In celebration of the upcoming Year of the Dragon, the participants of the CUHK Host Family Programme gathered together for a joyous Reunion Dinner on 19 January 2024. This special event, graced by the esteemed presence of Prof. Ko Wing Hung, University Dean of Students, and Ms. Elaine Tam, Director of the Office of Student Affairs, was filled with jubilance and cultural richness.
That night, the students took the opportunity to introduce local Lunar New Year customs as well as Vietnamese New Year traditions, allowing everyone to gain a deeper understanding of and appreciation for different cultural practices. Ngoc Chi Nguyen, one of the presenters from Vietnam, was thrilled about the experience. “It was wonderful to have this opportunity to introduce others to Vietnamese customs and traditions. I was pleasantly surprised by how similar they were to some other Asian traditions, while each other retaining its uniqueness. It really delighted me to see everyone enjoying the traditional Vietnamese food we had prepared, such as Banh chung (glutinous rice dumplings with green mung beans and pork) and the other festive snacks. I also appreciated learning about other cultural traditions. The event allowed me to proudly showcase my culture while expanding my knowledge of others’, which was a truly memorable experience for an international student like me.”
Contributing to the success of the Reunion Dinner were the i-Ambassadors of the Office of Student Affairs, who played a vital role in facilitating cultural interaction. During the Fai Chun writing session conducted by the i-Ambassadors, attendees had the opportunity to try their hand at writing this essential Lunar New Year decoration and creating their own artwork.
Another engaging moment was the “Lou Sang” (撈生) practice led by a Malaysian student. Widely celebrated in Malaysia and Singapore, “Lou Sang” is a festive dish that has gained popularity. The participants engaged in this celebratory custom by joyously reciting auspicious sayings while tossing the colourful ingredients with chopsticks. This unique experience added a delightful twist to the evening and enriched the cultural diversity of the event.
One of the highlights of the night for the over 50 participants was receiving Lai See, or red packets, from the two guests. This traditional gesture of blessings brought immense joy to everyone present. The happy atmosphere continued with an exhilarating lucky draw, which further added to the festive spirit.
The Reunion Dinner served as a remarkable occasion that brought people from diverse backgrounds together. With the Lunar New Year as the common theme, the event provided a valuable opportunity for hosts and students to interact, forge connections, and appreciate cultural diversity.
