEC conference, all Hazel knew about Mongolia was its natural scenery—the sheep and grass. However, after this trip, she came to the realization that people were often only imagining authenticity of a place. Ulaanbaatar was indeed a place with modernity and vibrancy, instead of a remote place.  It had been really interesting to learn about the other side of Mongolia that she never knew through deeper discussions with her Mongolian buddies in the conference. The deep conversation she had with the local university students also provided her with insights on the right attitude to have when facing complex social problems ahead. They were always actively sharing their ideas when discussing their own country’s problems and she really appreciated their passion and determination to make changes for their future generation.

Fiji Cultural and Service Trip 2017

January 18, 2017

IBGM student, Fion CHEUNG Ming Yan, participated in the “Fiji Cultural and Service Trip 2017” organized by the University YMCA from January 7 to 15, 2017.

They organized a series of activities for the villagers, mainly for the kids, with the dual aim of performing service and cultural exchange. Sessions such as storytelling and simple experiments were held for the children. They also taught the villagers to write on red papers and make firecrackers, who in return taught them how to make baskets and fans with coconut leaves.

According to Fion, she learnt a lot more about Fijian culture - from listening to the locals and through living with them. She tasted the fresh pineapple and coconut that were grown by the villagers. The children also taught her how to play local games and parts of the Fijian language such as counting from 1 to 10. It was especially unforgettable to go to the farm and get crops for the farewell dinner. Despite the fierce sun and watery mud, she enjoyed the moment when they collected the ripe chilli and taros on the farm. This was something that could rarely be experienced in Hong Kong.

Inno-PKU Entrepreneurship Camp 2016

January 5, 2017

During the winter break, first-year IBGM student Harris YUEN Wai Hing participated in the “Inno-PKU Entrepreneurship Camp 2016” organized by Chine Vision in Beijing, China, a programme conducted to provide insight towards the field of entrepreneurship with Peking University as a partner.

According to Harris, he gained inspiring perspectives in the course of listening to the successful entrepreneurs, working in a start-up company, and visiting prestigious firms such as Microsoft in Beijing. There was also cultural sightseeing during which he visited famous historical hotspots such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. The magnificent architecture surprised him as it gave him an unforgettable experience to admire the fine crafts from the history of China. He also mentioned that the interaction with top-quality students at Peking University had broadened his horizon. They were open-minded during discussions and put forward unique and insightful viewpoints which enabled him to learn a lot from their learning philosophy.

Harvard Summer Exchange 2016

September 26, 2016

Sharon YU from class of 2016, recently attended the “Negotiation and Organisational Conflict Resolution” programme offered by the Harvard Summer School.  The programme focuses on the principles, strategies and tactics of effective negotiation and conflict resolution.

The negotiation role-play, according to Sharon, was definitely the most memorable learning experience of the course.  In the role-play, participants were each assigned with a specific role in which the needs and financial ability of the individual were clearly stated. Through engaging in a series of debate and applying the negotiation tactics learnt in class, each group would come up with an agreement to the given scenario.  In Sharon’s words, “the interactive classroom activities were not only a unique learning experience, they were also a great opportunity to learn with some of the other bright students from all around the world.”

US Academic Tour

July 15, 2016

Three IBGM freshmen, Christopher LI, Clarence WONG and Kelvin WONG recently joined the US Academic Tour organized by Business Association BEA HKUSU, a 12-day program held in New York and Boston.  Apart from attending firm visits to Time Inc., Bloomberg and the Federal Reserve Bank, participants also had valuable opportunities to engage in a series of cultural activities and visits to renowned institutions including Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

According to Clarence, the most rewarding part of the program was the opportunity to gain insights on the US monetary system during their visit to the Federal Reserve Bank. While Christopher fondly recalls developing new friendships with local people and understanding more about their culture. As for Kelvin, the academic tour was similarly a fruitful and inspiring experience. Interacting with local students from various universities and exploring their learning environment was truly eye-opening for him.

Silk Road and Dunhuang Cultural Exchange Tour

March 28, 2016

Kenneth YUEN, a first-year IBGM student, participated in the Silk Road and Dunhuang Cultural Exchange Tour over the past reading week. Prior to the visit, Kenneth had the chance to gain an understanding of the historical sites through seminars delivered by the Institute of Dunhuang Studies from the Lanzhou University and the Hexi University.

During the tour, participants visited the Bingling Thousand Buddha Caves, the Confucius Temple, and the Jiayuguan Pass. According to Kenneth, “the cultural exchange tour has broadened my horizon on the basis of the historical, cultural, and economic development of China through an unforgettable experience of such an in-depth study of the Silk Road.

Serbia and Kosovo Service Trip

February 18, 2016

During the past winter, two IBGMers Joyce HO and Hazel CHAN participated in the “Cost of Independence” service trip to Serbia and Kosovo organized by the World University Service, HKUB, HKUSU. The journey gave Joyce and Hazel precious opportunities to participate in human rights discussions through various workshops and visits to local NGOs. According to Joyce, her visit to Kosovo 2.0, an independent media engaged with controversial issues in the Kosovo society, was exceptionally eye-opening.  While some media organizations fail to present a just picture of actual happenings, Kosovo 2.0 strives to raise attention on child labor, education deprivation, and LGBT rights.  For Hazel, the most rewarding part of the trip was the chance to explore the two countries with students from culturally diverse backgrounds, an opportunity that enriched her experience by making the trip “much more multi-dimensional and rich in context”.

Fiji Service Trip

February 12, 2016

Over the past winter break, Year 1 IBGMer Philip MAK took part in an eight-day service trip to Fiji organized by Uni-Y HKU.  During his time in Fiji, Philip stayed with a host family in a local village, where he experienced Fijian daily life through activities such as going into the jungle to collect bamboos used for cooking and travelling to a neighboring village by the traditional raft named “bilibili”. In addition to the unique cultural experience, Philip also engaged in various service activities, including wall painting for local kindergartens and organizing a cultural night. He fondly recalls introducing Chinese culture to the local children, who in return taught him Fijian games.  According to Philip, “through cultural exchange, I learnt a lot more about the traditions and cultures of Fiji people.  This is undeniably one of the best memories of my life”.