#1
International Convergence 2006
Introduction
The International Convergence 2006, the first external project hosted in the Association’s 20th anniversary, has proven to be a very auspicious beginning. Under the theme “Our Globe in Focus”, the International Convergence 2006 brought together 70 top students from 27 schools around Hong Kong, who engaged in a comprehensive and interesting study of 7 different countries, culminating in a spectacular final banquet.
The project is a multicultural-experience scheme that aims to promote the understanding of cultural diversity and international cooperation through the learning and understanding of different countries’ unique cultures. The emphasis, however, of the project is “experience”, with the participants not only learning about the history, language and current affairs of their given countries, but also undergoing a unique series of cultural visits and experiences that broadened their understanding of their countries’ culture in a dynamic way. Throughout the scheme, the participants underwent unique cultural experiences, ranging from cooking sessions, to temple/church visits, to dance/music workshops, to interviews with the Consul Generals of the seven countries represented – Germany, India, Israel, Mexico, South Africa, Spain and Thailand. In addition, workshops were held to educate the participants on various topics such as globalisation and international cooperation. The scheme culminated with a closing banquet, in which the participants presented their cultural experiences and conversed with representatives from the various consulates of the countries in Hong Kong.
Following the success of the inaugural International Convergence last year, the 20th Executive Committee further enlarged the scale of the project, increasing the duration to three and a half weeks, the number of participants, the scope of the visits and even the addition of a Movie Appreciation Week, where participants were treated to one of their countries’ famous movies and given an appreciation from a Guest Advisor to the project. In addition, with the projects’ emphasis on cultural exchange, the participants were exposed to many nationals from their given countries, including students from the Li Po Chun United World College of HK, Guest Advisors from cultural associations in Hong Kong, dance instructors, consulate representatives and even the Consul Generals of each of the countries!
It is hoped that through this project, participants gained a deeper understanding of the importance of cultural diversity and global cooperation.
Outline of the Project
Day 1 Workshop Date : 29th October 2006 (Sunday) Venue : Diocesan Boys' School (Lecture Hall) Time : 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Guests : Mr. Paul Urbanski, Head of German Section/ HKU Language Centre Ms. Nimu Dani, Indian Society of Hong Kong Ms. Nona Azimov, Israeli Consulate of Hong Kong Ms. Ernie Yuen, Israeli Consulate of Hong Kong Mrs. Kanokwal Ratana-ubol, Head of Thai Section/ HKU Language Centre Mr. Joseph Molefe, South African Association of Hong Kong Mr. Antonio Sequeros, Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong Ms. Robin Ewing, Language Centre, Baptist Univeristy of Hong Kong
Students from the Li Po Chun United World College of Hong Kong: Ms. Darja Merkina Mr. Jakob Rosegarten Mr. Angad Patheja Ms. Rubianka Kuruvilla Mr. Yam Bloom Mr. Alfonso L Corcuera Wenzel Mr. Naude Du Plessis Ms. Angela Santin Ceballos Ms. Marta Gutierrez Tourino
Day 2 Workshop Date : 4th November 2006 (Saturday) Venue : Queen's College (Hall) Time : 1:00pm - 5:30pm
Guests : Mr. Paul Festa, Department of Anthropology, Chinese University of Hong Kong Mr. Lee Scott, Free-lance Corporate Trainer
Cultural Experience Fortnight (30th October 2006 - 11th November 2006) Each group participated in at least two activities related to the culture of its assigned country. These activities included visits to mosques and temples, local dance sessions and cooking of traditional cuisines. Each group also visited the consulates of its assigned country and interviewed either the Consul or Consul-General. Participants were able to gather first-hand information and acquire insight on the culture and background of their countries.
Movie Appreciation Week (13th November 2006 - 18th November 2006) Participants were provided the chance to watch a movie featuring their particular country’s history and culture with a national of their respective countries. Participants learnt to appreciate the beauty of the art and culture of different countries through a leisurely activity. Since most movies were never shown in Hong Kong, the sessions also exposed participants to a different level of aesthetic understanding.
Cultural Project Week
(13th November 2006 - 18th November 2006) During this week, participants prepared presentations to promote their country’s culture, art and history. These preparations allowed participants to reflect on what they have experienced throughout the project, thus, reinforcing the knowledge they have gained. The presentations took place during the Closing Banquet in front of representatives from consulates and cultural societies.
Banquet Date : 18th November 2006 (Saturday) Venue : Oriental Ballroom, Regal Oriental Hotel Time : 6:30pm - 10:30pm
Guests : Mr. Frank Burbach, Consul General of Germany Ms. Nona Azimov, Account Department Manager of Israeli Consulate Ms. Ernie Yuen, Spokesperson and Head of Public Relations Department of Israeli Consulate Mr. Sergio Aguirre Zamora, Consul for Cultural & Educative Affairs of Mexico Mr. Recado Andrews, Consul for Trade of South Africa Dr. Waramon Waruttama, Consul for Politics and Information of Thailand Mr. Paul Urbanski, HKU Language Centre Mr. Joseph Molefe, South African Association of Hong Kong Mrs. Kanokwal Ratana-Ubol, HKU Language Centre
The International Convergence 2006 has been an immense success.
The Association would like to extend its gratitude to the following organizations and people which have supported the International Convergence 2006 since its inception:
Sponsor: CJR Education Centre
Supporting Consulates in Hong Kong: Mr. Frank Burbach Consul General German Consulate of Hong Kong
Mr. Dan Ben-Eliezer Consul General Israeli Consulate of Hong Kong
Ms. Ernie Yuen Spokesperson and Head of Public Relations Department Israeli Consulate of Hong Kong
Ms. Nona Azimov Account Department Manager Israeli Consulate of Hong Kong
Mr. Mario Leal Campos Consul General Mexican Consulate of Hong Kong
Mr. Sergio Aguirre Zamora Consul for Cultural & Educative Affairs of Mexico Mexican Consulate of Hong Kong
Mr. Camilo Vega Consul General Spanish Consulate of Hong Kong
Mr. Mario George Masher Consul General South African Consulate of Hong Kong
Mr. Recado Andrews Consul for Trade of South Africa South African Consulate of Hong Kong
Dr. Waramon Waruttama Consul for Politics and Information of Thailand Thai Consulate in Hong Kong
Supporting Cultural Societies in Hong Kong: Mr. Paul Urbanski HKU Language Centre
Mrs. Kanokwal Ratana-Ubol HKU Language Centre
Ms. Nisha Jhaveri Sri Shakti Indian Dance Company
Mr. Vijay Harilela India Association
Ms. Nirmala Dani India Association
Mrs. Priya Channa
Mr. Joseph Molefe
South African Association of Hong Kong
Ms. Cristal Vazquez Latin American Association of Hong Kong
Ms. Precious Nathi
Mr. Antonio Sequeros
Spanish Chamber of Commerce
Students from the Li Po Chun United World College of Hong Kong: Ms. Darja Merkina Mr. Angad Patheja Ms. Rubianka Kuruvilla Mr. Yam Bloom Mr. Alfonso L Corcuera Wenzel Mr. Naude Du Plessis Ms. Angela Santin Ceballos Ms. Marta Gutierrez Tourino
Supporting Cultural Sites in Hong Kong:
Ms. Meital Nir United Jewish Congregation Mr. Bawa Singh Dhillon Khalsa Diwan Sikh Temple Mr. Klaus Walter German Speaking Catholic Church in Hong Kong Wat Makthumvanaram Temple
#2
Volunteer Training Scheme 2007
Introduction
The Volunteer Training Scheme provided participants with the opportunity to “actualize their beliefs”, that is, to serve our society through volunteer training and “converge to diversify” through the enhancement of group bonding as well as broadening of vision in the community. The project also provided a valuable opportunity for students to interact with equally able and like-minded students. The Scheme took place from the 18th February 2006 to the 8th April 2006.
Theme
The theme of this year’s project, “To Feel and Heal” contained two key aspects. To “feel” meant to foster empathy for those less fortunate ones showing compassion and respect. Clients with sensory defects, including the blind, the deaf, the disabled and the mentally handicapped, were specifically chosen as the chief focus of this project mainly due to the fact that the difficulties these clients encounter in life are not fully understood by many. The second aspect of the project, to “heal”, referred to participants being encouraged to take action in helping these people.
Outline of the ProjectAmong other things, the scheme offered such novel programs as training workshops, which were held to equip participants with the practical skills and knowledge specifically required to deal with these clients. A Service Experience Week was also included for students who did not have such a broad experience in community service. It is our sincerest hope that through the project, participants did not only learn to help others but also realise their own potentials and access their own strengths and weaknesses through interaction with like-minded students.
Programme Rundown
Orientation Day
Date: 11th February 2007 (Sunday)
Time: 13.45 – 17.45
Venue: Diocesan Boys' School
To Feel: Service Experience Week
Date: 11th February 2007 (Sunday) – 23rd February 2007 (Friday)
Each group will attend one service in order to get familiar with volunteer work
Volunteer Day
Date: 24th February, 2007 (Saturday)
Time: 13.45 - 17.45
Venue: Diocesan Boys' School
Gear Up: Workshops and Service Planning
Date: 24th February 2007(Saturday) – 17th March 2007 (Saturday)
Workshops for groups with particular service targets Group Discussion and Planning of Service Projects
Adventure Day
Date: 3rd March 2007 (Saturday)
Time: 08.00 - 19.00
Venue: Lamma Island HKFYG CampsiteAdventure-Based Counselling
Pledge Ceremony
Date: 17th March 2007 (Saturday)
Time: 13.45 - 17.45
Venue: Queen's College
To Heal: Service Projects
Date: 18th March 2007 (Sunday) - 7th April 2007 (Saturday)
Venue: Supporting NGO Service Centers Service Projects
Walkathon
Date: 1st April 2007(Sunday)
Raising funds for Hong Kong Anti-cancer Society
Closing Ceremony
Date: 8th April 2007 (Sunday)
Time: 13.45 - 18.30
Venue: Diocesan Boys' School
Guests
The Association would like to extend its sincerest gratitude to the following guests for their involvement and contributions to VTS 2007:
Dr. Martin WONG
Winner of the Hong Kong Volunteer Award
Mr. Edwin CHIU
Honorary Treasurer for the Hong Kong Anti-cancer Society
Ms. Iris LEUNG
General Manager, the Hong Kong Anti-cancer Society
Mr. SUNG Li-young
Chairman of the Chinese Speech Sub-committee of the HK Schools Music and Speech Festivals
Mrs. Agnes WONG
Chairperson, Homecare for Girls
Ms. Nancy LAW, JP
Acting Director of the Social Welfare Department, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
#3
Hong Kong Youth Summit 2007
Introduction
The Hong Kong Youth Summit, in its fifth consecutive year and held at HKU, has been once again proved to be a highlight of our calendar. In April, over a hundred young leaders, nominated by their respective schools, gathered to discuss past success and failures, to discuss future policies and developments, and have successfully showed all guests present that this is a generation of innovative and politically conscious minds.
Students were split into the two separate councils – Economic Affairs and Social Affairs – and given the opportunity to review key policies and developments that have taken place in their assigned commissions over the last decade, following which they debated future reforms and how Hong Kong may better use the intricate and continually developing relationship with China to raise herself towards greater heights. The final summit, attended by The Hon. Rita FAN HSU Lai-tai took place on the 21st April, with participants debating resolutions that they had produced followed by a Dinner Banquet at Joseph’s on the Graduate at HKU. The overall theme of the Summit was “Beyond the Decade”, commemorating the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong’s Handover back to China.
Amongst the discussion and debate, various commission seminars by renowned government officials as well as Legislative Councillors were held to further enrich the knowledge of students on various topics of their discussion. Another highlight was the fictional crisis that was introduced towards the end of the Summit and around which the students had to write another resolution to solve.
The Hong Kong Youth Summit 2007 proved to be a valuable opportunity for leaders of the future to step up, to converse with bright minds, to learn from mentors. It is our sincerest wish that through the programme, participants were able to channel inspiration into aspiration, and embrace and solve problems facing society.
Programme Rundown
Orientation Day
Date: 31st March 2007(Saturday)
Time: 13:00 – 18:00
Venue: The University of Hong Kong
Day 1
Date: 1st April 2007 (Sunday)
Time: 09:30 - 17:30
Venue: The University of Hong Kong
Day 2
Date: 7th April 2007 (Saturday)
Time: 09:30 - 17:30
Venue: The University of Hong Kong
Day 3
Date: 14th April 2007 (Saturday)
Time: 09:30 - 17:30
Venue: The University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong Youth Summit
Date: 21st April 2007
Time: 09:30 - 21:30
Venue: The University of Hong Kong
Interviews and Excursions
Another element of the programme was an interview with a specialist from each sector to the students representing that given sector.
Council of Economic Affairs
Small and Middle Enterprises
Dr. David S.Y. KAM
President of the Hong Kong Small and Middle Enterprises Development Association
Date: Wednesday, 4th April 2007 (1030 – 1130)
Foreign Corporations
Mr. Steve MARCOPOTO
President and Managing Director, Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific Inc.
Date: Wednesday 11th April, 2007 (1700 – 1800)
Labourers
The Hon. Mr. LAU Chin-shek, JP
Legislative Councillor and President of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions
Date: Wednesday 18th April, 2007 (1700 – 1800)
Government
Mrs. Helen CHAN
Principal Economist (Macro Analysis)
Date: Tuesday 3rd April, 2007 (1630 – 1730)
Council of Social Affairs
Low Income Families
Ms. Christine FANG Mang-seng, JP
Chief Executive, Hong Kong Council of Social Service & Member of the Commission on Poverty
Date: Wednesday 11th April 2007 (1000 – 1100)
Middle Class
Mr. LAW Kam-hung
Southern District Councillor
Date: Wednesday 11th April, 2007 (1000 – 1100)
Professionals
Dr. the Hon. KWOK Ka-Ki
Legislative Councillor and Representative of Doctors
Date: Thursday 12th April, 2007 (1345 – 1430)
Dr. the Hon. Fernando CHEUNG Chiu-hung
Legislative Councillor and Representative of Social Welfare
Date: Tuesday 3rd April, 2007 (1730 – 1830)
Youth
Dr. Philemon CHOI, SBS, JP
Chairman of the Commission on Youth
Date: Tuesday 10th April 2007 (1630 – 1730)
Government
Mr. Fung Pak-yan
Deputy Director of the Social Welfare Department (Services)
Date: Thursday 12th April, 2007 (0930 – 1030)
Reflecting on the Hong Kong Youth Summit 2007, the Project Chairpersons would like to express their gratitude to all members of the Organising Committee whose dedication made the Youth Summit the success it was. At the same time, the Project Chairpersons would like to thank all participants for their passion and enthusiasm, citing this as one of the primary reasons for the success pf the Hong Kong Youth Summit as a forum for outstanding youths to express themselves.
Last but not least, the Association would like to extend its gratitude to the following organisation and guests for their unwavering support to the Hong Kong Youth Summit 2007:
Mrs. Helen CHAN
Principal Economist (Macro Analysis)
Mr. Freely CHENG
Principal Assistant Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food
Dr. the Hon. Fernando CHEUNG Chiu-hung
Legislative Councillor and Representative of Social Welfare
Dr. Philemon CHOI, SBS, JP
Chairman of the Commission on Youth
The Hon. Mrs. Selina CHOW LIANG Shuk Yee, GBS, JP
Executive Councillor and Legislative Councillor
The Hon. Ms. Audrey EU, SC, JP
Legislative Councillor
The Hon. Mrs. Rita FAN HSU Lai Tai, GBS, JP
President of the Legislative Council
Ms. Christine FANG Mang-seng, JP
Chief Executive, Hong Kong Council of Social Service & Member of the Commission on Poverty
Mr. Fung Pak-yan
Deputy Director of the Social Welfare Department (Services)
Dr. David S.Y. KAM
President of the Hong Kong Small and Middle Enterprises Development Association
Dr. the Hon. KWOK Ka-Ki
Legislative Councillor and Representative of Doctors
Mr. KWOK Kwok Chuen, BBS, JP
Government Economist
The Hon. Mr. LAU Chin-shek, JP
Legislative Councillor and President of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions
Dr. LAW Chi Kwong
Associate Professor at the University of Hong Kong Faculty of Social Sciences
Mr. LAW Kam-hung
Southern District Councillor
The Hon. Mr. Alan LEONG Kah Kit, SC
Legislative Councillor
The Hon. Dr. LEUNG Chi Hung, GBS, JP
Executive Councillor
Mr. Steve MARCOPOTO
President and Managing Director, Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific Inc.
Ms. Emily MOK Fung Yee, JP
President of the Outstanding Young Persons’ Association
The University of Hong Kong
#4
Interflow Camp 2007
Introduction
Celebrating its 20th Anniversary with the theme “Actualize to Believe, Converge to Diversify”, the Hong Kong Outstanding Students’ Association will again be organising our annual summer camp which has a history of more than a decade. The camp is titled Interflow Camp 2007, which will be open to all Hong Kong students from Secondary 3 to Secondary 5.
Theme
This theme of this year’s Interflow Camp is “Starring Teen Power”. Our goal is to help teenagers discover and develop their distinctive talents. Teenagers would be encouraged to reach beyond their limits and understand the important role they play in the society. The camp will be based on a scenario related to the film industry where participants will take up roles that require a huge amount of creativity and talents.
Target Group
100 F.3 to F.5 Students from all local secondary schools and international schools
Programme Rundown
Orientation Day
Date : 8th July 2007 (Sunday)
Venue : Queen's College
Time : 1:30pm - 5:35pm
Interflow Camp
Date : 30th July - 1st August 2007 (Monday - Wednesday)
Venue : HKFYG Jockey Club Sai Kung Outdoor Training Camp