The beginning of a new year is the time for celebration and reconnection. With the support and guidance from the Student Affairs Office, 8 Non-local Student Associations from the Chinese mainland, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, South Asian countries, Taiwan and Global Student Ambassadors had joined hands to give a new meaning to the Spring Festival in 2021 by working together to present the Global New Year Gala on virtual platforms.
The Gala was held on 26 February 2021, aiming to bring all PolyU students from around the world to join the PolyU family reunion to share their festive buzz at the Lantern Festival in the Year of the Ox. It provided a memorable occasion for students to interact with friends and classmates from different countries/regions online.
Prof. Ben Young, Vice President (Student and International Affairs), echoing the Gala theme of “Brave New Hope”, gave an opening speech to instil positivity and energy to both participants and organisers at the opening ceremony. “The Gala provides a chance for students to celebrate cultural diversity, and at the same time reconnects peers to discover new opportunities in the new normal under the pandemic,” Prof. Young remarked. With a rich array of online cultural workshops, traditional handicraft demonstrations, games, variety shows and instant interactions, the Gala was well received by around 100 student participants.
Student organisers and participants gave encouraging feedback to this first-ever online cultural event. A participant said “It’s interesting to have students from all around the world gathering in one zoom meeting and sharing. The atmosphere is fun and interactive.” “I not only got insights about different cultures but also my own culture.” said one of the student organisers.
