From 11 to 18 May 2026, 36 PolyU students from the Outstanding Student Academy, I-peers, and various affiliated student organisations embarked on a learning trip to Malaysia and the Greater Bay Area, led by Prof. Ben Young, Vice President (Student and Global Affairs), Prof. Horace Mui, Dean of Students, and Miss Joyce Cheung, Section Head (Student Resources and Support).
In Kuala Lumpur, students connected with local peers at Universiti Malaya through games, visited Arup Kuala Lumpur to learn how engineering can serve the planet, and spent time at YMCA Kuala Lumpur deepening their understanding of community service, where they also enjoyed a singing performance by senior citizens. Dr Edward Chan and Prof. Leung Wing Mo from Engineers Without Borders Hong Kong joined the trip and shared valuable expertise. Throughout the visit, students immersed themselves in Kuala Lumpur’s landmarks and vibrant multiracial culture.
The delegation then continued to Guangzhou, exploring how the Greater Bay Area honours its past while building its future. They visited UNESCO World Heritage sites, architectural landmarks, and technology enterprises, walked through Shawan Ancient Town, marvelled at Kaiping Diaolou, and experienced adaptive reuse at Zini 12 Gates, Grand Granary Bookstore, and Mume Design Studio. At the He Art Museum, they saw how modern architecture can harmonise with nature, while the GAC Technology Museum and Yangcheng Creative Industry Zone offered further insights into innovation and industry.
A highlight was a sharing session by Outstanding PolyU Alumni Awardee cum University Fellow, Mr Liu Sing Cheong, JP, who spoke about resilience, adaptation, and entrepreneurship. Guangzhou taught students that the past isn’t a burden; it’s building material. From Kuala Lumpur to Guangzhou, the trip was a powerful lesson in connection, innovation, and purposeful leadership.
