Media

"Nearly 200 students who have demonstrated unparalleled determination and enthusiasm in self break-through and serving the community have been recognised for their outstanding performance. Under the epidemic, students used different ways to help people in need, using their expertise in solving mental health problems faced by the public. I feel tremendously proud of their contributions."
Professor Samson Tse, Dean of Student Affairs

The Centre of Development and Resources for Students (CEDARS) of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) hosted the 24th Recognition Ceremony on 10 April 2021 to celebrate the outstanding achievements of nearly 200 HKU students, so that their peers can be inspired by their contributions. The commended students either have achieved excellent results in important international, Asia-Pacific or local competitions, or have demonstrated outstanding talents beyond their academic field, or are those who have made selfless contributions to the University or the community through their services.

Among the awardees, 10 students received the “Above and Beyond Award” in recognition of their extraordinary hard work in overcoming adversities and constraints to pursue their goals and dreams in a remarkably challenging year. In addition, third-year Arts student Vivian Wong Wing Lam won an Excellence Award in the  Busan Contents Universiade (BCU) 2020 “24/7 Online Short Film Contest with a documentary film depicting the lives of elderly people under the epidemic. 

Brief introduction of two winners of the “Above and Beyond Award”:

Brown Bailee Briana
Bachelor of Social Sciences, Year 3
Hong Kong National Triathlete, Asian Games bronze medalist, ranked 13th junior in the world in Triathlete

“Physical and mental fitness are both important to athletes. The epidemic has dealt a heavy blow to athletes’ sports careers.“

The sports world has been crippled globally due to the pandemic. Sports facilities were closed; events and competitions have been cancelled or postponed; athletes cannot undergo normal training. Since training is a major part of athletes’ lives, some athletes may lose the key to maintaining mental health due to the lack of exercise training. Bailee adapted quickly to the new norm and maintained her enthusiasm for sports by participating in volunteer services. She became a swimming coach for Splash, a non-profit organisation, and taught domestic helpers in Hong Kong to swim. Being a role model for young athletes, Bailee not only demonstrated true sportsmanship, her generous and selfless behaviour fully showed that sports can drive and unite others and bring unprecedented courage and strength to others. She will be competing in the Asian Championship in Japan in April 2021 and is also preparing for the 2024 Olympic Games.

Charlotte CHAN Cheuk Kwan
Bachelor of Dentistry, Year 3

“Now is a good time to address the mental health problems of young people caused by the impact of the epidemic.”

An estimated one in seven people in Hong Kong will experience a common mental disorder at any given time. Under the gloom of the epidemic, the mental health of young people is particularly worrying. Charlotte sees mental health advocacy as a matter of urgency since she experienced first-hand the impact of mental health on her life and on those around her. Her insights on protecting youths’ mental wellbeing shined in the Hong Kong Mental Health Conference and Youth Summit 2020 organised by Coolminds of Mind HK, where she took up the task of conference coordinator. By joining forces with a dedicated team, she transformed the setbacks of the pandemic into opportunities, successfully engaging with other young people virtually through interactive workshops, panel discussions, and stories of live experiences on mental health and wellbeing.

Brief introduction of the student who won an Excellence Award in the  Busan Contents Universiade (BCU) 2020 “24/7 Online Short Film Contest :

Vivian Wong Wing Lam
Bachelor of Arts, Year 3

“The epidemic has reshaped personal relationships in unprecedented ways. On one hand, it has widened the distance between people; on the other hand, it has brought peoples’ hearts closer."

“Routine”, a documentary film depicting the lives of elderly people under the epidemic produced by Vivian won her an Excellence Award in the Busan Contents Universiade (BCU) 2020 “24/7 Online Short Film Contest.

“Routine” featured human relationships, portraying the daily routine of two elderly people in Hong Kong and the virtual connection with their son living in the U.S. in times of COVID-19. This short film is an intimate picture of how older adults as a minority live and adapt to the new norm in a global virtual experience. While the society focused on strengthening infection control measures and protecting elderly people in nursing homes, this film added a new dimension to the pandemic and highlighted the caring needs for elderly people. Vivian’s empathy for the ageing society was beautifully expressed in her work.

The 24th Recognition Ceremony: https://www.cedars.hku.hk/prize
List of awardees:  https://wp2.cedars.hku.hk/prize/awardees/
Winning Stories:  https://wp2.cedars.hku.hk/prize/winning-stories/

For media enquiries, please contact HKU Communications and Public Affairs Office: Ms Melanie Wan, Senior Manager (Media), Tel: 2859 2600 / Email: melwkwan@hku.hk or Ms Rashida Suffiad, Senior Manager (Media), Tel: 2857 8555 / Email: rsuffiad@hku.hk.