The President and Vice-Chancellor of HKU, Professor Xiang Zhang, Honorary Director of HKU Mentorship, Mrs Jill Gallie, Deans of Faculties, Dean of Student Affairs and supporting partners toasted for the kickoff of Mentorship 2024-25.
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) launched its Mentorship Programme for 2024 with a kick-off ceremony at the Loke Yew Hall on 14 November. This year's programme has successfully matched over 300 mentors with 400 mentees from Hong Kong, Mainland China, and overseas, underscoring the global and inter-generational scope of the initiative.
This year's ceremony, themed "Northern Lights - Spark of Imagination", celebrates the dynamic interactions and endless possibilities of mentor-mentee relationships. In his address, Professor Xiang Zhang, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKU, reminisced about his fond relationships with past mentors, "Words and inspirations from mentors are very powerful. They help students become 'whole persons'."
Specially curated for the ceremony, a themed artwork was co-created by 20 mentors and mentees under the guidance of alumna artist Rainbow at the workshop prior to the ceremony, symbolising the transformative power of mentorship and art in nurturing minds and lives.
Established in 1997, the HKU Mentorship Programme aims to connect alumni and supporters with current students to enrich their university experience. To date, the Programme has seen an impressive 648,000 hours of mentor contributions, engaged mentees from 61 countries, and received support from HKU alumni networks in 35 locations worldwide.
The HKU Mentorship Programme continues to cultivating connections, promoting understanding, fostering diversity, and encouraging personal development for both mentors and mentees. It plays a vital role in building a community of learning, growth, and inspiration within and beyond the HKU community.
