To understand life more deeply, we must also learn how to talk about death.
Beyond Life and Death is an education programme for HKU students to explore life and death matters, as well as to develop self-compassion and empathy. Through a series of experiential learning activities, participants will gain fresh perspectives on life and death, connect with professionals working in art, ageing services and life education, and reflect on end-of-life care practices in Hong Kong.
Programme Schedule
Students may join one or more sessions. All activities are free of charge.
Slow Looking Tour: From Art to Self @M+
Date: 24 October 2026 (Sat)
Time: 10:30 am – 12:00 nn
Location: M+, West Kowloon Cultural District, 38 Museum Drive, Kowloon
Content:
Immerse yourself in art for a moment of quiet pause and self-care.
Within the museum’s unique architectural spaces, M+ Educators will guide you and fellow participants to slow down, starting grounding practice focused on breath and body awareness to relax and return to the present moment.
Guided by Visual Thinking Strategies and slow looking approaches, you will deeply engage with two selected artworks to explore how artists respond to and reflect on life’s challenges and express emotions through creative practice amid a constant change. Through group discussion and sharing, you will further discover diverse perspectives and feelings, cultivating self-compassion and empathy for others.
Quota:
1. Cantonese workshop: 25
2. English workshop: 25
Industry Visit: Reimagining End-of-Life Careers
Date: 14 Nov 2026 (Sat)
Time: 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Location: Forget Thee Not (Kowloon Bay) and Kwong Yum Care Home (Integrated Aged Care Service (Kwun Tong)
Content:
Participants will visit two organisations, Forget Thee Not (FTN) and Kwong Yum Care Home (Integrated Aged Care Service (KYCH) to learn about ageing, end-of-life planning, care and support in Hong Kong. Through sharing by frontline professionals, participants will discover how healthcare and social care professionals collaborate to provide holistic care.
Forget Thee Not (FTN) is a Hong Kong social enterprise dedicated to promoting awareness and proactive planning for end-of-life care. The organisation strives to help individuals face life’s final journey with dignity, autonomy, and peace of mind while supporting families through compassionate planning and bereavement-sensitive services. It key services include end-of-life care pre-planning, support for dying at home, and customised green funerals.
Kwong Yum Care Home (Integrated Aged Care Service (KYCH) is a non-profit aged care service provider in Hong Kong that delivers holistic, person-centred care based on Christian values. Guided by the principles of faith, hope, and love, the organisation enhances the quality of life of older adults through professional and compassionate services. Supported by a multidisciplinary team, KYCH provides nursing care, rehabilitation, psychological counselling, social and spiritual support, dementia care, transitional care, day care, and spiritual end-of-life care.
Language: English support for non-Cantonese speakers (Visit to FTN) and English (KYCH)
Quota: 20
One-Day Immersion Tour: Understanding Life and Death in Hong Kong
Date: 21 Nov 2026 (Sat)
Time: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Location: Ma Wan
Transportation: Free round-trip shuttle bus service will be provided between Ma Wan and Kowloon Tong
Content:
In the morning, participants will visit locations associated with the funeral industry, including cemeteries, coffin shops, and related facilities. Through professional interpretation and onsite observation, participants will gain insights into local funeral customs and practices, as well as the cultural and social dimensions of death in Hong Kong.
In the afternoon, participants will take part in experiential activities designed to deepen awareness and encourage reflection on issues related to life, death and personal values.
Language: English
Quota: 20
Remarks: Participants are required to cover their own lunch.
Who can join?
Full-time students who are:
• Open-minded and willing to explore sensitive topics
• Interested in learning about ageing, grief, palliative care, and wellbeing
• Curious about life-and-death education and end-of-life issues
• Interested in personal growth and self-reflection
What you will experience:
✔ LEARN about Hong Kong’s end-of-life care, ageing services, and local customs and practices.
✔ EXPLORE topics related to ageing, mortality, grief, and end-of-life care.
✔ UNDERSTAND how dignity, compassion, and professionalism support individuals and families through life’s transitions.
✔ DISCOVER diverse professions and career opportunities in the fields of ageing, life education, and end-of-life care.
Application
Sign up: here on or before 8 October 2026 (Thu). Priority will be given to undergraduate students.
Rewards
Participants who fulfil the requirements will receive:
• An e-Certificate of Participation by CEDARS (upon fulfilling 20 hours of Serve 2Gather activities)
• CEDARS reward points
• Priority to join upcoming Serve 2Gather events and activities
This programme is part of the Compassionate Festival 2026 under The Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS).
Enquiries
Student Engagement and Leadership, CEDARS
Email: cedars-seal@hku.hk