PolyU launches Outstanding Student Academy to inspire future leaders

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to promoting holistic education and nurturing all-round future leaders. To motivate students to thrive in both their academic and non-academic pursuits, PolyU established The Outstanding Student Academy (The Academy) in the 2024/25 academic year. The Academy brings together previous winners of the annual “Outstanding Students Award” and “Presidential Student Leadership Award,” who have demonstrated academic excellence, strong leadership abilities and a commitment to serving society, while also fostering connections within the University community. The inauguration ceremony of The Academy was held on campus today.

Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; Prof. Miranda LOU, Executive Vice President; Prof. Kwok-yin WONG, Vice President (Education); and Prof. Ben YOUNG, Vice President (Student and Global Affairs), along with other members of the PolyU management team, faculty/school deans, heads of departments, guests and students gathered to witness this significant moment.

Prof. Ben Young outlined the significance and prospects of The Academy in his welcoming remarks and said, “The Academy is a dynamic platform designed to cultivate future leaders who will navigate the complexities of our world with integrity and ingenuity, an innovative mindset, and a strong sense of social responsibility. It will provide a wealth of resources, guidance and mentorship for its members to explore their talents and aspirations. The Academy is a testament to PolyU’s belief that every student possesses the potential to make meaningful impact—not only at PolyU but also in Hong Kong, our Nation and beyond, and the University will support them every step of the way.”

The Academy aims to harness the talents of exceptional students. Its four core objectives are to foster leaders, inspire through interaction, strengthen network ties and cultivate sustainable connections, with a view to supporting students’ academic journey and future development. Currently, The Academy has around 100 members, including the Executive Committee (ExCo) comprising 15 outstanding students from different schools and departments, as well as the past awarded students of the “Outstanding Student Awards” and the “Presidential Student Leadership Award.”

At the Ceremony, Prof. Jin-Guang Teng presented an Academy Lapel Pin to the ExCo members in recognition of their distinguished achievements in academic pursuits, community service and leadership, while also encouraging them to continue their efforts. An engaging video then introduced guests to the objectives, vision and mission of The Academy. ExCo member GE Yufei, a Year 4 student from the Faculty of Science, gave a captivating Guzheng performance, contributing to the upbeat mood of the event. Finally, the ExCo President WANG Yanze, recipient of the President’s Distinguished Student Leadership Award 2023 and a Year 3 student from the Faculty of Engineering, delivered a heartfelt expression of gratitude to the University, bringing the Ceremony to a successful conclusion.

The Academy has already hosted a number of impactful events, including the Unity in Diversity Bamboo Workshop, a Green Promotion initiative on Campus focusing on energy and water conservation, and various workshops and visits related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and environmental sustainability. Looking ahead to the rest of 2025, The Academy is set to expand its outreach into the PolyU community by hosting the High Table Dinner cum Dean of Students Talk Series as well as workshops and training sessions on leadership, sustainability and design thinking. There will also be an overseas trip to further cultivate members’ global perspectives and sense of social responsibility.

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