The College of Business at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) recently welcomed 69 postgraduate and undergraduate students from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Business School for a specially designed orientation and cultural immersion programme. Held from 22 to 31 January 2026, the programme prepared students for their UNSW Sydney Global Business Practicum, an intensive course where students tackle real-world business projects for international firms, by providing essential insights into Hong Kong’s business landscape, culture and social dynamics.
UNSW students practise calligraphy during a Chinese Culture Party hosted by CityUHK student ambassadors.
The programme began on 22 January with an on-campus orientation at CityUHK. The day featured expert-led sessions, including an engaging lecture on Hong Kong’s business environment and another on the city’s history, culture and society. Students also took part in an interactive Introductory Cantonese workshop and enjoyed a festive Chinese Culture Party hosted by CityUHK student ambassadors, where they learned about Lunar New Year traditions, practiced calligraphy and tried their hand at paper cutting.
Hon. Tommy Chung Ki-fung, LegCo Member- Functional Constituency (Import and Export) and speaker of the talk on Hong Kong’s business environment, shared: “It was my pleasure to introduce Hong Kong’s business environment and its role as part of the Greater Bay Area. The brilliant students from UNSW demonstrated a positive learning attitude and raised many insightful questions. Hong Kong has entered a new era, playing an even more important role in connecting Mainland China with the rest of the world through deeper collaboration. Now is the perfect time to share Hong Kong’s new development plans and prospects with UNSW students. I sincerely hope they enjoyed the session and will return to further explore Hong Kong soon.”
The programme continued with two full-day city tours accompanied by CityUHK student ambassadors, offering students a firsthand look at Hong Kong’s diverse urban and cultural fabric. On 24 January, students explored Old and New Central, visiting the revitalised heritage site Tai Kwun and key financial landmarks that underscore the city’s global economic role. The second tour, on 31 January, took students to Lantau Island, where they visited the Big Buddha, Po Lin Monastery and the traditional Tai O fishing village.
“My favourite part was the calligraphy we did on the red paper for Lunar New Year,” said a UNSW participant Balreet Kaur. He also enjoyed the city tour, “Visiting the fishing market and talking with local people helped me understand how highly integrity and relationship-building are valued here, which will definitely help in analysing the market for my project.”
UNSW students enjoy an idea exchange with the speakers, raising many insightful questions during the orientation programme on 22 January.
Accompanied by CityUHK student ambassadors, UNSW students visit the Tai O fishing village and capture a joyful moment together, creating lasting memories of their Hong Kong experience.
Reflecting on the Lantau experience, student Finneas Nigellus said: “The Buddha provided a striking contrast to the fast-paced hustle of the inner city, set against a quieter, more serene backdrop. It helped me appreciate the tranquil side of Hong Kong’s spirituality while also highlighting the dynamic energy of city life.”
Beyond structured sessions, the programme emphasised authentic interaction and cross-cultural exchange. “Meeting and connecting with the CityUHK students was my favourite part,” added Finneas. “It helped me feel connected to the city and gave me a safe space to ask questions and explore a new culture without pressure.”
The programme successfully achieved its key objectives: building foundational knowledge of Hong Kong’s business and social context and strengthening cross-cultural communication skills through interactive learning and direct engagement.
As the UNSW students now advance into the consultancy phase of their Global Business Practicum, they carry with them a deeper, more nuanced understanding of Hong Kong—a hub where tradition meets innovation, and global finance intertwines with enduring cultural values.