The Cultural Exchange Oasis (CEO) presented the Hungarian Cultural Expo (the Expo) and the Shanxi Cultural Exhibition in October, as part of its efforts to promote multicultural exchange and understanding.

The Expo comprised a Treasure of Hungary Photo Exhibition, a City Cultural Salon, a Rubik’s Cube Competition, and a talk on study opportunities and exchange programmes in Hungary.

The photo exhibition, co-organized by the Consulate General of Hungary in Hong Kong, the Global Engagement Office, the Library and the CEO, featured 15 amazing works selected and provided by the Hungarian Association of Nature Photographers. At the Appreciation Ceremony, held on 20 October, Professor Matthew Lee, Vice-President (Development and External Relations), thanked the Consulate General of Hungary for its collaboration and support in making the Expo a success.

As a highlight of the ceremony, Professor Lee and Dr Pál Kertész (Consul General, Consulate General of Hungary) twisted the giant Rubik’s Cube to light up the name of the event series – the “Hungarian Cultural Expo”. The ceremony was followed by a guided tour, led by Mr Gergely Granyák and Dr Nikoletta Csépány, of CG.

The evening was also marked by the CityU Cultural Salon, organized under the theme of Beauty of Hungarian Dance. The Salon was kicked off with a performance of Johannes Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No. 5 in G Minor, by the City University Philharmonic Orchestra. The musical performance was followed by four Hungarian dance performances by the Knack Cordial Fold Group. Guest speaker Mr Kenneth Tse, leader and founder of the Group, introduced the art of Hungarian dance to the audience. The audience was impressed by the splendid experience of witnessing the professional and artistic realization of traditional Hungarian folk dance in beautiful authentic costumes.

To showcase the rich and colourful cultural heritage of Shanxi province, the University and the Hong Kong Shanxi Chamber of Commerce (the Chamber) co-organized the Shanxi Cultural Exhibition (the Exhibition) from 26 October to 5 November. The Exhibition showcased Shanxi culture in five categories: Ancestral Culture, Architectural Culture, Guan Yu Culture, Shanxi Merchant Culture, and the Yongle Palace Mural Art. The Exhibition leveraged CityU’s strength in 3D printing, virtual reality and laser engraving to display the traditional cultures with a non-traditional approach. Experiential counters were set up for visitors to discover the various cultures in an interactive way, and a darkroom was installed to project the vigorous lines of the magnificent murals of the Yongle Palace.

A guided tour was conducted for the representatives from the Chamber after the opening ceremony on 28 October by Mr Lin Li, Tutor in the Department of Chinese and History, Dr Qiu Li Xue, Associate Professor in the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, and colleagues from the Talent and Education Development Office. In addition to the innovative and interactive exhibits, the guests were treated to an immersive virtual tour of the Tao-Si Primary Observatory.

The CEO, established in April, aims to foster an inclusive environment on campus and beyond and to provide further support for CityU as a leading global university with a diverse campus community. As part of its continuous efforts to pursue the internationalization of CityU, the CEO will organise a full range of cultural events and activities to engage the university community and the general public.

Prof. Matthew Lee and Dr. Pál Kertész twisted a giant Rubik’s Cube
carrying the colours of the Hungarian national flag and the CityU logo.

A photo with the representatives from the Consulate General
and the honourable guests.

The guests of CityU Cultural Salon enjoyed the vibrant Hungarian dancing performances.

 

Display boards introducing different cultures of Shanxi.

3D-printed exhibits to showcase
Architectural and Guan Yu Cultures.

Projection of the Yongle Palace murals.

A photo with the representatives from
the Hong Kong Shanxi Chamber of Commerce.