From 6 to 15 June, thirteen passionate students from the College of Engineering and the College of Science embarked on a transformative journey to Malaysia, organised by Engineers Without Borders Hong Kong. This immersive community service and experiential learning trip offered a unique opportunity for students to apply their academic knowledge to real-world challenges, contributing meaningfully to sustainable development with global impact.
Over the ten enriching days, the students collaborated closely with local communities to construct two Rainwater Harvesting systems — vital infrastructure that supports water sustainability. They also took part in Mangrove Planting efforts, actively contributing to environmental restoration and ecological conservation. These hands-on projects not only deepened their understanding of engineering and science in practice but also instilled a profound sense of responsibility toward the planet.
Beyond their service work, the students embraced Malaysia’s rich cultural tapestry. They explored historical landmarks and architectural marvels that reflect the harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. Through heartfelt interactions and cultural exchanges with local residents, they experienced the vibrant linguistic and cultural interplay among Malay, Indian, and Chinese communities. These moments of connection fostered a deeper appreciation for cultural sustainability and the beauty of diversity.
This journey was more than a trip — it was a meaningful chapter of growth, learning, and global citizenship. Check out their video here.
The Colleges gratefully acknowledges the generous support of Sino Group through the CityUHK x Sino Grand Challenges Scholars Program (GCSP), which made this impactful learning experience possible. The Grand Challenges Scholars Program (GCSP), initiated by the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) in the US, aims to prepare students to apply knowledge for the needs of the society, particularly in areas such as sustainability, health, security, and joy of living, through five key components: research experience, interdisciplinary curriculum, entrepreneurship, global dimension, and service-learning. CityUHK was the first institution to launch this program in Hong Kong in 2016 and the first in the Greater China Region to receive NAE’s approval.
In support of the Program from 2021 to 2027, Sino Group aims to provide valuable opportunities for students from College of Engineering and College of Science to pursue their aspirations through participation in overseas summits, service-learning trips, and summer research projects. Sino Group’s continued patronage has enabled students to participate in the Engineers Without Borders-Global Citizenship Programme (EWB-GCP). Since 2023, these transformative experiences have supported 25 students to explore global challenges and contribute to communities in Hong Kong and abroad — deepening their learning journey and fulfilling key GCSP components.
The CityUHK × Sino GCSP stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between academia and industry in nurturing visionary leaders who are ready to shape a better future.