Student Leadership Conference 2008 at City University of Hong Kong (CityU) brings together 150 students from renowned universities worldwide to help forge the next generation of corporate and community leaders. The conference runs from 2 June to 7 June.

CityU launched the first Student Leadership Conference in 2000. Designed to encourage the whole-person development of CityU students and to develop their leadership potential, the hosting of the conference also demonstrates CityU’s commitment to broadening students’ global network and horizons. With the great support of many community leaders, the conference grew from a school conference into an international event. This year, the conference is jointly organised by Shenzhen University and the Hong Kong America Center.

The opening ceremony was held on 3 June, officiated by Professor (Chair) Richard Ho Yan-ki, Special Advisor to the President, Professor (Chair) Paul Lam Kwan-sing, Acting Vice-President (Undergraduate Education), Professor Lilian Vrijmoed Kwan Lee-ping, Dean of Student Learning, Mr Joseph Chan Kai-nin, Director of Student Development Services, and Dr Glenn Shive, Director of Hong Kong America Center.

“One of the sub-themes of the conference is cross-cultural communication. Communication skills are certainly more important than superficial, aesthetic beauty and are an essential quality in any outstanding leader,” said Professor Ho during his welcoming speech.

Kunal Prakash Parwani, Chairperson of the Student Organising Committee, expressed heartfelt thanks on behalf of the committee. “Being the chairperson of the Student Organising Committee is an honour and also a responsibility. Through organising the conference, I learned to respect the diversity of people.”

The unveiling ceremony marked the official opening of the six-day conference. Adhering to a cherished tradition, distinguished leaders will be invited throughout the conference to share with fellow participants their own route to success.

The theme of this year’s conference is “Leadership in a Flat World”, with

the three sub-themes of “Challenges and opportunities for young leaders”, “Cross-cultural communication” and “Technology”. The comprehensive programme includes lectures, forums, campus and company visits, a Hong Kong cultural tour, leaders’ dinner and a culture night.

Cyrus Tuon Kwok-ping, Internal Vice-Chairperson of the Student Organising Committee, said, “Through this conference, I learned that apart from leadership, a successful leader should also learn the art of listening and possess the power to boost the morale of all teammates.”

“It is an honour to represent my college at this conference. I wish to learn different types of leadership styles from people from around the world,” said Ice Huang Yabing, a student from Shenzhen University.