DISCOVER HKBU

Bringing Dutch culture to campus: Experience the Gezellig vibe

31 Mar 2025

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The International Office partnered with the Consulate-general of the Netherlands in Hong Kong and Macao SARs to organise the "Gezellig! The Netherlands Funhouse" on campus.
Professor Alex Wai, President and Vice-Chancellor (1st right); Dr Albert Chau, Vice-President (Teaching and Learning) (1st left); and Mr Maurits ter Kuile, Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Hong Kong and Macao SARs (centre), enjoy traditional Dutch cuisine.
Participants pedal on bike blenders to make smoothies.
Participants engage in a three-minute speed sketching session and take home unique portraits.
Professor Alex Wai (right) and Mr Maurits ter Kuile (left) enjoy electronic music produced by top Dutch DJs under The Starry Night inside the Five Senses Arts Gallery.

The Dutch culture of “gezellig” encompasses a cozy, fun and relaxed lifestyle. Recently, HKBU created a gezellig experience for students, staff and the public by transforming the campus into a Dutch funhouse. The two-day event, "Gezellig! The Netherlands Funhouse”, was organised by the International Office at HKBU in collaboration with the Consulate-general of the Netherlands in Hong Kong and Macao SARs. It brought the celebrations of King’s Day, the biggest festival of the Netherlands, to campus, promoting multicultural exchange at the University.

The opening ceremony was inaugurated by Professor Alex Wai, President and Vice-Chancellor; Dr Albert Chau, Vice-President (Teaching and Learning); and Mr Maurits ter Kuile, Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Hong Kong and Macao SARs. The celebration kicked off with the Dutch folk dance Volksdans, where HKBU student dancers in traditional Dutch costumes and orange clothing twirled to the rhythmic chants of Oranje Boven!, filling the campus with festive cheer.

The event showcased the unique charms of the Netherlands through various engaging activities that made participants feel like they were taking a flash trip to the country. One of the programme highlights was the Five Senses Arts Gallery, which offered participants a multisensory journey, blending art and innovation from day to night. The unique aroma of the Netherlands filled the venue, which exhibited over 20 recreations of artworks spanning from the masterpieces by the Golden Age artist Rembrandt van Rijn to paintings by Van Gogh, and contemporary artworks that feature local architecture and beautiful landscapes. The exhibition provided visitors with an immersive cultural experience as if they were in the midst of famous artworks of different eras.

Apart from art, the Dutch passion for sustainability and innovation was also impressive. By pedalling on bike blenders, participants made refreshing smoothies. They also enjoyed traditional Dutch snacks and engaged in a three-minute speed sketching session. Everyone truly appreciated the authentic Dutch spirit through the different senses and the shared joy and coziness!

With non-local students from 60 different countries and regions studying at HKBU, including over 60 exchange students from the Netherlands, this event not only celebrated the Dutch festive spirit and embodied the UNESCO Corso Culture, but also built deeper friendships across cultures.