A delegation comprising forty-six personnel from mainland provincial bureaux and secondary schools from fifteen provinces paid a visit to CityU on 22 November to learn more about next year's admission exercise and to tour the campus.

CityU conducted its first student recruitment exercise in the five provinces of Hebei, Heilongjiang, Shanxi, Jilin and Anhui through the National College Joint Entrance Examination Scheme in 2007. As a part of a reciprocal arrangement, the five provinces recently sent representatives of their admission and examination offices and examination administration centres to join a delegation visiting CityU. Also included in the delegation were principals, registrars and teachers of 31 leading secondary schools from 15 provinces and cities.

In his welcoming speech, Professor David Tong Shuk-yin, Deputy President of CityU, extended a warm welcome to the delegation. "Your visit is highly regarded by the University, as you can see from the attendance of so many of our colleagues at this reception. This should provide a good opportunity for us to get to know each other better through an in-depth exchange," said Professor Tong. He then presented to the delegation details of the future development of CityU.

Mr Wang Xinli, Director of the Education and Science and Technology Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong, said he felt honoured to be invited to the reception. Sharing his views on mainland students coming to Hong Kong to further their studies, he suggested the delegation needed to fully understand the actual situation of the territory, for example the unique features of each local university and the lifestyle in Hong Kong. They could then provide useful information to students in selecting the appropriate university. "Such information could ensure students were psychologically well-prepared and in a position to quickly adapt to life and the education system in Hong Kong," said Mr Wang.

Mr Wei Guodong, Deputy Director of the Examination Office of Hebei Province, expressed gratitude for the warm reception of CityU and for conducting its first recruitment exercise in the five provinces. "Through the recruitment exercise, CityU offers students in the five provinces an opportunity to receive internationalised education in Hong Kong. As an examination authority in the mainland, we greatly appreciate the determination and efficiency of Hong Kong's universities in nurturing the young generation of talent," Mr Wei said.

Several mainland students and recent graduates from CityU also attended the reception and shared their study experience with the delegation.

Luo Qian, who has completed the foundation programme and is now a Year 1 student in the Department of Marketing at the Faculty of Business, said she was immediately aware of the pervasive atmosphere of study and learning on the campus. After studying at CityU for one year, she has assimilated into the lifestyle of CityU and Hong Kong. "CityU has designed many programmes to assist us. For example, the CityU Buddy Scheme organises senior students to help us adapt to the new life here and prevent us from feeling lonely or helpless," Luo Qian said. She also joined the Student Ambassador Programme, which helped her improve her communication skills and understand the importance of teamwork.

CityU senior management to join the reception included Professor Paul Lam Kwan-sing, Acting Vice-President (Undergraduate Education); Professor Wei Kwok-kee, Dean of the Faculty of Business; Professor Martin John Painter, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences; Professor Chan Chi-hou, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering; Professor Anthony Cooray, Acting Dean of the School of Law; Professor Lilian Vrijmoed Kwan Lee-ping, Dean of Student Learning; Mr Joseph Chan Kai-nin, Director of the Student Development Services; Dr Emily Cheng Kwong Kit-ching, Director of the Admission Office; Ms Helen Lam, Director of the International and Non-local Students Office; and Ms Alice Wong Yuet-yau, Director of the External Liaison and Cooperation Office.