As the academic year comes to a close, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of the International Cultural Ambassador (ICA) Scheme. This year, 26 ambassadors from seven countries and regions, including Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Philippines, South Korea, Thailand and Hong Kong, joined this dynamic program. Not only did they enjoy the privilege of living at I-House—a vibrant and culturally diverse community—but they also organized 19 exciting activities to promote cultural diversity and inclusivity on campus.
On 17 August 2024, the ICAs gathered at the Wu Kwai Sha Youth Village, where they took their oath and solemnly pledged to uphold the values of cultural diversity, foster cross-cultural integration, and promote appreciation for all cultures within the university community. They also participated in a series of interactive training activities designed to broaden their understanding of cultural differences, cultivate a mindset of appreciation, and enhance their cross-cultural communication skills. Through these engaging activities, strong bonds were quickly formed among the ICAs, and genuine intercultural friendships began to blossom.
Among the many cultural activities organized by the ICAs, the “Divisoria” Filipino Night Market stood out as one of the most popular events. Over 80 students packed into the i-LOUNGE to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of Filipino music, dance, and cuisine. Participants also had the opportunity to create traditional Filipino parol lanterns and wooden keychains. Ervin Lu, one of the ICAs who led the Filipino Night, shared, “Our Filipino Night Market event was a worthwhile experience which push us to go beyond what we can do. We were very glad to be able to share our country’s very own version of Hong Kong’s Lady’s Market with street foods, souvenirs and live performances. This also gave us a chance to showcase what we, international students, are capable of in an unfamiliar environment and achieve many positive feedback while also developing our soft skills!”
Another highlight of the ICA activities was the Chinese Painting and Calligraphy Workshop, organized by Siobhan Chung, a local Fine Arts student. Reflecting on the event, Siobhan said, “I was pleased to see participants from diverse cultural backgrounds engaging enthusiastically and eager to try the techniques themselves. Their interest in Chinese calligraphy and art was truly encouraging and made the experience unforgettable.”
If you’re passionate about promoting cultural exchange and want to make a positive impact on the cultural landscape of our university, don’t miss the chance to join this inspiring program! Stay tuned for our open recruitment in May for the International Cultural Ambassador Scheme 2025/26!
For program details, visit: https://lces.osa.cuhk.edu.hk/cultural-diversity/ambassadors/
