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In July 2026, the Postgraduate Student Association of The University of Hong Kong (HKU PGSA) entered a new chapter with the establishment of its 34th Executive Committee for the 2026–2027 session. Led by President Xiao Han (Shawn), a PhD candidate in Mechanical Engineering, the new Executive Committee is committed to building an inclusive, connected, and supportive postgraduate community at HKU.

Founded in 1993, HKU PGSA is one of the University’s longest-established postgraduate student organisations. Guided by its motto, “Pursuing Knowledge”, the Association serves the postgraduate community, bridges communication between students and the University, promotes postgraduate welfare, and creates opportunities for academic, professional, social, and cultural development.

 

Looking Back, Moving Forward

The new Executive Committee builds upon the dedication and achievements of previous generations of HKU PGSA members and officers. During the 2025–2026 session, more than 3,300 new members joined HKU PGSA. Throughout the year, PGSA organised more than 100 activities spanning orientation, academic exchange, career development, student welfare, cultural engagement, community service, alumni connection, and inter-university collaboration.

 

The year began with six pre-arrival orientation sessions in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, and Wuhan, welcoming approximately 700 incoming students. After students arrived in Hong Kong, PGSA distributed more than 3,000 welcome packages and organised a series of orientation activities to help newcomers become familiar with HKU and connect with the postgraduate community.

Career and professional development also remained an important focus. More than 60 recruitment and career-development activities were organised during the year, reaching over 6,000 participants across a wide range of industries. PGSA also facilitated 17 academic exchange and recruitment activities involving universities and research institutions beyond Hong Kong.

Representing postgraduate voices remained another important part of our work. More than 700 responses were collected through a student-services survey covering areas such as accommodation, catering, healthcare, and other aspects of postgraduate life. The findings supported subsequent discussions with the Graduate School and CEDARS and helped communicate students’ needs and feedback to the University.

For a more comprehensive overview of the work and achievements of HKU PGSA, please refer to our Annual Report and annual review:

HKU PGSA Annual Report: https://canva.link/0tthl447twby430

 

Highlights from Our Community

High Table Dinner

The High Table Dinner is one of HKU PGSA’s signature events and celebrates a distinctive University tradition that brings postgraduate students together in a formal yet welcoming setting.

On 15 June 2026, more than 330 postgraduate students, alumni, University representatives, and guests gathered at the historic Loke Yew Hall for the 2026 HKU PGSA High Table Dinner. Beyond the formal dinner itself, the event provided an opportunity for students to engage with teachers, alumni, and fellow postgraduates beyond the classroom while experiencing an important part of HKU collegiate tradition. The High Table Dinner also marked an important moment of reflection for students approaching the end of their studies, celebrating both their experiences at HKU and their transition into the wider alumni community.

Read the High Table Dinner recap: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/Dy-4cx5qJ4PQax9KQPrazQ

 

Postgraduate Singing Contest

Music has also become an important platform for connecting postgraduate communities across universities. On 19 April 2026, HKU PGSA and the Hong Kong Chinese Music Research Institute jointly organised the Grand Final and Award Ceremony of the 2026 Postgraduate Singing Contest.

The competition connected postgraduate communities from more than ten universities across Hong Kong, Macao, and Guangdong, extending inter-university cultural engagement across the Greater Bay Area. Following the earlier stages of the competition, 10 finalists advanced to the Grand Final and presented performances across a range of musical styles. More than a competition, the event provided postgraduate students from different universities, disciplines, and backgrounds with an opportunity to connect through a shared interest in music. It demonstrated how cultural activities can complement academic and professional exchange by creating new forms of communication and friendship across institutions.

Read the Singing Contest recap: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/d7Vzzd8rkdjnMESAdZDTrg

 

The Journey Ahead

For the 2026–2027 session, the 34th Executive Committee will continue to strengthen PGSA’s role as a platform connecting postgraduate students with the University, alumni, other universities, professional organisations, and the wider community. Building on the experience of the previous session, we will continue our work across student welfare and representation, academic and career development, cultural and social engagement, inter-university exchange, alumni connection, and community service.

Alongside our established programmes, we look forward to developing new initiatives that respond to the evolving needs of HKU postgraduate students and create more opportunities for students to connect, participate, and grow together.

We warmly welcome both new and continuing postgraduate students to become part of the HKU PGSA community and to help shape the next chapter together.

To receive the latest information about PGSA activities, student benefits, and academic and career opportunities, please follow HKU PGSA on our official social media platforms, including WeChat, RedNote, Instagram, and other channels, and check your HKU email regularly.
Starting from August 2026, students can also access PGSA updates and activity information through HKU SOConnect, a new University platform for student societies and student activities. We encourage students to follow HKU PGSA on SOConnect as an additional official channel for staying informed about our latest events and opportunities.

We look forward to working with the postgraduate community throughout the 2026–2027 session and to creating more opportunities for students to connect, participate, and grow together.

Xiao Han (Shawn)
President, Postgraduate Student Association, Session 2026–2027
PhD Candidate in Mechanical Engineering
The University of Hong Kong

HKU PGSA
Pursuing Knowledge