Campus Digest

HKBU students participate in University Scholars Leadership Symposium in Bangkok

Tuesday, 18 August 2026

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Jessica Chan Yin-yu (left) and Patricia Shum Lam-wai (right) attend the 14th University Scholars Leadership Symposium in Bangkok.
Jessica Chan Yin-yu organise workshops for the students.
Patricia Shum Lam-wai is particularly inspired by the speakers of the symposium, believing everyone can become changemakers.
The Symposium brings together over 300 students from 29 countries.

 

Patricia Shum Lam-wai, a Year 3 student of the Individualised Major programme, and Jessica Chan Yin-yu, a Year 3 student of the Global Entertainment programme, participated in the 14th University Scholars Leadership Symposium organised by Humanitarian Affairs Asia at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok from 4 to 7 August. Both students returned from the Symposium, richer in knowledge and inspiration for driving positive societal change.

The Symposium aims to nurture and inspire emerging talents to make a positive impact in their communities. The programme also strives to motivate the next generation to achieve and promote the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Bringing together over 300 students from 29 countries, the event included keynote speeches, workshops and community services, covering a diverse array of topics from animal rights and equal access to education, to the use of technology for mental health improvement.

Both students were nominated by the Division of Transdisciplinary Undergraduate Programmes to participate in the Symposium. Patricia said, “Every speaker offered their unique perspective on different social issues. The common theme was that they believed everyone could be a leader of change. By finding our passion and what we deeply care about, we can all become changemakers.”

On the third day, the students participated in “Kindness Day", an outreach event to serve the local communities in need. Activities included engaging school children in learning workshops, cooking and distributing food to the underprivileged and mangrove planting. Jessica reflected, “Being able to create joyful memories with children from disadvantaged backgrounds was really special for me.”