CityUHK collaborates with community partners to host “Together We Shine” event, mobilising over 1,400 participants to set an SDG World Record
City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) has long been committed to promoting sustainable development and actively supports the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through diverse initiatives, CityUHK strives to unite the community. Today (19 April), CityUHK joined hands with the Scout Association of Hong Kong Kowloon Region and the Society of Boys’ Centres Chak Yan Centre School to host the “Together We Shine” event at Kai Tak Station Square. The event advocated for the protection of children from violence, mobilising more than 1,000 community members and establishing a world record for the most cumulative participants in a martial arts-inspired dance performance.
The event attracted more than 1,400 participants to take part in an aerobic performance combining dance and martial arts, forming a symbolic rainbow. It actively responded to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). The organisers aimed to remind all sectors of society to support the vision of sustainable development, foster inclusive communities and promote equality in education.
The opening ceremony was officiated by distinguished guests, including Mr Ivanhoe Chang Chi-ho, District Officer (Kowloon City), Kowloon City District Office; Professor Freddy Boey, President and University Distinguished Professor of CityUHK; Mr Leung Siu-on, former Chairman of the Lok Sin Tong Benevolent Society, Kowloon, in 2015–2016; Mrs Winnie Chan Lai Wai-lin, President of the Scout Association of Hong Kong-Kowloon Region; Ms Kuo Chi-wing, Principal of the Society of Boys’ Centre Chak Yan Centre School; Ms Rowena Wan Man-wai, Chairlady of the Lok Sin Tong Benevolent Society, Kowloon (2026–2027); Professor Tinly Wong Tin-chee, Founding Director of the Community Med Care Clinic; and Professor Chan Chi-hou, Vice-President (Community Engagement) of CityUHK.
In his remarks, President Boey welcomed representatives from various organisations and community stakeholders in attendance, stating, “We are dedicated to nurturing young people as responsible global citizens who care deeply about society and advocate for inclusion, equality and sustainable development.”
Mr Chang remarked in his opening speech: “This event, themed ‘Together We Shine’, brings together diverse participants to create rainbow imagery, promoting reduced inequalities and safeguarding children’s well-being and growth. I am honoured to witness such a meaningful occasion.”
Mrs Chan said, “This event demonstrates cross-sector collaboration and the shared determination of all sectors to safeguard the next generation. Through everyone’s collective efforts, we will not only achieve the remarkable feat of setting an SDG world record, but more importantly, establish a solid milestone in protecting children and building an inclusive community.”
Principal Kuo remarked, “This event aligns closely with the UN SDGs—good health and well-being, quality education, the promotion of equality and the fostering of peace—which together form the foundation for the happy and healthy growth of children and youth. Today’s action invites everyone to participate and witness: protecting children is not just a slogan, but a heartfelt commitment.”
Under the supervision of Mr Leo Lai, the Official Adjudicator of the SDG World Records, more than 1,400 participants dressed in the seven colours of the rainbow joined in batches for a three-minute martial arts-inspired dance. The spectacular scene saw participants moving to the rhythm, gradually forming a rainbow symbolising the commitment to protect children, embodying the spirit of “Together We Shine”.
At the conclusion of the event, representatives of the organisers received certificates from Mr Lai, confirming that the “Together We Shine” event had broken the SDG world record in its category, witnessed by Mr Chang and representatives from the supporting organisations.
The event also featured 15 themed booths, offering a range of activities, including sports experiences, AI Chinese medicine demonstrations, anti-fraud education, hand painting, aroma bottle making and calligraphy art, providing fun for the participants and the wider community. A rich programme of performances added to the festive atmosphere, including singing and dancing by CityUHK students, percussion by the Scout Association, Thai dance and rope skipping by Lok Sin Tong, a para-karate demonstration by the Karatedo Federation of Hong Kong, China, and a wheelchair dance by the China Hong Kong Para Dance Sport Association, showcasing diversity and inclusion.
In his closing remarks, Professor Chan emphasised: “CityUHK has always placed great importance on community engagement. Through this event, the University has gained an even deeper appreciation of the importance of collaborating with the community. CityUHK will continue to uphold its social responsibility by working hand in hand with diverse partners to promote social harmony and build a peaceful world, creating a better, more inclusive and more sustainable future for the next generation.”
Media enquiries:
Venus Doon, Communications and Institutional Research Office, CityUHK (Tel: 3442 6377)
The event attracted more than 1,400 participants to take part in an aerobic performance combining dance and martial arts, forming a symbolic rainbow. It actively responded to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). The organisers aimed to remind all sectors of society to support the vision of sustainable development, foster inclusive communities and promote equality in education.
The opening ceremony was officiated by distinguished guests, including Mr Ivanhoe Chang Chi-ho, District Officer (Kowloon City), Kowloon City District Office; Professor Freddy Boey, President and University Distinguished Professor of CityUHK; Mr Leung Siu-on, former Chairman of the Lok Sin Tong Benevolent Society, Kowloon, in 2015–2016; Mrs Winnie Chan Lai Wai-lin, President of the Scout Association of Hong Kong-Kowloon Region; Ms Kuo Chi-wing, Principal of the Society of Boys’ Centre Chak Yan Centre School; Ms Rowena Wan Man-wai, Chairlady of the Lok Sin Tong Benevolent Society, Kowloon (2026–2027); Professor Tinly Wong Tin-chee, Founding Director of the Community Med Care Clinic; and Professor Chan Chi-hou, Vice-President (Community Engagement) of CityUHK.
In his remarks, President Boey welcomed representatives from various organisations and community stakeholders in attendance, stating, “We are dedicated to nurturing young people as responsible global citizens who care deeply about society and advocate for inclusion, equality and sustainable development.”
Mr Chang remarked in his opening speech: “This event, themed ‘Together We Shine’, brings together diverse participants to create rainbow imagery, promoting reduced inequalities and safeguarding children’s well-being and growth. I am honoured to witness such a meaningful occasion.”
Mrs Chan said, “This event demonstrates cross-sector collaboration and the shared determination of all sectors to safeguard the next generation. Through everyone’s collective efforts, we will not only achieve the remarkable feat of setting an SDG world record, but more importantly, establish a solid milestone in protecting children and building an inclusive community.”
Principal Kuo remarked, “This event aligns closely with the UN SDGs—good health and well-being, quality education, the promotion of equality and the fostering of peace—which together form the foundation for the happy and healthy growth of children and youth. Today’s action invites everyone to participate and witness: protecting children is not just a slogan, but a heartfelt commitment.”
Under the supervision of Mr Leo Lai, the Official Adjudicator of the SDG World Records, more than 1,400 participants dressed in the seven colours of the rainbow joined in batches for a three-minute martial arts-inspired dance. The spectacular scene saw participants moving to the rhythm, gradually forming a rainbow symbolising the commitment to protect children, embodying the spirit of “Together We Shine”.
At the conclusion of the event, representatives of the organisers received certificates from Mr Lai, confirming that the “Together We Shine” event had broken the SDG world record in its category, witnessed by Mr Chang and representatives from the supporting organisations.
The event also featured 15 themed booths, offering a range of activities, including sports experiences, AI Chinese medicine demonstrations, anti-fraud education, hand painting, aroma bottle making and calligraphy art, providing fun for the participants and the wider community. A rich programme of performances added to the festive atmosphere, including singing and dancing by CityUHK students, percussion by the Scout Association, Thai dance and rope skipping by Lok Sin Tong, a para-karate demonstration by the Karatedo Federation of Hong Kong, China, and a wheelchair dance by the China Hong Kong Para Dance Sport Association, showcasing diversity and inclusion.
In his closing remarks, Professor Chan emphasised: “CityUHK has always placed great importance on community engagement. Through this event, the University has gained an even deeper appreciation of the importance of collaborating with the community. CityUHK will continue to uphold its social responsibility by working hand in hand with diverse partners to promote social harmony and build a peaceful world, creating a better, more inclusive and more sustainable future for the next generation.”
Media enquiries:
Venus Doon, Communications and Institutional Research Office, CityUHK (Tel: 3442 6377)