Silk Road Project – Third Summer Institute on Service Leadership Development (2026)

Silk Road Project - Third Summer Institute on Service Leadership Development for University Students (2026) Held at PolyU

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) hosted the Silk Road Project – Third Summer Institute on Service Leadership Development for University Students from 30 July to 6 August 2026. Organised by PolyU and the College of Undergraduate Studies (CUS), with the Silk Road Youth Development Center, the SWUFE-PolyU Healthy Youth Development Research Center, and Guangdong University of Technology-PolyU South China Social Welfare Research Center as co-organisers, the eight-day Institute brought together 83 students from 10 universities in the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong. The programme was supported by the Tin Ka Ping Foundation and Li & Fung Limited.

The Institute opened with a welcome speech by Prof. Daniel Shek, Associate Vice President (Undergraduate Programme) of PolyU. The programme introduced Service Leadership through lectures, reflection, group discussions, and individual presentations, allowing students to apply these qualities in real life.

Through a thematic workshop with the Society of Boys’ Centres, students learned about its residential programmes and Social Development Schools (SSD) and explored how volunteer services could address service users’ needs. Drawing on these insights, students served as SSD service providers, designing tailored initiatives and applying empathy, cooperation, problem-solving, and the Competence, Character and Care (3Cs) in practice.

Beyond the classroom, students visited the National Security Exhibition Gallery at the Hong Kong Museum of History, deepening their understanding of national security and their role in safeguarding it. Sharing sessions and visits with Li & Fung Limited and the Tin Ka Ping Foundation further broadened their perspectives on social responsibility and service.

The Institute concluded with reflections, evaluations and a closing ceremony. Prof. Shek delivered closing remarks and presented certificates and awards to conclude the programme. Learning, practice, and reflection helped students build the 3Cs needed to become socially responsible service leaders.