HKSUT(GZ) freshmen embrace the “First Lecture of the Term” with Prof. Lionel Ni leading an impressively-interactive speech

On September 2, over 500 freshmen of HKSUT(GZ) gathered at the main gymnasium and online
livestreaming rooms of the university, embracing the “First Lecture of the Term” after
enrollment, which is also the first lecture in HKSUT(GZ)’s history.

Program priorities

Upholding the “student-centered” pedagogy, the “First Lecture of the Term” invited external
guests, freshmen, teachers and participants of the Redbird Challenge Camp. Activities included
an impressively-interactive speech, a roundtable meeting, a redbird origami event, a student
debate competition and the achievement display of students from the Redbird Challenge Camp, with
more than 1,000 leaders, guests, teachers and students watched online or in person.

The activity started formally with a paper craft performance, at which Mr. Liu Tong, an
acclaimed origami artist, folded a sheet of paper (3m by 3m) into a giant red bird, without any
cutting or collage. The work runs through the rational thinking of careful calculation in
combination with sensual art, represents a synthesis of mathematics and art, and reflects on the
harmonious and symbiotic relationship between humanity and nature. Its vivid charm and
rationality behind allow us to re-examine the traditional art of origami originating from China,
as well as convey the innovative concept of interdisciplinary integration of HKUST(GZ).

Eligibility

In the last two links of the “First Lecture of the Term” event, the stage was returned back to
students. Eight freshmen from the Redbird MPhil Program engaged in hot debate on the topic
titled “Whether Postgraduates Should Focus on One Specific Discipline or Cross-disciplinary
Research”. When it comes to displaying achievements of students from the Redbird Challenge Camp,
teaching assistants and representatives of camp members shared their feelings, ranging from
identifying problems and determining topics to the division of labor and self-appraisal,
streaming through a stunning journey of collision, compromise and integration of thoughts.

The “First Lecture of the Term” was launched both offline and online, with simultaneous
interpretation services in English and Chinese provided, in a bid to convey the innovative
“student-centered” pedagogy which is expected to be adopted comprehensively to students and
groups beyond.