Young students from 23 countries gathered at HKUST(GZ) to build a bridge of communication and friendship during the PLACE summer camp
On July 26th, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) kicked off the grand opening of the Playshop for Language and Cultural Exchange (PLACE) summer camp. This marks the largest international summer camp hosted by HKUST(GZ) since its inception, bringing together nearly 300 outstanding students from both local and international backgrounds. Among them are students from a diverse array of countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Kazakhstan, and South Africa, totaling 22 nations. With the opening ceremony as the starting point, the students will embark on a three-week journey of language and cultural exchange.
Professor Lionel Ni, the President of HKUST(GZ), delivered a welcoming address at the opening ceremony. He extended a warm welcome to students from both domestic and international backgrounds and provided insights into the founding background, developmental journey, and vision of HKUST(GZ). President Ni emphasized that HKUST(GZ) primarily uses English as its language of instruction, underscoring its dedication to internationalization. With faculty and staff members hailing from 25 countries, the university continues its efforts to recruit top talents worldwide to foster a diverse teaching community.
President Ni stressed the vital importance of cultivating A-HERO talents in the era of artificial intelligence. A-HERO talents are individuals who possess high-order thinking skills, ethical mindfulness, resilience, and openness. He pointed out that the PLACE summer camp, through its multidisciplinary activities and experiential learning approach, helps participants grasp cutting-edge technologies, immerse themselves in the local culture of Lingnan, delve into Chinese traditional heritage, and foster cultural exchange between East and West. This endeavor holds significant value in nurturing individuals with a global outlook and cross-cultural competencies.
In addition, student representatives Miles Towne (USA), Tara Seliner (Switzerland), and Daoyuan Guo (China) delivered speeches.
Following this, to foster mutual understanding and communication among the campers, the opening ceremony included a "Passing the Red Birdie" activity. Accompanied by lively drumbeats, the popular mascot of HKUST(GZ) known as Red Birdie was passed around. The campers engaged in witty Q&A sessions and showcased their talents, eliciting laughter and applause, thereby bridging the gap between them.
Immediately after, the event reached its most thrilling moment. Distinguished guests and student representatives took to the stage together to drum in unison, celebrating the official commencement of the PLACE summer camp.
Following that, the Guangdong Province Intangible Cultural Heritage — the Nansha Kirin Dance — made a stunning appearance. The majestic Nansha Kirin, with its unique artistic charm and profound cultural significance, not only brought a breathtaking visual and auditory experience to the audience but also infused the PLACE summer camp with good wishes. As guests from all walks of life and all campers gathered for a group photo, the opening ceremony of the PLACE summer camp came to a perfect conclusion.
Following the conclusion of the opening ceremony, the PLACE summer camp arranged a distinctive campus ice-breaking activity. Campers were divided into groups and equipped with task booklets and stamp cards, initiating a campus-wide "treasure hunt expedition." Roaming through different areas of the campus, they undertook tasks, collected stamps, swiftly familiarizing themselves with the campus surroundings, and deepening camaraderie and understanding amongst each other through interactive participation.
For a significant period, HKUST(GZ) has been committed to exploring and implementing innovative educational approaches, with the PLACE summer camp serving as a vibrant embodiment of this ethos. Over the upcoming three weeks, campers will be immersed in a rich tapestry of learning and experiential activities. They will not only have the chance to delve into the unique cultural essence and technological innovation ambiance of the Greater Bay Area encompassing Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao but will also continuously elevate themselves through integrated disciplinary learning and collaborative projects. Embracing a global outlook, they will enhance their cross-cultural communication skills, fostering personal growth and a broader perspective.
Since its establishment, HKUST(GZ) has actively promoted international exchanges and collaborations in higher education. This year, President Ni has led delegations to visit prestigious universities in Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, France, South Korea, and Japan, engaging in in-depth discussions and fostering relationships with these high-caliber institutions. These efforts aim to establish a network of friends for HKUST(GZ) in Europe and East Asia, facilitating bidirectional exchanges of knowledge and talent.
