Opera Show La Bohème Presented by ENGL Draws Full House

The Opera Show La Bohème, presented by the Department of English and Communication, was successfully conducted on 28 November. The event drew a large audience, resulting in a full house of enthusiastic opera lovers and supporters of the Department. La Bohème is an intimate dramatic adaptation of Giacomo Puccini’s classic opera. Reduced to the four principal roles, this new version is designed to focus on the emotional ties between the two couples. It debuted in April 2024 in a run of special performances on Hong Kong’s iconic Star Ferry in a new production developed for The Peninsula Hong Kong and Dante Alighieri Society to commemorate the Puccini centenary. La Bohème is part of a larger programme of opera awareness developed together with Dr Warren Mok, Honorary Professor in ENGL, for the PolyU community. This programme includes opera performances, talks, and master classes.

PolyU Mandarin Debate Team Has Secured First Runner-up in the 2024 Inter-collegiate Mandarin Debate Competition

The PolyU Mandarin Debate Team (PolyU MDT) recently excelled in the 2024 Inter-collegiate Mandarin Debate Competition organized by RTHK's Putonghua Channel, gaining the first runner-up. With outstanding debating skills and resilient spirit, PolyU MDT showcased their brilliance across four matches. PolyU MDT defeated the debate teams from Lingnan University and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in group matches, and then City University of Hong Kong in semi-final, successfully advancing to the final. LIU Haopeng was named the Best Debater in the first match. The final took place on 16 November 2024 (Sat), with the debate topic "Is choosing a lifestyle consistent with the majority an easier life path?" PolyU MDT was the affirmative side, while the debate team from the University of Hong Kong was the opposition. Both sides engaged in a fierce battle, with PolyU MDT ultimately finishing as the first runner-up with a score of 1:2. PolyU MDT earned this honour through excellent team performance and cooperation. The Faculty of Humanities highly commended their achievement and will continue to support and encourage students to showcase their talents and strengths. PolyU MDT Debaters: Gao Yuanlong Shi Tingwei Shi Biyu Liu Haopeng Chiu Yi-hsuan Xiao Jing Liu Yanqi Ni Zixun Li Shanshan Liu Qianli (in order of participation and appearance)

Dr Leung Wai-mun on Tea and Wine Culture and Related Economy in Song Dynasty

Tea and wine have always been important cultural symbols in the history of China. Dr Leung Wai-mun, Associate Professor in the Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies, talked about the culture of wine and tea and related economy in the Song Dynasty in a local press. Click HERE to read more.

Faculty Dean Prof. Li Ping on Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development

Our Faculty Dean and Sin Wai Kin Foundation Professor in Humanities and Technology, Prof. Li Ping, discussed the Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development in an interview with Wen Wei Po. Prof. Li suggested that the Government establish a fund to encourage creative bodies from the Mainland and overseas to visit the city and collaborate with local academic institutions, thereby advancing the development of arts, culture, and creative industries, as well as facilitating the preservation and promotion of Chinese culture.

PolyU and Jiangsu Normal University Organise “The Language and Literary Arts Workshops” to Celebrate the Beauty of Chinese Culture

The Faculty of Humanities of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the School of Language Science and Arts at Jiangsu Normal University jointly organised “The Language and Literary Arts Workshops” at PolyU from 18 to 21 November, which attracted more than 100 PolyU students, staff, and general public to explore the richness of the Chinese culture and the language and literary arts. Led by Jiangsu Normal University, the workshops include: “Chinese Characters and Calligraphy Art” - Under the guidance of Prof. Wang Ji'an, a renowned Chinese calligrapher, participants learned about the meaning and historical background of calligraphy and practised it; “Appreciation and Recitation of Outstanding Chinese Poetry and Prose” – participants appreciated and recited outstanding Chinese poems and prose, immersing themselves in the lyrical beauty of classical works; “Interactive Drama Script Performance” - Participants experienced the poetry and creative scenes of five poets: Li Bai, Wang Wei, Du Fu, Gao Shi, and Meng Haoran, and explored the rich narratives and cultural significance of the poems through their creative performances; “Sign Language Poetry Recitation and Hanfu Physical Art Experience” - participants were given a demonstration of sign language poetry and learned some sign language, and experienced the art of Hanfu. They were introduced to the Hanfu and etiquette of different dynasties, appreciating the beauty of Chinese culture. The workshops not only promoted the richness of Chinese culture, but also brought together and facilitated the exchange of PolyU students and staff who share the same passion for language and literacy arts.

Opening Ceremony of the PolyU Chinese Culture Festival: “Chinese Culture and its Modernisation: Yan Fu’s Legacy”

Preceded by a flag-raising ceremony to celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) as a university, the opening ceremony of the Chinese Culture Festival’s signature event “Chinese Culture and its Modernisation: Yan Fu’s Legacy” international forum, exhibition and public lectures was held on campus today. The event attracted more than a thousand PolyU members, political and business leaders and distinguished guests from various sectors. The“Chinese Culture and its Modernisation: Yan Fu’s Legacy” eventwas led by PolyU and co-organised by the Fujian Yan Fu Academic Research Association, Fujian Chuanzheng Culture Management Committee, and Fujian Culture and Economy Exchange Center. Distinguished guests at the opening ceremony included  Mr Fang Jianming, Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR; Mr Sze Chun-fai, Under Secretary for Education of the HKSAR; Dr Lam Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU; Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, President of PolyU; Prof. Ben Young, Chairman of the PolyU Chinese Culture Festival and Vice President (Student and Global Affairs) of PolyU; Prof. Li Ping, Vice Chairman of the PolyU Chinese Culture Festival and Dean of the Faculty of Humanities; Mr Huang Ping, Executive Vice President of theFujian Yan Fu Academic Research Association; Prof. Wang Gangfeng, representative of the Fujian Chuanzheng Culture Management Committee. The event highlighted the contributions of Mr Yan Fu, known as the first Chinese scholar to introduce Western ideas to China, in advancing enlightenment education and the integration of Chinese and Western cultures in modern Chinese history, with the aim of promoting Chinese cultural excellence and fostering patriotism and innovation among students. In his opening remarks, Dr Lam Tai-fai said, “General Secretary Xi Jinping has stated that culture is a vital force for the survival and development of a nation. The magnificent Chinese traditional culture has become deeply embedded in the genetic makeup of the Nation, shaping the thoughts and behaviours of the Chinese people. At PolyU, we are committed to promoting Chinese culture with the aim of nurturing students who possess a strong sense of national pride, talent and integrity, and passion for the country and the Nation. As an international metropolis that blends Chinese and Western cultures, Hong Kong not only embraces Western influences but also carries forward rich Chinese traditions. Mr Yan Fu’s legacy inspires us to preserve traditional Chinese culture while drawing on the wisdom from all cultures to pursue continuous innovation, contributing to national prosperity and progress.” Mr Huang Ping said, “This event aims to explore the impact of Mr Yan Fu’s thoughts on the modernisation of Chinese culture through a rich and comprehensive exhibition of his life and achievements. It seeks to deepen the younger generation’s understanding of Chinese culture while strengthening their sense of national identity and pride.” Mr Yan Fu, one of the most influential enlightenment thinkers, translators, and educators of the late Qing dynasty, was among China’s first modern intellectuals to explore the world beyond its borders. This event aims to celebrate Mr Yan Fu’s spirit of “patriotism, innovation, courage to challenge norms, perseverance, and resilience”, inspiring university students to break traditional boundaries. Activities took place today and will continue until 12 December. One of the highlights, the international forum onChinese Culture and its Modernisation: Yan Fu’s Legacyfeatured 23 renowned scholars and experts from 18institutions across Hong Kong, Mainland China and overseas, including from Heidelberg University in Germany, Institut National des Langues et Civilisations Orientales in France, Kansai University and Niigata University of International and Information Studies in Japan, and Tsinghua University, Peking University, Beijing Normal University, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Fudan University, Nanjing University, Xiamen University and Fujian Normal University in China. They engaged in in-depth discussions on the contemporary value of Mr Yan Fu’s patriotic ideas in building Chinese cultural identity. An exhibition at the PolyU Jockey Club Innovation Tower showcases Mr Yan Fu’s works, documents, photographs and life achievements, and explores his influence on modern China’s spirit of self-reliance and reform. The exhibition features interactive multimedia displays, blending contemporary art, audiovisuals, documentaries and AI virtual technology, enabling participants to engage in conversations with a virtual Mr Yan Fu to better understand his ideas. PolyU will also host three academic lectures by university experts from Mainland China and Taiwan, exploring Mr Yan Fu’s influence on modern China. Other activities include guided exhibition tours and a calligraphy workshop inspired by Mr Yan Fu’s writing, led by PolyU students, to encourage interactive learning and stimulate discussion. Since the launch of the PolyU Chinese Culture Festival in March, the University has showcased many aspects of the richness and diversity of Chinese culture through various artistic themes and activities. These have includedChinese traditional porcelain, embroidery, indigo dyeing, Chinese music and recitations of Chinese classics. Invited scholars, experts and artists have demonstrated the value and beauty of Chinese culture through exhibitions, lectures and workshops. The Festival has united staff, students, alumni and friends of PolyU,providing everyone with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the Nation’s profound and rich history and culture and so cultivate a deeper appreciation of its value.

PolyU Chinese Culture Festival “The Mainland-Hong Kong-Macau University Students’ Chinese Classics Recital Show 2024” Successfully Held

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is dedicated to promoting the rich traditions of Chinese culture. On 16 November 2024, PolyU successfully hosted “The Mainland-Hong Kong-Macau University Students” Chinese Classics Recital Show 2024” at the Chiang Chen Studio Theatre. Over 40 university students from Hong Kong, Macau and Mainland China participated in reciting classic works from various eras to showcase the diversity and charm of Chinese culture. The show aimed to enhance the younger generation’s appreciation of Chinese culture and promote the art of recitation in Chinese heritage. This Show, part of the year-long “PolyU Chinese Culture Festival”, was co-organised by PolyU, the Jiangsu Normal University, and the University of Macau, with The Tertiary Putonghua Recitation Society as a collaborator. It was also supported by the “Ten Thousand People’s Scheme” provided by the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China. The event was launched by Prof. Kwok-yin WONG, Vice President (Education) of PolyU; Prof. YANG Yiming, Chairperson of the Academic Committee of the Jiangsu Normal University and Chairperson of the State Language Promotion Institute; Prof. XU Jie, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities of the University of Macau; Prof. LI Ping, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities of PolyU; and other distinguished guests. In his welcoming address, Prof. Kwok-yin Wong said, “PolyU is committed to promoting the rich traditions of Chinese culture, bringing together outstanding scholars, and nurturing a diverse range of talents to contribute to Hong Kong and serve the Nation. Last year, PolyU established the Research Centre for Chinese History and Culture to facilitate promotion of Chinese history and cultural education on campus. Through this Recital Show, PolyU has collaborated with the Jiangsu Normal University, the University of Macau, and The Hong Kong Tertiary Putonghua Recitation Society to unite teachers, students, alumni and friends, providing everyone with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the exceptional Chinese arts and the profound history and culture of China.” PolyU also invited faculty and students from the Jiangsu Normal University to host the Language and Literary Arts Workshops, allowing participants to experience Chinese culture related to language and literary, including classic poetry, drama, sign language, Hanfu and calligraphy. The Recital Show is also celebrated by Mainland media. Click HERE to read the article. For the latest information about PolyU Chinese Culture Festival, please visit: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/tc/cpeo/chinese-culture-festival/

Dr Emmanuele Chersoni Receives Best Paper Award at BlackboxNLP 2024

Dr Emmanuele Chersoni, Assistant Professor in the Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies, has won the Best Paper Award at the BlackboxNLP 2024 Conference held in Miami on 15 November 2024. The award-winning paper, titled “Log Probabilities Are a Reliable Estimate of Semantic Plausibility in Base and Instruction-Tuned Language Models,” was co-authored by Dr Chersoni along with Dr Carina Kauf and Dr Evelina Fedorenko from MIT, Prof. Alessandro Lenci from the University of Pisa, and Dr Anna Ivanova from Georgia Tech. Click HERE to read the full article. The Blackbox NLP is an important international workshop on analysing and interpreting neural networks for natural language processing.

Dr Elaine Kwong on Diet for Dysphagic Patients and Promotion of Gerontechnology

Dr Elaine Kwong, Associate Professor in the Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies, was featured on the local TV programme News Magazine. Dr Kwong discussed the implementation of a standardised diet modification framework for dysphagic patients and the promotion gerontechnology in Hong Kong. Click (Part I) and (Part II) to watch the videos.

30th Congregation of the Faculty of Humanities

Congratulations to the Class of 2024! The 30th Congregation (FH) has been successfully concluded on 9 November 2024. It was kicked off with opening remarks from the Faculty Dean Prof. Li Ping. This year, we were honoured to have three Guests of Honour delivering the congratulatory address: Mr Chen Qiufan, Adjunct Professor of the Department of Chinese History and Culture at PolyU and Deputy Director of the Science Fiction Literature Committee of the China Writers Association, in the first session; Mr Phil Woo Pak Fai, Co-founder of allcareAI and Recipient of the Outstanding Alumni Award in Entrepreneurial Achievement of PolyU Faculty of Humanities 2024, in the second session; and Dr Louis Ng, Director of Hong Kong Palace Museum, in the third session. A total of 872 students graduated this year, including 704 students receiving postgraduate degrees and 168 students receiving bachelor’s degrees. Awards and certificates were presented to students and Faculty members for their outstanding achievements and services. Once again, we wish all graduates a bright future ahead and every success in their future endeavours!