Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) held a flag-raising ceremony this morning to mark the beginning of the New Year, with the flag-raising performed by the newly inaugurated HKMU Student Flag-guard Team. Attending the ceremony were Dr Bunny Chan Chung-bun, Chairman of the Hong Kong Army Cadets Association and HKMU Court member, HKMU President Prof. Paul Lam Kwan-sing, Council members, University management, staff and students to express their wishes for the prosperity and strength of the country and the stability and peace of Hong Kong.

As the New Year began, Prof. Lam encouraged students to advance their expertise and holistic capabilities to navigate an ever-evolving world. He said, “Looking ahead, HKMU will continue to empower students to unlock their full potential, nurturing talents with professional competence and a strong global vision.” He expressed his delight at the inauguration of the Student Flag-guard Team and his confidence that it would strengthen their sense of belonging to the nation and reinforce their national identity.

The HKMU Student Flag-guard Team, comprising 14 HKMU full-time undergraduate students, received professional training under the guidance of the Hong Kong Army Cadet Association. The team members carried out the flag-raising ceremony with standard marching and flag-raising poses, demonstrating strict discipline and professionalism to ensure that the ceremony was conducted with the highest standard of dignity and order.

Jim Chen, a Year 1 student in the Bachelor of Education with Honours (Putonghua and Chinese Language Education) and Bachelor of Language Studies with Honours (Chinese Linguistic Studies), shared that the flag-raising training had enhanced team members' national consciousness. He said that serving as a member of the Flag-guard Team and participating in the flag-raising training had been a valuable experience.

Grace Yang, a Year 1 student in the Bachelor of Business Administration with Honours in Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality Management, remarked that the training was highly intensive. “It fosters teamwork and a spirit of unity among team members. We strive to ensure that the flag-raising ceremony is conducted with solemnity and respect,” she said.

To cultivate students' national consciousness and promote national education, the University raises the national flag on campus daily and holds flag-raising ceremonies every Monday morning and on important occasions, such as New Year's Day, HKSAR Establishment Day and National Day. All students and staff are encouraged to participate.