In spite of limited resources, the OUHK has steadily strengthened its support for students and staff to pursue a rich and fulfilling university life that goes beyond academic studies. About 40 student bodies received funding support for various projects that addressed academic, extra-curricular and community service purposes. While faculty members were recognized for their research accomplishments and professional contributions to society, OUHK students have also become increasingly active in inter-university competitions, exchange activities and serving various charitable causes. These bearers of the OUHK name have been making their mark in society, helping to build and strengthen the University’s unique identity.
Awards and community service of OUHK teams
National competition award for applied science students
Four full-time Year 4 applied sciences students – Thomas Lee, Bodmond Siu, Sammui Ho and William Luk – of the School of Science and Technology won a third class award in a national competition, widely acclaimed as the ‘Olympics’ of technological inventions by university students. Their entry paper, entitled The Use of Coagulation Technology for the Removal of Cyanobacterial Blooms, was submitted to the 11th National University Students Technology Challenge Cup competition, held in late October 2009 at Beihang University, in Beijing. This is the first time that OUHK students participated in the competition, which is held every two years with the support of the Ministry of Education, China Association for Science and Technology, and various media organizations.
Computing and engineering students shine in Web design contest
Five of the 12 awards in a Web design contest for students in local tertiary institutions were handed to OUHK students. The nine OUHK full-time computing and engineering students in teams of one or two were among the 18 winners who received prizes at the 2009 eXtreme Web Designer Award ceremony, held on14 January 2010 at Nikko Hotel. The competition was organized by the Hong Kong Computer Society to encourage the creation of high quality websites.
President's Award for nursing team
The 2008-2009 President’s Award for Distinguished Achievement was presented to the nursing team of the School of Science and Technology at the Closing-of-the-Lunar-Year Luncheon on 5 February 2010 for their distinguished community services under the leadership of Associate Professor Dr the Hon Joseph Lee, SBS, JP and Assistant Professors Dr Linda Lee and Mr Alan Tsang. Among the team’s contributions were a series of education and community events to promote personal health in response to the H1N1 flu – including 13 talks for 7,000 children in primary schools around the campus and one for 30 kindergarten teachers, as well as several booklets on healthy ageing to help the elderly lead a fruitful life.
'I' Generation Youth Integrity Programme Eminent Award
Full-time computing Year 1 students Wu Wing-yiu and Fan Chun-wing formed a team with three peers from other local universities to participate in the ‘I’ Generation Youth Integrity Programme, organized by the Independent Commission Against Corruption, winning an Eminent Award in the ‘I’ Project Competition.
Award for Dragon Boat team
The OUHK’s Dragon Boat team was the champion at the Sai Kung Dragon Boat Regatta on 26 July 2009. The team has actively participated in open competitions such as the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Regatta and has won several awards over the years.
Gold Prize for OUHK website
The OUHK won a Gold Prize at the Web Care Award presentation ceremony, held on 9 January 2010. Webmaster Mr Albert Tse received the Award on behalf of the University, which has won awards since 2002, including five gold prizes. The competition was organized by the Hong Kong Internet Professional Association to recognize efforts made by organizations in providing barrier-free websites to help bridge the digital divide.
OUHK honoured for water quality
The OUHK’s Campus Phase One earned the Blue Certificate under the Quality Water Recognition Scheme for Buildings organized by the Water Supplies Department. Senior Estates Officer Mrs Cybill Lam attended the award ceremony on behalf of the University on 25 August 2009. Gold, Silver and Blue certificates are awarded to buildings which have joined the Scheme for five, three or less than three years, respectively, in recognition of their proper maintenance of fresh water plumbing systems.
Longitudinal study on Wi-Fi technology
OUHK’s full-time communications technology students have conducted annual surveys on Wi-Fi technology – Hong Kong’s most comprehensive longitudinal study on the security level of wireless local area networks – since 2002. In their latest study, held in November 2009, they found that although the number of access points was higher than ever, there were fewer that operated with no security encryption. Data was collected in a van, a tram, a helicopter and on a ferry. Apart from educational value, results from such surveys could have an impact on the future development and adoption of wireless technology.
Volunteer teaching in Yunnan
On 18-26 May 2009, 29 members of the OUHK’s Student Education Society went on a tour to Yunnan Province in mainland China and presented donations and ‘Love Cards’ to children in remote villages. Participants also taught the children how to write replies to donors, and an exhibition on the trip was held on campus afterwards.
Sichuan earthquake photo exhibition
Marking exactly one year after the tragedy, the Students’ Union hosted an exhibition and held a candle-lit remembrance service for the Sichuan earthquake victims on campus on 12 May 2009. On display were photographs taken from disaster-hit areas, as well as the progress of reconstruction works. Union members talked about their experiences of visiting the disaster-struck areas.
