Young people should seek mentors and chart their life paths early, said Professor Jin-Guang Teng, President of PolyU, in an interview with The Mirror monthly, which explored topics ranging from nurturing the youth to fostering research and innovation.

Professor Teng said that PolyU has launched various mentorship programmes to help students better understand industrial and career-related developments, as well as to familiarise them with different cultures. The University aims to provide all undergraduates with exchange opportunities by 2028 to expand their horizons and global outlook.

He encouraged local students to spend time visiting the mainland and understanding the historical and cultural contexts of the country’s development, which would help them tremendously in developing their future careers in the Greater Bay Area.

Furthermore, Professor Teng suggested that students from the mainland should make efforts to explore Hong Kong and learn about the local customs, environment and culture, which encompass some of the essence of Chinese culture and traditions.

In the interview (part 1 and part 2), Professor Teng also shared his affection for PolyU and his thoughts about social issues like housing and elderly care.