To celebrate our 10th anniversary, Choi Kai Yau College organized a 7-day exchange trip to King’s College, University of Queensland in Australia, from 4 January to 11 January. This exchange activity is the first under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in 2021, aiming to provide students with global experiential learning opportunities, promote global perspectives and international communication, and enhance several learning competencies of the students according to the UMRC educational goals: global competitiveness, knowledge integration, teamwork & collaboration and cultural engagement.

Exploring the University of Queensland: Experiencing Technology and Academic Environment

During this exchange trip, students from Choi Kai Yau College stayed at King’s College and experienced a different college culture. Mentors from the University of Queensland guided the students through the campus facilities, showcasing the ecological diversity within the campus and introducing the history of various buildings. Additionally, the students had the privilege of visiting the Plant Futures Facility, the principal plant science research centre in Queensland. The research fellow elucidated the different growth conditions in the greenhouses, allowing the students to understand the differences in plant growth under various environments.

As Chen Ieng Kuan, a year 3 student who participated in the exchange, expressed, “It was an honour to travel to the University of Queensland with CKYC and learn about Australia’s unique local culture. While visiting the University of Queensland, I felt their academic atmosphere focused on research results. I witnessed the scientific experiments they conducted in response to climate change and deeply appreciated the different research methods and campus culture compared to Macau.” Through this cross-cultural learning experience, students not only broadened their academic horizons but also gained a deeper understanding of local Australian culture.

Stepping onto the Southern Hemisphere: Experiencing Nature and Indigenous Culture

Beyond campus activities, the CKYC students also ventured outside the campus to appreciate the natural beauty of Brisbane. Guided by a local tour guide, they explored the Australia Zoo, Sunshine Coast, and Gold Coast, experiencing Australia’s diverse wildlife and unique natural scenery. Along the way, the students expressed great curiosity about Australia’s natural environment, and the guide patiently answered their questions. After they visited the Gold Coast, the students also visited the Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre, where they learned about the local indigenous culture and customs. Some students even applied a type of earth pigment on their hands, allowing them to directly experience indigenous rituals.

Another participant, freshman Luo Yucheng, recalled, “As the airport doors slowly opened, stepping onto the land of the Southern Hemisphere for the first time, my feelings were indescribable—somewhere between excitement, joy, and disbelief. I had truly left Asia, crossed the equator, and walked on the land of the Southern Hemisphere.” He also mentioned, “The fine, soft white sands of Brisbane and the pristine beaches captivated me. Standing on the coast and gazing eastward, the vast Pacific Ocean brought an indescribable shock. At Gold Coast, the waves crashing against the rocks made me deeply feel the insignificance of humanity.” Such firsthand experiences allowed the students to gain a profound understanding of Australia’s natural beauty and cultural richness.

Experience the Winemaking and the Organic Meat Industry

In addition to nature and traditional culture, the students visited the Tamborine Mountain Distillery, learned about the winemaking process, and tasted its handmade liqueurs and spirits. The flavourful aroma and strong historical ambience was a unique and fascinating experience. As Australian beef also occupied a major position in the global market, CKYC students also took this opportunity to visit Obeorganic, Organic Beef Company. The company’s managing director introduced the company’s operating methods, the rearing conditions for organic cattle, and how to transport its beef to the world. The students deeply realized the impact of different global policies and sales channels on Australian organic beef.

At the end of the trip, the students were reluctant to leave the beautiful landscapes and local customs of Australia. They expressed gratitude to the faculty members and students of King’s College, who warmly welcomed them even during the local holidays. After this exchange, the connection between Choi Kai Yau College and King’s College deepened significantly. The ability to bring together students from such distant places embodies the warmth and power of residential college education.