SBC held 2025 Entry International Student Welcome Party in SBC Tearoom. The event was attended by CAI Hui, Deputy Party Secretary and Associate Dean of SBC, Adrian Chong, Head of School of Engineering and Computing, Jeffrey Wang, Head of School of Business and Management, Gordon Callan, Head of School of Language, Education, and Cultures, representatives of tutors, lecturers and all the 2025 Entry international students attended the activity. Centred around the theme “Taste, Craft, Connect,” the event facilitated meaningful interaction and cultural sharing between students and staff through hands-on experiences in traditional Chinese crafts and culinary culture.
Adrian Chong extended a warm welcome to all staff and students present. In the opening address, he emphasised that the college consistently upholds the educational themes of Responsible Leadership, Enterprise and Innovation, and Cultural Empathy, encouraging new students to actively adapt to the cross-cultural environment and bravely face academic and life challenges. He stressed that SBC is committed to providing an inclusive and innovative platform for growth for international students and expressed his hope that students would cherish their time here, engage deeply with their studies, and immerse themselves in Chinese culture.
Adrian Chong delivering the opening speech
After a quick ice-breaking self-introduction session, the sachet-making workshop began. The host carefully explained each step of crafting a traditional Chinese sachet, from selecting materials and filling the pouch with fragrant herbs to stitching and decorating it. The international students showed great interest, with many experiencing this for the first time. Through the hands-on activity, they not only enjoyed the pleasure of crafting but also gained a deeper appreciation for the unique cultural significance of fragrance and blessings in Chinese tradition. The atmosphere was warm and focused, with participants helping each other and sharing tips, soon completing their own unique sachets.
Materials for the sachet-making activity
Next, everyone gathered for a group photo holding their handmade sachets and traditional Chinese knots prepared by the college—capturing a memorable moment filled with a sense of achievement and newfound friendship. The sachets and Chinese knots complemented each other beautifully, symbolising good fortune and reunion, and serving as the first cultural gift from SBC to the new international students.
Students and staff posing with their handmade sachets
The event concluded with a dumpling-making session. As a representative element of Chinese culinary culture, dumplings served as a bridge connecting students from different cultural backgrounds. Guided by canteen staff and student volunteers, participants learned various dumpling-folding techniques—from classic pleated and crescent-shaped styles to a method shared by a Russian student. As they worked together, students chatted about their own countries' food traditions, filling the room with laughter and a lively, friendly atmosphere.
International students learning to make dumplings
Display of the dumplings the students made
The Welcome Party drew to a close amidst joy and laughter. Through the hands-on experiences of “Taste, Craft, Connect,” the new international students not only gained an appreciation for traditional Chinese culture, but also built genuine friendships and closer bonds through collaboration and sharing. The event further promoted cultural exchange between Chinese and international students. We look forward to seeing our new students continue to explore, integrate, and thrive—gaining knowledge, personal growth, and a sense of belonging within our diverse and inclusive community.
