APRU summer programmes empower students as global changemakers
CUHK continues to champion student engagement in the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Summer Programmes, which foster global citizenship and inspire innovative solutions to pressing challenges. This summer, CUHK students participated in three programmes designed to cultivate intercultural dialogue.
One key initiative was the SDG Education for Global Citizenship (SDG4GC) programme, themed ‘Diversity and Inclusivity – Actions for Sustainability’. Co-designed by CUHK, Chulalongkorn University, Universiti Malaya, Kyushu University, Nanyang Technological University, and the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with the United Nations (UN), the programme integrated virtual learning, mentorship, and a week-long onsite experience in Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur. Eighty students from 20 universities participated in the programme this year. Dr. Elsie Tsui from CUHK Business School, serving as a mentor, guided a team of students to develop a multifaceted nutrition programme designed to make healthy meals both accessible and affordable for individuals in need.
Students take part in a dynamic SDG4GC onsite programme, featuring an inspiring visit to the UN headquarters in Thailand.
The programme culminated in a social innovation pitching competition. Han Xiao, a CUHK master’s student in psychology and member of a winning team, reflected: ‘The SDG4GC was more than a competition. We engaged in SDG learning, community-based research, and design-thinking workshops, which helped us develop interdisciplinary problem-solving skills and foster cross-cultural collaboration.’ Han also shared that he forged new friendships and gained invaluable experience in creating impactful change.
Han Xiao (1st right) celebrates with his team after their winning pitch at the SDG4GC competition.
Another highlight was the APRU Multi-Hazards Summer School hosted by Tohoku University in Japan from 29 July to 1 August 2025. The programme explored the role of AI and big data in advancing disaster risk reduction. Over 40 students from 26 universities across 13 economies, including two CUHK postgraduates from the Jockey Club School of Public Health, participated in hands-on workshops that equipped them with practical skills to tackle complex disaster scenarios. A field trip to the Okawa Elementary School Ruins, a memorial to the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, left a profound impact on participants.
Students gain valuable insights into post-disaster recovery efforts following the Great East Japan Earthquake during the Multi-Hazards Summer School.
The APRU Undergraduate Leaders’ Programme, hosted by Universidad de Chile from 20 July to 2 August 2025, brought together 72 students from 25 universities across 13 economies. Themed ‘Future Global Citizenship Leaders: Addressing Pacific Rim Challenges’, the programme immersed students in the political, economic, social, and cultural complexities of the region. Yanni Chan, a Year 3 Computer Science student at CUHK, described the experience as transformative, as she was particularly inspired by visits to the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and Diplomatic Academy of Chile, which solidified her aspirations in international affairs. ‘The greatest takeaway was the power of human connection,’ Yanni shared. ‘The programme assembled a group of future leaders from across the Pacific, and this diversity was our greatest asset. We were a mosaic of cultures, disciplines, and perspectives, yet we found common ground in our curiosity and ambition to make a positive impact.’
The Undergraduate Leaders’ Programme has deepened Yanni’s understanding of her role as a global citizen.
Stay tuned for more exciting APRU opportunities promoted by the Office of Academic Links, as CUHK continues to nurture globally minded students ready to lead and innovate across borders.