Research Postgraduate Student Orientation 2022

The Graduate School (GS) held a physical orientation on 13 October 2022 to provide essential information to new research postgraduate students with greetings. Around 230 students and staff attended the event. Topics covered learning development and opportunities, research study milestones and other university support. As highlighted, an outstanding research alumnus was invited as a guest speaker.

An insightful opening speech was delivered by the President, Professor Jin-Guang Teng. Attendees were excited to learn his personal story of joining the University in 1994, PolyU’s history, continuous improvements in world rankings, the latest research focus, as well as major societal contributions.

Following this, Professor Christopher Chao, the Vice President (Research and Innovation), advised students to shape their paths towards bright futures by utilising the support of seasoned supervisors and advanced research facilities.

Dr Goman Ho, PolyU’s first PhD graduate in the Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, and the first Chinese structural engineer awarded the Arup Fellow worldwide, encouraged students to seek personal growth in research studies and exceed their limits.

Professor Jiannong Cao, the Dean of GS, and Professor Louise Cummings, the Associate Dean of GS, later guided students through developmental opportunities and study milestones. Dr Linda Lin from the English Language Centre was invited to explain the available courses provided by the centre. More, Mr Newman Cheung from the Student Affairs Office talked about psychological wellness, along with counselling services and emergency support.

The orientation ended after an overview of the Joint PhD and Collaborative PhD Training Programmes by Professor Cummings, for global outlook development.

Not only did the event enable a better understanding of research studies, but also inspired new students.