Tung Wah College (TWC) held an Inauguration Ceremony yesterday (4 September) to welcome 1,118 new students who were admitted to 17 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 encouraging, with around 8,700 direct applications and 18,000 JUPAS applications. As of 31 August, the number of new full-time student admissions was higher than expected with increase of 14% compared to last year. Despite the decline in student population in Hong Kong, the number of students admitted this year has increased when compared with the corresponding figure last year, reflecting that the academic quality of the programmes offered by TWC is widely recognised and TWC’s programmes are able to meet the demands of the society.

The ceremony was officiated by Mr. Wai Ho Man Herman, Chairman of Board of Governors of TWC, who delivered a welcome speech to the new students. He expressed with pride that over 90% of last year’s graduates from TWC joined the healthcare sector, upholding TWGHs’ mission “to heal the sick and to relieve the distressed” to alleviate the shortage of medical professionals. He also highlighted the team of world-renowned scholars at TWC who have gained global recognitions in their fields through cutting-edge research. He encouraged the new students to seize the opportunity to learn from these leading experts, benefit from their insights, expertise, and guidance, and make the most out of the research initiatives provided by the talented academics. Mr. Wai further encouraged the new students to develop a global vision by participating in overseas study tours, immersing themselves in different cultures, and gaining new insights from diverse experiences.

Professor Sally Chan, President of TWC, welcomed all new students at the ceremony and encouraged the new students with the "T-W-C" concepts: “T stands for Talents, I encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities available at the College to unleash your individual strengths. W represents Wisdom. As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to reshape various aspects of our lives. We must cultivate and be confident of our unique human qualities, including empathy, compassion and ethical decision-making, and ensure that they are utilised in ways that align with our shared humanity. C stands for Commitment. With a sense of commitment to the society, our graduates have made significant contributions across diverse sectors with their caring hearts. I hope you will always remember each of us has the power to make a difference in the lives of others, even if it is just a small act of kindness. Your small acts will eventually add up and leave a mark on the world.”

Finally, Professor Chan reminded students to embark on a journey of self-discovery, cultivating their unique talents and nurturing wisdom to make sound judgments through critical thinking. Embrace the commitment to serving their community and maximise their impact in this changing world.

At the ceremony, two new students were invited to share their reasons for choosing TWC. Ms. Tung Cheuk Ka, the student representative from the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied Gerontology programme, emphasised that ageing is a universal process. She recognised the immense potential for development in the silver hair market and considered that this programme will not only teach her how to care for the elderly but also provide her with the necessary knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes for competent gerontological application in diverse settings. She chose to apply for this programme with the hope of building an age-friendly community amidst an aging population.

Another student representative, Ms. Sheetal Rana, who is admitted as a senior year student of the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Forensic Biomedical Science programme, shared her passion for crime and forensic-related shows and documentaries. The idea of applying scientific principles to solve criminal cases and bring criminals to justice intrigued her. She believed that this programme emphasises hands-on experience, and she is aspired to develop a strong foundation in forensic analysis through the programme, equipping herself to become a forensic specialist in the future.