Another beautiful day on the Hoi Ha Wan coast! Looking at the peaceful scene around the WWF Hoi Ha Marine Life Centre was relaxing, and the glass-bottomed boat tour was exciting, educative, and impressive! Everyone had a great time!

Local & non-local residents focused on learning how to measure different physical parameters of the atmosphere and seawater by using scientific equipment, as well as collecting & observing plankton. It was a valuable experience to get a taste of being an Oceanographer.

Although the weather is not perfect for reef observation today, many reefs are still observable and look amazing! During the trip on the glass-bottomed boat, the WWF tour guides shared many fun facts about the habitats of the marine wildlife on the Hoi Ha Wan coast, and also the environmental threats they are facing! It must be inspiring to the students as they gained a deeper understanding of marine environmental conservation!

The highly acclaimed Dolphins Encounter tour had updated its schedule in the second semester, curated by Dr Brian Kot. Residents depart from Yau Ma Tei. The tour took our participants on a journey from Soko Islands in the south of Hong Kong to Tai O, with Dr Kot providing insights into the characteristics of Hong Kong's coastline and the living habits of dolphins while tracking these magnificent marine creatures as they leap out of the water. As a pleasant surprise, we were also fortunate enough to have our participants encounter finless porpoises on their tour, which on top of seeing the Chinese white dolphins proved to be an unforgettable experience for them.

For the last spot, the team of Aquatic Animal Virtopsy Lab led our residents to Sha Chau, where together with Lung Kwu Chau and Pak Chau fall within the boundaries of the Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park. Prof. Henry Chung, Dean of Students worked together with local and non-local students, including exchange students to clean the beach. Residents spared no efforts to protect our ocean and they were eager to learn about the threat to the marine ecosystem.
For the final slot, the Aquatic Animal Virtopsy Lab led our residents to Sha Chau. This area, together with Lung Kwu Chau and Pak Chau, falls within the boundaries of the Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park. Our residents cleaned up the beach and surrounding area together.
Working alongside local and non-local students, including exchange students, we made a significant impact on marine ecosystem health in the area. Everyone involved's efforts were truly commendable. Residents, in particular, were dedicated to protecting our ocean but also eager to learn more about marine threats.
In fact, Prof. Henry Chung played an instrumental role in the project. His leadership and guidance were invaluable. With Prof. Chung and the Dean of Students’ help, we learned the importance of preserving our marine resources for future generations.
Overall, our experience at Sha Chau was a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we work together to protect our planet. Through our collective efforts, we can make a real difference in the world and ensure a sustainable future for all.

Spring Festival has come again, waiting to bring us joy and luck during the semester! To celebrate Chinese New Year, the Student Residence Office has organized a series of activities for the Spring Festival, including Hanfu try-on, pitch pot game and paper cutting.. Through this event, our residents can immerse themselves in our traditional culture and festive vibe. Our grand finale definitely worth our mention, which is the astonishing luminous dragon dance of course.

More than 700 residents participated at our event, regardless of nationality and culture Hoping to distract them from homesickness, this event shortened their distance with other residents and helped them assimilate to local life.

The PEK table tennis competition was held as a one-day event this year, bringing together resident athletes from various cultural backgrounds. The games were filled with excitement and tension, as representative teams from different halls battled against each other. Many close matches were played, and the enthusiasm from cheering teammates reached new heights. In the end, Hall 7 emerged victoriously as the champion, followed by Hall 5 as the first runner-up and Hall 9 as the second runner-up.

Table Tennis

The Basketball knockout tournament was a thrilling and intense event that ignited the passion of all players. Every game was critical, and the stakes grew higher as the competition progressed. Players were determined to win every game, knowing that each match could mean the difference between staying in or getting eliminated. The tournament encouraged resident players to exert team spirit and practice cooperation. The men's and women's basketball games were equally competitive, and all players gave their best until the very last minute. In the end, Hall 2 emerged as the champion of the men's basketball game, with Hall 10 coming in as the first runner-up, and Hall 5 achieving the second runner-up position. For the women's basketball contest, Hall 11 proudly won the championship, with Hall 6 as the first runner-up and Hall 7 as the second runner-up.

Basketball

The football competition is widely appreciated among residents and is making a comeback to the PEK Cup after the COVID pandemic. In this year's event, organised by SRO, it featured a five-a-side style for the men's game, with teams of five competing against each other in a fast-paced, high-energy game. Additionally, SRO launched a penalty kick contest for the women's PEK football event. Athletes had to put in great effort to fight for championship. The participating teams have shown great cultural diversity, allowing for better bonding and exchange of fun and cooperation between local and non-local residents. All resident players have showcased their tactical skills and potential during the tournament, making it an overall exciting event. Hall 1 won champion for the men’s game, followed by Hall 3 as first runner-up and Hall 8 as second runner-up. On the other hand, Hall 11 achieved championship over the women’s category with Hall 7 as first runner-up and Hall 9 as second runner-up.

Football

The PEK singing contest has finally returned to a face-to-face modality with the previous one being held online. This year’s competition is bound to bring the contestants and the audience a whole new experience. The Singing Contest held this year was a highly anticipated event. The talent of each hall was at an incredibly high standard. The participants' beautiful voices filled the room, captivating the audience and judges alike. The atmosphere was electric, with everyone excited to see the performances. SRO also featured two guest band performances by Nowhere Boys and ToNick, who brought the energy level up even higher. The singers showcased their vocal abilities, and the solo category was especially competitive. In the end, Hall 7 won championship over the solo category, followed closely Hall 4 as first runner-up and the Hall 2 as second runner-up. The group category was also as impressive as the solo singers. Teams showed perfect collaboration in their performances. The winners of the group category were from Hall 11 as champion, Hall 5 as first runner-up, and Hall 7 as second runner-up. Overall, it was an excellent event that allowed residents to shine even more under the spotlight as they presented incredible singing talents. Everyone had a great time enjoying the performances.

Singing Contest

Throughout semesters A and B, a group of enthusiastic health-conscious students and teachers, with a collective passion towards yoga gathered on SR Lane each and every Saturday. Over the course of 16 sessions, residents joined hands with Yoga Guru to partake in the enchanting Yoga fun-hour event. In the last session, SRO extended a heartfelt invitation to hearing-impaired teenagers from The Hong Kong Society for the Deaf and ensured real-time sign language translation. This inclusive gesture encourages all participants to immerse in the sublime joys of yoga.

Final exams have finally come to an end, signalling the approaching graduation season and residence check-out. Bittersweet farewells are never easy to bid. SRO setup a photobooth where residents can take their own instant photos and capture the perfect moment to put a fine period on their residence life. With a variety of props, residents gallantly came forward, put on silly hats and funny wigs, and posed in front of the camera machine. Many even wore their graduation gowns, carrying flower bouquets and displaying proud grins of joy on their faces. Others tagged along with friends who were soon to leave for their home countries. A group photoshoot was just the right thing to do to help them freeze all their hall life memories into one. It was a reminder of the friendships and experiences they had shared.