Each year, new Residents' Associations (RAs) are sworn in to mark the beginning of their new term of service after an annual election in November. The inauguration of RAs is a significant event as it represents the assignment of authority and power in the residence. Moreover, they are the organisers of activities for promoting a harmonious residential environment, as well as representatives to speak for residents.

　

Normally inauguration ceremonies are held together with banquets and formal dinners, owing to the fact that RAs have to take their oath publicly with a large group of spectators, i.e. their corresponding residents, to mark their start of service. For years, different RAs have chosen to have their inauguration ceremonies either at a “Poon Choi” Banquet or at a High Table Dinner. These both have their own vivid cultural styles and symbolic traditions.

A Poon Choi Banquet, which represents Chinese culture, is a Hakka cuisine with a great variety of ingredients mixed in a “poon” (a huge food container). There are several layers of courses. Chicken and seafood make up the first layer, while simmered pork, mushrooms, turnip and fishballs etc. are found in the next layer. A Poon Choi Banquet is considered one of the local cultures in Hong Kong.

A High Table Dinner, which strongly represents classical culture in western academic institutions such as the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford, is a three-course evening meal. Traditionally a High Table dinner was arranged for the master and fellows of the college to have social and intellectual gatherings. Participants put on academic gowns for supper, but now participants also wear formal attire.