Hong Kong Metropolitan University Li Ka Shing Institute of Professional and Continuing Education (HKMU LiPACE) has launched the five-month long “International Lifelong Learning Festival”, to provide students with immersive learning experiences about international cultures. This initiative aims to provide students with immersive learning experiences about “internationalization-in-place”, “intercultural awareness”, and “inclusiveness” as the fundamental elements of co-curricular learning.
Following the successful launch of its collaboration with the Consulates General of Finland, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Japan and Hungary, HKMU LiPACE is pleased to continue this initiative with India. The sixth major event in this series is entitled “Incredible India”. On January 21, 2025, Ms. Satwant Khanalia, Consul General of India in Hong Kong, joined Professor Reggie Kwan, the Provost of HKMU, to inaugurate the new Yoga Room “Yogashala” at the Kwai Hing campus.
The new Yoga Room “Yogashala” is a collaborative effort between HKMU LiPACE and the Consulate General of India in Hong Kong. The studio is equipped with yoga mats made from recycled cork and donated by the Consulate. Artworks by Indian artists in Hong Kong are displayed both inside and outside the yoga studio, witnessing the friendship and cultural exchange between Hong Kong and India. Starting from January 22, 2025, HKMU LiPACE plans to organize different free body-mind activities in the yoga studio, such as yoga, singing bowl and meditation, allowing HKMU LiPACE students to relax amidst their busy academic lives.
After the inauguration of the yoga studio, there was a movie screening of Indian comedy film “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara”. Through the journey of three friends on a road trip, the film humorously explores themes of friendship, love, and self-discovery, while showcasing a glimpse into India's diverse culture tapestry. The Consul General expressed her concern about the importance of mental well-being for youngsters, before she joined over 100 students at the screening. Dr. Benjamin Chan Tak-yuen, Dean of HKMU LiPACE, expressed in his closing remarks his hope for continued collaboration with the Consulate General of India in Hong Kong to provide students with more opportunities to learn about India’s diverse culture. Following the movie screening, participants enjoyed authentic Indian snacks and beverages, to immerse themselves in the vibrant flavors and culture of India.
The “International Lifelong Learning Festival” offers a variety of activities that provide participants with a cultural adventure, including the opportunity to explore different countries through films and books, as well as to savor authentic cuisine. Each event in the series has been well-received, with high levels of enthusiastic participation.
香港都會大學李嘉誠專業進修學院 (HKMU LiPACE) 從2024年9月起開展爲期五個月的「國際文化周」，讓學生沉浸式體驗及學習其他國家的文化與知識，提倡「在地國際化」、「跨文化意識」和「共融」，作為聯課學習的核心，幫助建立融和的學生群體。
繼早前與芬蘭、津巴布韋、埃及、匈牙利及日本駐港領事館合作舉辦國際文化周活動後，HKMU LiPACE於2025年1月21日與印度駐港領事館合作舉辦第六場文化交流活動。印度駐香港總領事 Satwant Khanalia 女士親臨HKMU LiPACE葵興校園，與香港都會大學學術副校長關清平教授，一同為新落成的瑜伽教室主持揭幕儀式。
瑜伽教室是HKMU LiPACE及印度駐港領事館的合作成果。教室內放置了由印度駐港領事館捐增，以軟木塞循環再造而成的瑜伽墊。瑜伽教室內外均放置了在港印度藝術家的畫作，見證了兩地友好及文化交流。由2025年1月22日開始，HKMU LiPACE更計劃在瑜伽教室安排不同的身心靈活動讓學生免費參加，例如瑜伽、頌缽及打坐冥想等，讓他們在繁忙學習生活中得到放鬆。
揭幕儀式後，HKMU LiPACE 特別放映印度成長喜劇電影——《Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara》，透過三個好友一起旅行的故事，以幽默詼諧的方式帶出友情、愛情和自我發現的主題， 以及展示印度的多元文化。Khanalia總領事在致詞時強調年輕人心理健康的重要性，並與超過100名參加者一起觀看電影。院長曾德源博士則在閉幕詞中表示期望與印度總領事館將來繼續持續合作，令學生有更多機會認識印度的多元文化。電影放映後設印度特色小吃和飲品淺嚐環節，讓參加者感受滿滿的印度風情，增進兩地的文化交流。
「國際文化周」活動內容多元化，從旅遊、電影、書籍到當地美食等不同方面，介紹不同國家的文化習俗及風土人情，深受歡迎。舉辦以來，每場活動皆座無虛席，反應踴躍。
