City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) held its 30th Anniversary Student Carnival on 17 January at University Circle and Wong’s International Terrace to commemorate the 30th anniversary since achieving university status, and further strengthen the bonds between faculty and students, allowing them to enjoy a pleasant evening together. The evening was filled with exciting activities, including heartfelt performances by the President, faculty, students and alumni, as well as game booths and food kiosks. The Student Carnival showcased the vibrant and dynamic campus life at CityUHK and strengthened the sense of belonging and unity within the CityUHK community.

The opening ceremony of the Student Carnival was officiated by Professor Freddy Boey, President and University Distinguished Professor of CityUHK; Mr Rex Wong Siu-han, Council Member and Chairperson of the 30th Anniversary Steering Committee; Professor Kevin Downing, Secretary to the Council; Professor Chan Chi-hou, Vice-President (Community Engagement) and Chairperson of the 30th Anniversary Organising Committee; Miss Maggie Chau, Vice-President (Administration); Professor Henry Chung Shu-hung, Dean of Students; and three student representatives.

 

In his speech, President Boey expressed his long-standing anticipation for the Student Carnival and hoped that students would temporarily set aside their heavy academic workload and join the celebration of CityUHK's extraordinary achievements over the past 30 years. He stated, "CityUHK is more than just a place of learning; we strive to be a cradle of innovation and a forge for nurturing future leaders. This evening, we will see the manifestation of the talent of our students and staff on the stage, as we cultivate a sense of community and belonging." He also thanked the colleagues and students who contributed their time, effort and creativity to organise the carnival.

After the opening ceremony, President Boey, along with Professor Downing; Professor Sunny Lee Wai-kwong, Senior Director (Office of the President); and Professor Matthew Tan, Adjunct Professor, formed a band and performed the Beatles classics "Let It Be" and "Hey Jude". The audience of faculty and students was highly engaged, singing along and elevating the atmosphere to a climax, marking the beginning of a series of performances.

Other highlights of the evening included singing, dancing, a cappella, and band performances by faculty and students. Additionally, two renowned alumni, magician Mr Zenneth Kok and singer Mr Leung Chiu-fung, returned to their alma mater to perform for their juniors, further showcasing the strong connections within the CityUHK community.

In addition to the stage performances, Student Residence Office, Global Engagement Office, Student Development Services and student groups set up over 10 game booths and food kiosks, including balloon twisting, photo booth and popcorn machine, adding to the festive atmosphere. The event attracted many students, creating a lively and bustling scene.

The Student Carnival, organised by the Office of the Vice-President (Community Engagement) and Student Development Services of CityUHK, aimed to celebrate the 30th anniversary of CityUHK with students through performances and games. A series of celebration activities officially commenced last year, featuring a range of programmes that highlight the University’s accomplishments, showcasing its exceptional students, spotlighting its faculty’s world-class research, and demonstrating CityUHK's extensive local and international connections.