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Link University Scholarship, the flagship youth empowerment programme of Link Together Initiatives, celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2025. On 8 March, scholarship recipients recognised for excellence in both academics and community service gathered for the 2024/25 presentation ceremony. Alongside judges from diverse professional backgrounds, they participated in workshops to exchange ideas on “Diversity and Inclusion: Dialogue for a Better Future”, broadening their horizons and expanding their peer networks.
During group discussions, Keith Chow, founder of Hong Kong Expressive Arts Therapy Service Center and a scholarship judge of this year, drew on his educational and professional experience to help students better understand themselves, learn to care for others and prepare for future roles in society.
“Despite the early start of today’s activities, students were remarkably energetic and engaged. I was most delighted by their innovative perspectives and strong analytical abilities. I believe this exchange will help them better understand both their own emotions and needs, as well as those of others,” Keith says. “It is my hope that this workshop can inspire them to engage in more meaningful interactions in the future, making everyone feel both respected and fulfilled.” He emphasises that “understanding how to get along with others through active listening, empathy and appreciation is essential for building a harmonious and inclusive society.”
The exchange with scholarship recipients from various institutions and disciplines was rewarding for Keith, as well: “Looking back on my school days, I don’t think I had their clarity of thought. Today was an excellent learning opportunity for me, as mutual exchange and understanding are always enriching.”
The workshop provided an invaluable opportunity for students from diverse academic backgrounds to explore interpersonal communication beyond the boundaries of their disciplines. Angel Mok, who studies Business Administration at Hong Kong Baptist University and was a member of Keith’s group, shares how the experience challenged her typical results-oriented approach. “In business administration, we typically focus on commercial data and rational analysis. However, today’s workshop allowed me to hear the perspectives of students in other disciplines concerning interpersonal relationships, such as appreciating others and having empathy, which represents a more emotional approach. I learnt that when communicating with business clients, we must consider their viewpoints rather than limiting ourselves to our own ideas.”
Angel, who will be graduating this summer, adds: “As I prepare to enter the workforce, these lessons in empathy and mutual understanding will help me build stronger client relationships and navigate workplace dynamics more effectively.”
Yoyo Chan, a Business student at The University of Hong Kong and in the same group as Angel, mentions that she rarely attends such workshops. She particularly admired Keith’s ability to guide student discussions: “Though we had just met Keith, his approachable nature and leadership skills guided our conversations successfully. Our discussions grew more meaningful, revealing the deeper aspects of interpersonal relationships. I learnt that spiritual connections have more value than superficial small talk and that they foster genuine warmth in human relationships.”
Beyond acquiring new knowledge, the workshop helped students recognise the strengths of others and their own areas for improvement. Raymond Choi, a Molecular Biotechnology student at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, humbly acknowledges that other students were more skilled at organising language and integrating information, areas he needs to improve. “Because everyone has different value systems and priorities, the exchange of ideas with students from other disciplines reveals new possibilities and perspectives, which is both fascinating and meaningful.”
Raymond explains that as a science student focused on logical reasoning, he sometimes overlooks other people’s emotional needs. The workshop taught him the importance of balancing rationality with sensitivity, as well as teamwork and division of labour. “For example, business students excel at market analysis. Future collaboration would almost certainly yield better results than working alone.”
Sandhu Anmol Singh, an Indian student at The University of Hong Kong, shares that “Even though I don’t speak Cantonese, we communicated effectively in English. There were no language barriers, and everyone was welcoming.”
Kiki Chow, a scholarship recipient from Hong Kong Baptist University, values meeting peers from other institutions and disciplines. “Though we’re the same age, our areas of expertise vary significantly. Medical students, for example, offered fascinating insights I had never considered. This experience taught me about the importance of considering different points of view when communicating with others.”
Understanding diverse perspectives and values through these workshops, along with broadening their horizons, will undoubtedly prove valuable for all Link University Scholarship recipients as they continue their studies or embark upon their careers.
