Service-Learning Student Photographer – Mr Andy Siu
“Opportunity to engage with visitors from around the world…”
From the campus at Shatin to the Central Waterfront, seven student groups from HSUHK embarked on a Service-Learning journey by hosting an Exhibition at the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival 2023. The event took place from October 26 to October 29, 2023. This initiative was made possible with the support of Service-Learning module instructors, Dr. Victor Chan, Assistant Professor of the Department of Social Science, HSUHK and Mr. Chan Chau, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Social Science, HSUHK, also the community partner, Japanese Sake Culture Promotion Association (JSCPA).
This Service-Learning module provided the participating students with valuable cultural insights and industrial exposure. By engaging with the visitors, the students were able to share their knowledge about Japanese ancient literature and the significance of sake in Japanese literary traditions, which they had learned in the class “ASI4008 Understanding Japanese Identity through Literature.”
Prof TAM Kwok Kan, Chair Professor and Dean of School of Humanities and Social Science, was thankful for seeing the students at the fest. He enjoyed very much listening to the students’ explanation on the relation between Japanese identity and wine. “I have read the collection of Japanese poetry when I was a graduate student studying Japanese literature and language. The visit to the exhibition gave me an opportunity to refresh my memory and love of Japanese literature,” he added. Prof Tam’s encouragement further motivated the students.
Student groups introduced their projects to Prof Tam and visitors.
Prof Tam and with Service-Learning module instructors and students.
Kick-off Ceremony in Japan Zone of the fest
The event kicked off with a ceremony officiated by Mr. OKADA Kenichi, Consul-General (Ambassador) of the Consulate-General of Japan in Hong Kong, Dr. Tom Fong, Vice-President (Organisational Development), HSUHK, and Mr. Victor Lui, the chair of JSCPA. The highlight of the ceremony was the Kagami-biraki, a traditional ritual where the lid of the sake barrel was broken open by a wooden mallet, and everyone was served with sake.
We are confident that the knowledge and cultural experience gained from this Service-Learning project will greatly benefit our aspiring young individuals in their future endeavors.
Dr Fong and Mr Liu with Service-Learning module instructors and students.
Mr OKADA Kenichi and guests were at the kick-off ceremony. And Dr Fong was giving a speech.
At the Kagami-biraki, a traditional Janpanese ceremony, the sake was distributed to all guests to share the good fortune of the cask opening.