Reaching Out Award

I am truly honoured to have received the Reaching Out Award.  Supported by this scholarship, I had the privilege of participating in the Boundless Service Trip to Malaysia in January 2026, organised by HKU SPACE Po Leung Kuk Stanley Ho Community College.  This journey took us from the rural charm of Kluang to the bustling capital of Kuala Lumpur, offering a profound blend of community service and cultural immersion.

The trip began with a warm welcome at a traditional Malaysian Kampung.  We visited a local family, shared a traditional hand-eaten Malay lunch, and bonded over classic local games.  Following this, we spent several days living at a farm resort, where we assisted with agricultural tasks like clearing lavender fields and propagating plants.  Engaging in manual labour was a refreshing departure from my urban lifestyle in Hong Kong.  This pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me discover untapped skills, which was deeply meaningful.

Another memorable highlight was our visit to Sekolah Menengah Sains, a local secondary school.  To bridge the cultural gap, my group designed interactive games infused with distinctive elements of Hong Kong culture, using local snacks and chopsticks as creative icebreakers.  Beyond this vibrant exchange, we also helped repaint the school’s walls, which was a small yet tangible gesture of our care.  We concluded our service at an elderly care home in Kuala Lumpur, where we engaged the residents in crafting activities and sat down to listen to their life stories.

While I initially embarked on this trip expecting to give, I ultimately received far more in return.  This journey has significantly deepened my empathy, sharpened my teamwork skills, and broadened my cultural horizons.  I wholeheartedly encourage my fellow students to seize every opportunity to step beyond the classroom and serve the wider community.