“Min Ga Lar Par!” The warm greetings from Mrs Phyo Thu Zar Aung and Mrs Aye Lei Mon, Consul (Political) and Vice Consul (Consular) of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Consulate General in Hong Kong, to the students of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) kicked off a sharing session held on 23 April 2019 at City University of Hong Kong.

Apart from telling the students how to say hello in Burmese, the Consul and Vice Consul provided information about the geography, culture, religion, food and tourist sites of Myanmar, and advised on the do’s and don’ts in their country. For sure, their advice will help the 15 CLASS students get prepared for their service learning internship in coming June, when they will be engaged in real life service learning for four weeks in Mandalay, the second largest city in Myanmar, to take part in class teaching and coordinating activities for children. They will also conduct cultural visits to historical cities and attractions to get a better understanding about the local community.

Photo 2: Acting Dean Professor Dennis WONG presents a souvenir to the Consuls.

Acting Dean of CLASS, Professor Dennis WONG, presented a souvenir to thank the guests for their informative sharing and useful tips. Prof Wong gave a brief introduction of the College’s International Community Service Learning Programme at Myanmar in collaboration with a local NGO, the Phaung Daw Oo Integrated Monastic Education School, running for the third year in a row. He also shared his personal experience in Myanmar when he was leading the service learning internship last year. As first-time visitors, the students were grateful for learning the most practical information about Myanmar from the Consul, the Vice Consul and Prof Wong prior to their month-long service learning trip.

Photo 3: Performances at the Myanmar Cultural Day

The Myanmar Cultural Day on 27 April was another great opportunity for the students and others to experience Myanmar’s unique culture in a fun-filled way. Organised by the Hong Kong Macau and Myanmar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HKMMCCI) with the support of the Hong Kong Macau and Myanmar Foundation, the Cultural Day featured a variety of activities for participants to get a taste of Myanmar’s traditional performance and food, and get to know the student projects in Myanmar. Mr Richard TAO, Chairman of HKMMCCI, heartily thanked CLASS and all contributors for their great support and assistance in making the event very successful and enjoyable.

Cover photo: Sharing of the Myanmar Consul and Vice Consul with CLASS students