Tung Wah College (TWC) held an Inauguration Ceremony today (30 August) to welcome 1,480 new students who were admitted to 18 degree, sub-degree and diploma programmes offered by the School of Nursing, School of Medical and Health Sciences, School of Management and School of Arts and Humanities. The applications to TWC this year were overwhelming, with around 13,000 direct applications and over 18,000 JUPAS applications. As of 29 August, the number of new full-time student intakes was higher than expected with increase of 34% compared to last year. The number of mainland student intakes has increased nearly fivefold compared to last year, reaching a total of 232. Despite the decline in student population in Hong Kong, the number of students admitted this year has significantly increased when comparing with the corresponding figure last year, reflecting the academic quality of the programmes offered by TWC is widely recognised and the programmes are able to meet the demands of the society.

The ceremony was officiated by Ms. Mandy Tang Ming Wai, Chairman of Board of Governors of TWC, who delivered a welcome speech to the new students. She emphasised TWC’s commitment to community engagement and said, “TWC is committed to providing holistic education that not only equips our students with knowledge, but also instills in them a sense of social responsibility to care for the needy, manifesting the enduring spirit of TWGHs. Last year, over 90% of our graduates embarked on a career relevant to their studies. They all make impactful contributions in their respective fields to the betterment of our community”. She encouraged the new students to embrace the “Daily Giving Service” motto to serve and make a positive impact on the lives of those around them.

Professor Sally Chan, President of TWC, welcomed all new students at the ceremony and encouraged them to discover their true purpose and develop the ability to create meaningful change in their lives and the place they live. She highlighted the significant mental health challenges facing Hong Kong and invited all the new students to actively participate in research projects at the newly established “Translational Research Centre for Digital Mental Health”. She believes that through the collaboration with a diverse team of mental health professionals, academics, industry partners, and students from different fields, they can translate research outcomes into practical and impactful solutions.

Professor Chan also encouraged students to seize every opportunity, push the boundaries of their knowledge, and always approach their work with a sense of purpose and heart. “Remember, success is not just about personal achievements, but about using your skills and talents to serve others and create a better world for all,” said Professor Chan.

At the ceremony, two new students were invited to share their reasons for choosing TWC’s programmes. Ms. Ng Wing Kiu, the student representative from the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Medical Imaging programme, recognised the crucial roles that radiographers play in the healthcare system during her participation in a volunteer programme at a public hospital last summer. She said, “By observing the difference in brain waves between the patient's sleeping and waking states, I found it a truly fascinating experience, which sparked my interest in medical imaging.” She considers the ability to accurately diagnose, monitor, and guide treatment decisions through advanced technology a remarkable feat, further strengthening her desire to pursue a career in the medical field.

Another student representative, Ms. Hu Yang Yan Di, a mainland student from Sichuan was admitted to the Bachelor of Health Information and Services Management (Honours) programme. She expressed her enthusiasm for the programme. She said that this programme will give her a deeper understanding of the latest developments in Smart Hospitals and she is excited to be part of this new era. She believes that the programme will provide internship opportunities and relevant professional qualifications to broaden her exposure to the real world.