Jessie Li
MSc(TDLL), Year 1
Participant of Code-to-Care
“This experience taught me that every child needs patience and companionship. Each child has its own unique interests and strengths. With consistent support and care, the students gradually showed clear progress in each lesson and even became curious to explore learning on their own. To me, this transformation was both meaningful and encouraging. It reminded me that when we treat students with sincerity and respect, positive growth will naturally follow.”

Ricky Cheung
BNur, Year 1
Participant of Visit to Ocean Park with Residents from Care Home on 10 June
“The visit gave me the opportunity to see the world from the perspective of an elderly person using a wheelchair. Being seated at a lower height often meant that their view was obstructed, limiting their ability to fully enjoy the exhibits. As a volunteer, I needed to be mindful of these challenges and make adjustments to help them view the fish and animals more comfortably. I am grateful that my small efforts could bring joy and enhance their experience, and I look forward to continuing to serve and support senior citizens in our community.” 

Polly Sin
BSocSc, Year 6
Participant of HOPE In Action (Bun Festival Cultural Outing on 29 April)
“Joining the event profoundly shifted my perception of the ethnic minority community in Hong Kong. Contrary to common stereotypes about low socioeconomic backgrounds, the community is remarkably diverse—ranging from fellow university students and international school teachers to local hawkers. While Cantonese remains a barrier for many, they show strong openness to learning about local history and a genuine eagerness to integrate into Hong Kong society. Through interacting with them, I came to realise that sincere connection transcends language, and that embracing cultural diversity begins with respect for differences.”

Atoonica Wong
BA, Year 4
Participant Visit Khalsa Diwan Sikh Temple in Wan Chai on 24 April
“Visiting the Khalsa Diwan Sikh Temple in Wan Chai was a truly inspiring experience that enriched my understanding of Sikhism. I learned about its rich history, core beliefs—including the concept of one God—and the meaningful naming traditions. For men, the name Singh (meaning lion) symbolizes courage and strength, while women take the name Kaur (meaning princess or lioness), representing dignity and responsibility. These practices highlight Sikhism’s strong commitment to gender equality, encouraging both men and women to embody bravery, kindness, and integrity. Overall, this visit deepened my appreciation for Sikh values and served as a powerful reminder of the importance of self-discipline and compassion in our daily lives.” 

Yang Siqi, Suki
MSocSc(Crim), Year 1
Participant of HOPE In Action (Inspiration Lake Picnic on 19 April)
“Through this event, I developed a deeper understanding of the ethnic minority (EM) community in Hong Kong, particularly in relation to their diverse cultural backgrounds and lived experiences. The experience offered a more grounded and human‑centred perspective, enhancing my awareness of how cultural diversity shapes communication styles, modes of self‑expression, and patterns of social participation. I also came to recognise that meaningful social integration is not a one‑sided process, but rather requires sustained, respectful, and active engagement from both the EM community and the wider public.”

Ivana Lai
BA & LLB, Year 2
Participant of Cut For Love
“Joining the Cut for Love programme allowed me to move beyond the notion of simply performing good deeds. While our team may not have achieved significant tangible change through a single act of cutting hair, I firmly believe that the hope, dignity, and care we conveyed through this service held far greater value. This experience enabled me to gain a deeper understanding of the person I aspire to become. As I move into the later years of my studies, I will carry with me this lesson on the importance of human connection, and I hope to continue participating in community service initiatives with the motivation to spread compassion, love, and care throughout society.”

Fathai Tanawongsuwan
BEng(CompSc), Year 1
Participant of Bring Warmth and Care to Senior Residents in Care Homes on 28 Mar 2026
“The visit offered me a valuable glimpse into Hong Kong’s ageing population and helped me realise that many elderly individuals live in cramped conditions in care homes. This experience reminded me that, as a society, we should do more to support and accompany our elderly with care and respect. On a personal level, it also prompted self-reflection and encouraged me to cherish the time I still have with my grandparents.”
Fiona Chiu
MWM, Year 1
Participant of Bring Warmth and Care to Senior Residents in Care Homes on 28 Mar 2026
“As a business student, this experience helped me understand the importance of corporate social responsibility in business operations. It showed me that businesses should not only focus on maximising profits, but also recognise their responsibility to give back to the community. Overall, this experience encouraged me to reflect on the importance of equality and the need to promote access to housing, food, and companionship for all members of society.”

Chong Tsz Ho
BSc&LLB, Year 2
Participant of HOPE In Action: Ping Shan Heritage Trail Cultural Outing with Ethnic Minority Individuals and Families on 15 Mar 2026
“Participating in this event was an incredibly rewarding experience. It allowed me to gain a much deeper understanding of Hong Kong’s ethnic minority communities. Prior to this, I had the impression that most ethnic minorities here were from Southeast Asia, but I was pleasantly surprised to meet participants of Russian ethnicity as well.
The event also enhanced my appreciation for Chinese culture, particularly its rich history, symbolism, and the principles of Feng Shui reflected in the heritage and architectural sites we visited. Overall, this experience significantly broadened my cultural awareness and fostered meaningful interactions across the diverse communities that call Hong Kong home.”

Evita Yulisetiani
MBA, Year 1
Participant of Bring Warmth and Care to Senior Residents in Care Homes (Session 3) on 28 Feb 2026
“Through the elderly service, I was able to meet the senior citizens who have lived full lives and are still full of energy despite of their physical conditions and mobility problems. This experience made me reflect on resilience, dignity, and appreciate Hong Kong not only for its speed, but for the strength and spirit of its people.”

Chau Wan Ching
LLB, Year 1
Participant of Celebrate Lunar New Year with Residents of Ping Shek Estate on 7 Feb 2026
“Participating in this event truly opened my eyes to the strong sense of connection and mutual support within the community. The most meaningful moment for me was mingling with the families at my table and listening to their fascinating stories about the estate and its neighbourhood. This experience has inspired me to become more involved in community service so as to give back and contribute positively to those around me.”

Wen Sum Yee
BEng(CompSc), Year 1
Participant of Celebrate Lunar New Year with Elderly on 31 Jan 2026
“This was my first Serve 2Gather activity and it turned out to be a truly meaningful learning experience. I learned a great deal about communicating with older adults, such as speaking gently and at a comfortable pace, showing care by asking about their daily lives, and listening patiently to their stories. This experience has strengthened my sense of empathy and deepened my understanding of inter-generational connection. This activity was both heartwarming and eyeopening. I look forward to participating in more volunteer opportunities to serve and engage with the community.”

Numrah Kosar
BSc, Year 3
Participant of Bring Warmth and Care to Senior Residents in Care Homes on 24 Jan 2026
“Initially, I felt quite anxious because my limited Cantonese created a language barrier between me and the elderly participants. But when I handed out gifts and saw their genuine smiles, I realized that actions truly speak louder than words. Even without perfect communication, simple gestures allowed me to show care and build meaningful connections. This visit also deepened my understanding of aging and illness. While there were many joyful moments, I also noticed the quiet struggles some elderly face. It reminded me of the importance of compassion, patience, and giving back to our community.”

Iman Khan
BSc, Year 3
Participant of HOPE In Action: Outing with Ethnic Minority Families on 18 Jan 2026 
“It was a wonderful bonding experience not only for the families, but also for us as volunteers. This community service event strengthened my sense of patience and adaptability. Managing a group in a live setting and in such a large open space required constant vigilance to ensure everyone’s safety, while still maintaining a warm and welcoming environment. The Serve 2Gather event inspired me to become more involved in community work. Being surrounded by others and seeing the smiles on the families’ faces motivated me to give back more to society and continue contributing to meaningful community initiatives.”

Chow Yan Hei Jessica
BNurs, Year 1
Participant of Bring Warmth and Care to Senior Residents in Care Homes
“Serving the elderly taught me the importance of speaking slowly and using expressive gestures to capture their attention. I also learned to stay flexible and open-minded, as participants have different abilities and strengths—so we adjusted the activities to suit everyone. Later, when we distributed gift packs to street cleaners, it was a small act of kindness, but seeing their smiles truly warmed my heart. I’m grateful to CEDARS for providing such a meaningful opportunity, and I look forward to serving the community again in the future!”

Chen Yingxuan
MA, Year 1
Participant of Bring Warmth and Care to Senior Residents in Care Homes
“Seeing the elderly light up with joy was truly heartwarming. We have the privilege to support those who deserve more attention from society, and never underestimate our power of treating everyone with respect and kindness. Let’s help make the world better by working together to help others.“

Yiu Sheung Lam 
BSc&LLB, Year 2 
Voluntary leader of Winter Kit Delivery on 10 and 11 Nov 2025 
“I was really touched by the stories the elderly shared with us during our visit. I can truly feel that I understand more about the community, such as the inabilities and difficulties faced by elderly living alone and their living environment. These are all that cannot be learnt, but really experience by ourselves to understand.” 

Najwa Aziah 
BEng(BME), Year 1 
Participant of Home Visits to Ethnic Minority Families on 15 Nov 2025 
“Participating in the Serve 2Gather volunteering activity was an enriching learning experience that deepened my understanding of community engagement and the powerful impact of small actions within a community. It taught me how essential qualities like empathy, patience, and active listening are when interacting with others and serving them meaningfully. I also gained valuable insights into teamwork and coordination. Observing how the organisers ensured a positive experience for every participant opened my eyes to the tremendous effort and planning that go into organizing community activities.” 

Ivan Chok 
BEcon&Fin, Year 2 
Participant of Home Visits to Subdivided Flat Residents on 9 Nov 2025 
“As an international student, I was aware of Hong Kong’s high living costs and income disparity, but witnessing it firsthand and speaking with those affected was truly eye-opening. Each household faced unique challenges and circumstances, which made me realize they were far more than just statistics.”