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Joyous Celebration at the HKU Postgraduate Student Ambassadors Inauguration cum Appreciation Ceremony
2024/25 postgraduate student ambassadors celebrating at the HKU Postgraduate Student Ambassadors Inauguration cum Appreciation Ceremony.
Over 90 Wellness and Publicity Ambassadors came together for a joyous gathering at the HKU Postgraduate Student Ambassadors Inauguration cum Appreciation Ceremony on October 29, 2024. The ceremony gave due recognition to our student ambassadors for their dedicated support over the past year, and also marked a fresh start for the Ambassador Programme in 2024/25. This year, the pool of student ambassadors has expanded to include around 80 Wellness Ambassadors and 60 Publicity Ambassadors. Professor Max Shen, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) and Dean of the Graduate School, extended his gratitude to all student ambassadors, encouraging students to work together in building a supportive RPg community.
The research journey, like a rollercoaster ride, is filled with excitement but also challenges. Dr Melody Xu, Senior Professional Practitioner from the Department of Psychology, enlightened participants on incorporating mindfulness practices into everyday life to alleviate stress. We were also honoured to have Professor Samson Tse, Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Paul Yip, Director of the HKJC Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention (CSRP), and Dr Nimisha Vandan, Co-founder and Director of OKayMinds, to offer wellness advice to students. Professor Tse introduced a fresh perspective to ‘PhD—P for Peers, H for Help, D for Diversity’, advocating for peers support. Professor Yip reminded students about the importance of reaching out for assistance and support. “It’s okay not to be okay… seeking help is a sign of strength”, he said. Dr Vandan introduced her new painting and stress management workshop, a therapeutic art session that provides an outlet for students to express their feelings and emotions. Participants further heard from our Wellness Ambassador representative, Miss Molly Ningyuan Wang, and Publicity Ambassador representative, Miss Vinci Ying Jia Cheung, on their enriching experience and valuable takeaways from the Postgraduate Ambassador Programme in the past year.
The theme of our Future-Ready Series: RPg Wellness Initiative this year is ‘Breathe 心呼吸’. The Graduate School is dedicated to supporting students in effectively managing stress and achieving a balanced life to navigate through various challenges. In collaboration with our partnering units across the University—including the Centre of Development and Resources for Students (CEDARS), the Centre on Behavioral Health, CSRP, and JC PandA—and also external bodies OkayMinds and Shinrin Yoku Hong Kong, a diverse range of training and wellness activities have been scheduled. Professor Cecilia Cheng, Associate Dean (Personal Development) of the Graduate School, stressed the importance of holistic well-being and urged students to actively engage with the RPg community for a more fulfilling experience at HKU.
To recognise the exceptional contribution of the Wellness Ambassadors, who have enthusiastically engaged in the Graduate School’s wellness activities and promoted wellness in 2023/24, Professor Shen presented certificates and our customised Graduate School wellness teddy bears to recipients of the “Active Engagement Award”. The ceremony ended on a joyful note with the official appointment of the 2024/25 Wellness Ambassadors and Publicity Ambassadors from across all ten faculties.
For further information about the Postgraduate Student Ambassador Programme, please visit https://gradsch.hku.hk/current_students/postgraduate-student-ambassadors. To learn more about the Future-Ready Series: RPg Wellness Initiative, please visit https://gradsch.hku.hk/current_students/mental_wellness/wellness-initiatives.
It’s ok to feel vulnerable. We are here to accompany you.
Ka Lun Lee
Faculty of Education
To seek, to seed. To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.
Qingyang Li
Faculty of Engineering
We all have moments of vulnerability. Strength isn’t about being resilient all the time. It’s okay to feel uncertain, to pause, to embrace softness, hesitation, and all. You’re not alone.
Yinjia He
Faculty of Social Sciences
It's okay to not be okay. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength.
Jiusi Guo
Faculty of Dentistry
Keep going, stay positive, and believe in yourself.
Yiyang Liu
Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine
Life is a journey with ups and downs. Embrace your changes and work towards a healthier self—each step counts in building resilience and well-being.
Roujia Chen
Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine
Professor Max Shen (fifth from left) and 2023/24 Active Engagement Award recipients.
Professor Max Shen (first from left, back row) and Professor Cecilia Cheng (first from right, back row) appointing 2024/25 postgraduate student ambassadors.
Postgraduate student ambassadors.
Mindfulness sharing by Dr Melody Xu, Senior Professional Practitioner, Department of Psychology.
Professor Samson Tse, Dean of Student Affairs, advocating for peers support.
Professor Paul Yip, Director, HKJC Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, offering wellness advice to students.
Dr Nimisha Vandan, Co-founder and Director, OKayMinds, introducing a brand new wellness workshop under the RPg Wellness Initiative.
Wellness Ambassador representative, Miss Molly Wang (first from left), and Publicity Ambassador representative, Miss Vinci Cheung (second from left), sharing their experience and takeaways from the Student Ambassador Programme.