RS 45^th Anniversary Gala Dinner

This year the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences (RS) marks its 45th anniversary since its establishment in 1978. On 4 December 2023, nearly 350 esteemed guests, including government officials, PolyU senior management, collaborators, amities from various PolyU departments, as well as RS alumni, staff, and students have gathered at Hotel ICON for the culmination of a year-long series of celebratory events of RS 45th anniversary—the RS 45th Anniversary Gala Dinner.

The event was graced by distinguished guests including Prof. Jin-Guang Teng (President, PolyU), Mr Chris Sun (Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Labour and Welfare Bureau), and Prof. Hector Tsang (Chair Professor and Head of RS, Interim Director of MHRC), who delivered speeches commending RS for its dedication and outstanding accomplishments over the past 45 years.

The evening commenced with a kick-off ceremony, symbolizing our shining wishes for the practitioners and stakeholders of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy to join hands and contribute to the allied health fields. Honorable guests, including Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, Mr Chris Sun, Dr Miranda Lou (Executive Vice President, PolyU), Dr Katherine Ngan (Court Chairman, PolyU), Ms Vega Wong (Commissioner for Rehabilitation Labour and Welfare Bureau), Dr Loretta Yam (Chairman, Departmental Advisory Committee, RS, PolyU), Dr David Mong (Chairmen and Group CEO, Shun Hing Group), Dr Cissy Choi (Assistant Commissioner for Primary Healthcare 1, Primary Healthcare Office, Health Bureau), Prof. David Shum (Yeung Tsang Wing Yee and Tsang Wing Hing Professor in Neuropsychology, Chair Professor of Neuropsychology and Dean of Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, PolyU) and Prof. Hector Tsang, participated in this symbolic ceremony. It thus came with a birthday cake cutting ceremony and a toast to mark the beginning of the dinner. To give an astonishing start of the dinner, renowned celebrity Miss Gin Lee graced the stage, captivating the audience with her moving voice and appealing songs.

The programme continued with impressive musical and dance performances by RS students and alumni, who were also the participants of RS’s Got Talent 2023, and then followed by an alumna sharing session led by our departmental Outstanding Alumni Awardee 2023 Ms Ada Yu (Founder and CEO, OK CARE Limited). These performances and presentation showcased the success of RS in nurturing all-rounded individuals.

The dinner reached its climax with an attractive singing performance on stage, featuring the renowned celebrity Mr King Lam, who are also an RS alumnus. Prof. Hector Tsang and the VIPs then joined the team to sing classical songs in the 1980s, bringing resonance of past memory among the alumni. The music was not only entertaining but has also sparked a singing fever among all guests, staff, and students.

At the end of the event, Prof. Hector Tsang delivered the closing remarks and expressed his gratitude to the PolyU senior management team and collaborators for their unwavering support to RS. He also conveyed his best wishes to RS, bringing the event to a perfect close.