A group of talented 21 students pledged to promote CityU's image and commit themselves to whole person development at the sixth Student Ambassador inaugural ceremony held on 23 January. The new batch of students ambassadors were selected out of 220 applicants because of their positive attitude, pleasant personality and strong communication skills.

"I am certain that the new ambassadors will have a positive impact on campus life in the coming year,"said Professor Edmond Ko, Vice-President (Undergraduate Education) and Dean of Students, who met each of the 40 final round candidates individually.

Also known as the "A" Project, the Student Ambassador Programme is a major educational initiative launched by the Student Leadership and Development Team of the Student Development Services since 1997. Student Ambassadors are a group of non final-year students from various disciplines who join the programme either through nomination by department heads or self- application. They are required to attend comprehensive training and offer services to the University, such as introducing the University to the general public, serving in interflow functions and community services, organizing campus-life enhancement programmes and external visits for fellow students, and receiving guests in the University's major conferences/events.

Among the new batch of ambassadors is Miss Iris Hsu, a year 2 student in the Department of Applied Social Studies. "I look forward to contributing to a number of activities, such as receiving guests and visitors at public functions. As a student ambassador, we have to learn through serving. I believes that all these experiences will enrich my university life."

Looking back over her wonderful memories gained from last year's programme, Miss Patricia Au, a year 2 BBA major, said serving as the University's ambassador was a beneficial experience. "I have many chances to meet and interact with people of different backgrounds. This helps sharpen my inter-personal and communication skills," she said.

In the year ahead, the Student Ambassadors will continue to take an active part in such important University events as the Orientation, Congregation, Information Day and, not to mention various seminars, talks and workshops. In early spring, they will be visiting a number of government departments and receiving representatives from mainland universities. In summer, they are also planning for an annual interflow tour - this time to Japan with a view to understanding more about the country's educational systems and socio-economic developments.