City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) held the Community Yoga Fun Hour cum Open Day at the Lee Shau Kee Student Residence Village (MOS residence) on 22 February with a large-scale yoga experience and a series of exciting activities. This allowed community stakeholders and the public to experience the vibrant and inclusive campus atmosphere of CityUHK, fostering interaction and connections between CityUHK and the community.

The event was inaugurated by Professor Chan Chi-hou, Vice-President (Community Engagement), and Professor Henry Chung Shu-hung, Dean of Students, of CityUHK, along with Ms Surbhi Goyal, Consul (Press, Information & Culture), and Mr M.A. Salam, Vice Consul (Protocol & Admin), of the Consulate General of India in Hong Kong.

Professor Chan said this was the first time the MOS residence had been open to the public since its completion, which was also a part of CityUHK’s 30th anniversary celebrations. He hoped the event would strengthen CityUHK’s connections with the community. "CityUHK is rated as the Most International University in the World, and the Lee Shau Kee Student Residence Village is like a 'global village', bringing together students from over 70 countries/regions,” he said. “CityUHK is committed to inspiring young people to pursue creativity and innovation, and nurturing them to develop a broad vision and a passion for serving the community. We encourage our students to apply what they have learned to contribute to society, address community needs, and truly connect with and serve the community."

Ms Goyal expressed her pleasure at being invited to participate in this meaningful event. She mentioned that yoga is a popular aspect of Indian culture, suitable for people of all ages and from all walks of life, and promotes both physical and mental health. She hoped that the participants would enjoy the experience.

CityUHK has always emphasised whole-person education, organising various activities to ensure the balanced development of students' mental and physical health. Guided by two yoga masters, the holder of five Guinness World Records on yoga, Mr CP Yogaraj, and Ms Gomathi Ulaganathan, approximately 130 participants enjoyed the Yoga Fun Hour in the Sports Hall. Eight hearing-impaired persons from the Hong Kong Society for the Deaf were invited to participate in the Yoga Fun Hour, demonstrating CityUHK's commitment to promoting social inclusion.

Other exciting activities in the Open Day included busking performances, hall tours, booth games, health check and food stalls, attracting over 500 participants. Among them were CityUHK students, faculty, alumni and various community members, such as representatives from the Sha Tin District Office and nearby residential estates, and Ma On Shan residents.

Located in Whitehead, Ma On Shan, the Lee Shau Kee Student Residence Village was completed in the third quarter of 2024 after commencing construction work in 2022. The residence employed advanced construction technology, called Modular Integrated Construction (MiC), involving over 1,300 modules in the overall building complex. It provides accommodation for over 2,000 CityUHK students and includes facilities such as a full-fledged sports hall, a well-equipped gymnasium and a spacious multi-function hall for various activities.

The MOS residence adopted several green elements that promote sustainable and smart living. It also features ample public space and a landscaped podium for students to gather and engage in activities, enhancing their sense of belonging to the University.