Glimpse Into Hong Kong: Reflection Piece

by Chelsea Smith

10 days and 9 nights in the cosmopolitan city of Hong Kong was certainly not enough for 28 students to venture through all of what it has to offer. However, despite the limited time we had, our study trip was nothing short of incredible and holistic.

From the various industry and school visits, to venturing around the city on our own and together as a group, participating in community service, forging new friendships, to good wholesome fun we truly had a one of a kind experience that we will all treasure and I will hold especially close to my heart.

We were given the opportunity of a lifetime to visit companies such as: Cyberport Hong Kong, Cable News Network (CNN)/ Turner Broadcasting Systems, Rudder Finn Innovation Studios (RFI) as well as Dentsu Aegis Network.

Not only were we given access to tour these companies but, we also had the privilege to directly hear from industry professionals. In addition to acquiring knowledge about the different roles in various industries, we were also able to learn more about the companies these industry professionals represent.

Some of the schools we were given a chance to tour and hear from its representatives include: The University of Hong Kong specifically its Media and Journalism Studies Centre and Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD). There is such a contrast between these two schools, the former is more traditional, and the latter is much more modern and innovative, in terms of how they teach students.

These schools allowed us to get a peak on what it would be like to further our tertiary studies outside of Singapore. Most importantly, I know for a fact they it has given some of us that extra motivation to push through our next year of school by working harder and striving higher.

Besides the knowledge acquired from our diverse industry and school visits, as previously mentioned we were also given a wonderful opportunity to participate in Community Service. Our school chose: Feeding Hong Kong. Prior to our visit, we were asked to purchase packaged food to donate to the food bank.

Our time spent at their headquarters involved listening to the history of food wastage in Hong Kong as well as Asia, how this company was founded and a more in-depth look into their operations. Towards the end of our visit, we were brought to their storage facility of their provisions to have a tour, as well as to sort out our donated goods. This particular visit was definitely an eye opener into food wastage and the various ways our actions can better it.

Of course, no trip would be complete without a little sightseeing. Our group was fortunate enough to take in quite a lot of what Hong Kong has to offer us. Some of the places we toured were Tsim Sha Tsui district (this was quite a regular spot for some of us when we were allowed to explore on our own in the evenings), Hong Kong’s Central Business District, Stanley Market, Hong Kong Museum of History, Victoria Peak, go on an Island wide TramOramic Tour and last but not least…. Hong Kong Disneyland!

No amount of words, no matter how descriptive or well strung would ever do this study trip justice, I had the most unforgettable and memorable time in Hong Kong, not only was this was an unforgettable first overseas trip with Ngee Ann Poly. But it also opened my eyes to education and work life outside of Singapore.

My personal favourite moments from this trip were, the industry and school visits to CNN/ Turner Broadcasting Systems and SCAD respectively. Our community service aspect, Feeding Hong Kong, being able to visit Tsim Sha Tsui so regularly and of course, being able to better bond with my peers in my year as well as forge new friendships with people across in the other semester and year.