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In response to the Government's strategic goal of building the ‘Study in Hong Kong’ brand, the Centre of Development and Resources for Students (CEDARS) of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and the Beijing-Hong Kong Academic Exchange Centre Limited (BHAAC) jointly organised a three-day cultural tour to Shenzhen from 8 to 10 January 2025. Funded by the Youth Development Commission, the programme attracted 45 local and international students from 14 countries, with the aim to deepening students‘understanding of the development opportunities in the Greater Bay Area (GBA), promoting cross-cultural exchanges, and enhancing international students’ motivation to stay in Hong Kong after graduation. Participating students hailed from countries including France, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Ethiopia, Armenia, Turkey, Rwanda and Kazakhstan, forming a diverse group of students exploring the GBA.

Exploring the Future Potential of the GBA through Multicultural Interaction
The Shenzhen Cultural Tour served not only as a cultural exploration, but also an opportunity to learn more about the economic and technological development of the GBA. Participants visited a number of iconic organisations and enterprises, including HKU-Shenzhen Hospital, HKU Techno-Entrepreneurship Academy, Shenzhen University, Gankeng Ancient Town, Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Youth Innovation and Entrepreneur Hub, as well as selected technology companies such as EcoFlow, Shenzhen Intellifusion Technologies Co. Ltd. These excursions not only showcased the vitality of Shenzhen as centre of innovation and technology, but also allowed the students to experience the multiculturalism and boundless potential of the GBA.

Aybala Nisa Kesici, a fourth-year undergraduate student from Turkey, said, “The cultural tour gave me a deep understanding of the medical practices and technological developments in Shenzhen. In particular, the visit to the HKU Shenzhen Hospital made me look forward to my future in the region.” Her sharing reflects the high level of interest many international students have in career opportunities in the GBA.

Deepening Cross-cultural Understanding and Promoting Interaction between Local and International Students
A highlight of the programme was the interaction between local and international students. Ariel Yau, a local Year Two undergraduate student, shared, “This trip not only gave us a deeper understanding of Shenzhen's culture and development, but also provided a valuable platform for local and international students to exchange ideas. It was touching to see how we learnt from each other and were inspired by each other's cross-cultural connections,” she said.

The success of this event not only broadened the students' horizons, but also provided a new direction for their future career planning. Many participants expressed that through this journey, they have gained a clearer understanding of the development prospects of the GBA and are confident about staying in Hong Kong or developing their career in the GBA cities after graduation.

Continuing to Promote the ‘Study in Hong Kong’ Brand to Nurture Future Talents
Professor Kelvin Yeung Wai-Kwok, Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Ng Chun-man Professor in Orthopaedic Bioengineering at HKU, pointed out, “The Bay Area study tour programme has achieved the dual value of nurturing people. We highly appreciate the multi-dimensional growth of students through cultural immersion and practical research, which is not only a breakthrough window for cross-cultural awareness, but also an important vehicle for deepening the awareness of the strategic opportunities in the GBA.” He stressed that “CEDARS will continue to launch a series of related projects to deepen the ‘Study in Hong Kong’ brand strategy through the ‘Immersion Classroom’, attracting elite talent from around the world to come to Hong Kong for development, and providing international talent to support the development of the GBA of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao.”

The event provided students with valuable cultural exchange opportunities and insights. CEDARS will continue to promote cross-cultural exchanges and provide students with opportunities to explore Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and Mainland cities through more innovative activities, further enhancing Hong Kong's attractiveness as an international education hub.

For information on upcoming activities organised by CEDARS, please visit: cedars.hku.hk