Building on the vibrant experiences of previous years, the HKUST School of Science hosted the International Cultural Fair once again on March 25-26. This lively event celebrated the rich cultural tapestry of 17 countries and regions, welcoming newcomers from Africa, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Nepal, France, Uzbekistan and the UK. With 36 engaging booths managed by 105 international students, each booth showcased a unique glimpse into diverse heritages.
HKUST boasts a substantial population of international undergraduate students, with an impressive non-local student ratio among institutions in Hong Kong. Over the past few years, more than half of the non-local students admitted to HKUST's undergraduate programs have come from countries outside of Mainland China. In addition to students from Europe, the United States, Australia, and Asia, the university also welcomes students from Belt and Road Initiative countries and other emerging nations that enrich the tapestry of Hong Kong, including Uzbekistan, Moldova, Venezuela, and Yemen. In the current academic year, 21.5% of the non-local students admitted to the School of Science come from 17 different countries and regions overseas. The school frequently hosts events that unite all students to celebrate the beauty of multiculturalism.
This year, the School of Science vividly recreated the rich cultural heritage of old Hong Kong by transforming SCI/HOME into a multicultural hub inspired by the Kowloon Walled City. A featured “Walled-city Store” displayed a delightful array of classic snacks and toys from the 1970s to 1990s, including “Eyeglass Chocolate Beans”, Chupa Chups, “Watermelon Balls”, and nostalgic capsule toy vending machines. Other booths hosted by international students showcasing a variety of traditions were a highlight of the fair. Nepalese students captivated audiences with traditional folk dances, while Malaysian students shared delicious homemade Kaya toast. French students introduced the popular local game of Pétanque and the craft of Scoubidou, along with traditional treats like madeleines. Indian students brought traditional attire for others to try on, and Swedish students enchanted participants with the Nyckelharpa, a traditional folk instrument, immersing everyone in the beautiful sounds of Nordic culture. Uzbekistani students showcased their traditional cuisine, and Kazakhstani students engaged participants with a local game called Assyk.
Beyond providing a relaxing pre-exam break, the festival fostered meaningful cross-cultural connections through interactive experiences. The event attracted over 1,000 students, academic and staff members from around the globe, creating a vibrant atmosphere of unity and celebration.
The School of Science featured a "Li Kee Store," specially designed with a theme inspired by walled cities. The booth representing Hong Kong showcased dozens of classic snacks and toys from the 1970s to 1990s.
Nepalese students introduced traditional folk dances to the attending teachers and students.
Malaysian students shared homemade Kaya toast.
French students presented the popular local game of Pétanque and the craft of Scoubidou, and shared traditional foods like madeleines.
Hong Kong students introduced Mahjong to international students and taught them to identify the tiles by touching.
A French student (first on the right) took a photo in traditional Indian attire.
Swedish students played the traditional folk instrument Nyckelharpa, allowing their classmates to immerse themselves in the rich Nordic atmosphere through beautiful music.
Swedish students taught their classmates to play with the traditional folk instrument Nyckelharpa.
Uzbekistani students participated in the International Cultural Fair for the first time this year, sharing their traditional cuisine.
Kazakhstani students introduced their traditional local game called Assyk. In this game, students took turns using marbles to try to knock their opponent's dice out of the frame.
The event attracted an impressive attendance of over 1,000 students and staff members from around the globe.
