On the day after the grand closing of the Beijing Olympic Games, we embarked on the 3rd “Beijing – Hong Kong Cultural-Exchange” journey, which was organised by the Hong Kong Association of Youth Department. We were in Tang Shan on the first two days. We visited the massive Coafeidian industrial zone, the several thousand hundred ton crude oil piers and the infinite vegetable and fruit plantation. We were deeply impressed by the incessant effort made by the local government in rebuilding Tang Shan into a new industrial major town. On the following three days, we visited eight Hutongs and climbed the majestic Juyongguan. While visiting the Li Ning’s Sports City, the Beijing National Aquatics Centre and the National Stadium, we felt once again that our mother country’s sports development had eventually established itself in the World Sports scene. During the five-day journey, we saw the prosperity of China, and we took pride in our mother country’s economic and cultural development.

I was selected as one of the eight Hong Kong representatives to a Natural World Heritage Site in South Africa with 38 delegates from different countries. I had the opportunity to spear fish in Tsonga way, to go snorkeling, to see the “Big 5” etc. I also visited the Zulu home and learnt the Zulu dance. What I treasured most was my stay with teenagers of my age for one week. We had cultural exchange through cooking and chatting together. I was astonished by the unpolluted environment and starry sky at night which I had never seen before. Through this once-in-a-life-time experience, I learn the importance of environmental preservation. I will cherish the unforgettable memories and the friends I met in this trip for the rest of my life.

During the summer vacation, we joined the Nanjing, Hong Kong & Macau Student Exchange Camp jointly organized by the National Ministry of Education, the Committee for Liaison with Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and Overseas Chinese of the CPPCC of Jiangsu Province (江蘇省政協港澳臺僑委員會), Southeastern University (東南大學), Hong Kong New Generation Cultural Association (香港新一代文化協會), General Association of Chinese Students - Macau (澳門中華學生聯合總會), and Hong Kong New Generation Friends (香港新一代之友). Lasting friendship with the other participants was made. Through visiting the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall, the Presidential Palace, the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Yuhuatai (雨花臺), the Gate of China and the local military camp and museums, we reviewed the history of China. We also visited Shouxihu Lake (瘦西湖) in Yangzhou. The scenery was picturesque. It was indeed a fruitful trip which broadened our horizons.

We participated in the ‘National Education---Lecture Course Series’ from late October to mid-November in 2007 and the ‘Exchange Program to Shanghai and Nanjing’ from 21st July to 25th July in 2008 which were organized by the National Education Centre. The lecture course covered China’s politics, economy, education, technology, history and culture. Having taken part in these activities, we now have a better understanding of modern Chinese history and become more knowledgeable about the achievements brought about by the Open Door Policy and the Reform that has taken place in the past 30 years. In Shanghai, we visited the ‘Memorial site of the First National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party’ and ‘Fudan University’. In Nanjing, we visited the ‘Dr. Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum’, ‘Nanjing University’ and the ‘Memorial Hall of the Victims in the Nanjing Massacre’. When we were in the memorial hall, we deeply felt the crime committed by the Japanese soldiers during the invasion of China. We also realized that history can forgive but will never forget.

I was selected one of the five team members to represent Hong Kong in the 39th International Physics Olympiad which was held in Hanoi, Vietnam in July 20-29. I visited Ha Long Bay and watched the water puppet show. The most unforgettable event was the chorus of "Welcome to Beijing" by Chinese from China, USA, Germany, etc. The most valuable thing I got from this competition was not only a bronze medal but the opportunity of making friends with people from different countries.

I was selected as one of the eight team members of Hong Kong in the 9th Asian Physics Olympiad which was held in Monogolia in April 20-28. Besides participating in the experimental and theoretical examinations, we watched Monoglian cultural performance, visited the national park and tried Monoglian food. We also visited the nuclear research centre in National University of Mongolia and saw the particle accelerators. The Mongolians and students from other countries are friendly. I was awarded an honorable mention.

From 19th to 28th March 2008, I participated in the “Hong Kong Award Scheme for Student Leaders of Hong Kong: National Education Course” held in Beijing. During the ten-day trip, there were seminars covering education, politics, science, economy and history of Mainland China. We also visited a number of important scenic spots such as the Palace Museum, Tian An Men Square, Lu Gou Qiao, and the Great Wall etc. In addition, we did a lot of sharing with students from secondary schools and universities in Beijing. It was a truly meaningful and enlightening trip.

I was selected as one of the representatives of Kids’ Dream, a child-led organization promoting children’s right, to attend the 2^nd Regional Meeting of Children and Youth Organization in Thailand. It was scheduled from 27/10 to 1/11. The meeting was organized by Save the Children Sweden with an aim to provide a platform for children and youth organizations to exchange ideas and experiences.

During this summer, I joined the Chinese Aeronautics Study Tour which was organized by Hong Kong New Generation Cultural Association from the 13th to 19th of August. The theme of this tour is the aeronautics of China.

The activities of the trip included attending a talk organized by Beijing Technology Museum, visiting Beihang University, and discussing with the students of Beihang University. Furthermore, we visited the China Aircraft Museum, Space Flight Museum in China, Beijing Astronomy Control Centre and Astronaut Training Centre. We even enjoyed the opportunity to talk with Mr. Li-wei Yang. That’s really an unforgettable experience! Through participating in this tour, I have gained a better understanding of the prosperous development of aerospace industry in China. I am really proud of being a Chinese!

I had the valuable opportunity to take part in the Oxfam Action Group 2007 focusing on the theme of “Consumption and Poverty”. Prior to the 7-day exposure trip to the Philippines from 31 July to 6 August 2007, I and other participants attended a 3-month training course through which we were well equipped for our mission. I benefited a lot from the fruitful trip and I gained much deeper understanding of the issues surrounding fair trade and poverty. Most rewarding of all, I have learnt how to be a more responsible global citizen.

In May and June, we attended a series of talks about China’s development in different aspects, including education, politics, technology and the Olympic 2008. After the interview, we were selected to be members of the trip to Beijing in July. We visited a number of famous places, such as the China Science and Technology Museum, Palace Museum, Tian An Men Square, Summer Palace, Great Wall and Lu Gou Qiao. This trip enables us to gain a deeper understanding of our country and it is really an invaluable experience.

        During summer vacation, we joined an exchange trip to Shenyang (沈陽), which is located in Liaoling Province (遼寧省). The province is famous for both its natural scenery and cultural heritage. Among its scenic highlights are Qianshan (千山) and Diqinggou (大清溝). The former one is well known for its weird shape of stones which look like a Buddha and the latter is renowned for its exotic beauty which makes you feel really relaxed. It was the birthplace of Qing Dynasty and countless historical events took place here like 918 incident.

        We had the valuable opportunity to attend a series of talks given by the professors from Northeastern University (東北大學). These talks included topics on economic and cultural aspects and conservation issues. It is indeed a fruitful trip which broadens our horizons.

This summer, I participated in the “Hong Kong Jockey Club Award Scheme for Student Leaders: National Education Course”. During the ten-day trip, from 15th to 24th July, I gained a much clearer picture of our motherland. The academics did not only emphasize the positive side of the rapid economic growth. Through their lectures, I understood both the advantages and disadvantages brought by our country’s rapid changes. Moreover, we learnt about the political changes, heritage conservation, and the development of modern technology by visiting the Palace Museum, Tian An Men Square, the Great Wall and Sino-Japanese War Memorial Museum etc. It is an enjoyable and meaningful trip.

From 5th to 14th April 2007, I participated in the “Hong Kong Jockey Club Award Scheme for Student Leaders of Hong Kong: National Education Course” held in Beijing. The course started with lectures covering politics, economy, education, science and history of Mainland China, followed by visits to several important scenic spots such as the Palace Museum, Tian An Men Square, Lu Gou Qiao, Chinese Science and Technology Musuem and Sino-Japanese War Memorial Museum. After the visits, participants also had some sharing sessions and discussion with the secondary school and university students in Beijing. It was indeed a fruitful experience.

We participated in a national education course in November 2006 organized by the National Education Centre. We attended talks on the political system, scientific development, diplomatic achievement, economic and education situation in China. From 4th to 8th April 2007, we visited the China Science and Technology Museum, Palace Museum, Tian An Men Square, Summer Palace, Great Wall and also the Lu Gou Qiao in Beijing. Besides, we also attended some sharing sessions with the secondary school students in Beijing. It was indeed a rewarding experience for us

During our Easter holidays, we joined a Shandong Historic Cultural tour organized by Yau Tsim Mong Youths Society. The fruitful trip broadened our horizons. After visiting Shandong University, we experienced the intellectual atmosphere there. Upon our arrival at Mount Taishan, we realized how tiny we were on Earth. Surfing across Tai Ming Pond, we were touched by its spiritual scenery. Visiting“Three Con”made us appreciate the culture of Confucianism. Within these seven days, we traveled the land of QiLu. Apart from enhancing our knowledge of the economic and cultural condition in Shandong, more importantly, we built a good friendship with our companions, and also fostered a sense of loyalty to our nation. It is really an unforgettable experience.

We participated in a national education course in November 2006 organized by the National Education Centre. We have attended talks on the political system, scientific development, diplomatic achievement, economic and education situation in China. From 26 to 30 December 2006, we visited the China Science and Technology Museum, Palace Museum, Tian An Men Square, Summer Palace, Great Wall and also the Lu Gou Qiao in Beijing. Besides, we also attended some sharing sessions with the secondary school students in Beijing

From 17 to 26 December 2006, I participated in the “Hong Kong Jockey Club Award Scheme for Student Leaders of Hong Kong: National Education Course” held in Beijing. The course started with lectures covering politics, economy, education, science and history of Mainland China, followed by visits to several important scenic spots such as the Palace Museum, Tian An Men Square, Lu Gou Qiao, Chinese Science and Technology Musuem and Sino-Japanese War Memorial Museum. After the visits, participants also had some sharing sessions and discussion with the secondary school and university students in Beijing.

This year is my third time to take part in the China Western Mathematical Olympiad. Previously, I was only awarded a Silver medal and a Bronze medal. This year, I was lucky enough to win the Gold medal! Besides having the opportunity to exchange Mathematical insights with other participants, we also exchange the teaching pedagogy in Hong Kong. Both students and teachers from mainland China were very interested in our education system. Many students even dream of studying at the Universities in Hong Kong!

The program called Uniformed Groups 10000 Miles Friendship Trek and was held by eleven Hong Kong and Three Macau’s Uniform Groups. The aims of the program are to provide more chances for teenagers in Hong Kong to know more about our country. I visited Xian and Beijing. I was really surprised that a historic city like Xian is a model and developed city full of five star hotels, shopping malls and high-technology industries. I also visited a lot of famous scenic spots such as Bing Ma Yong, the Great Wall and the Imperial Place (Gu Gong). The most impressive program was that we could visit one Xian family. We were lucky enough be treated with some special Xian dishes reserved for some particular festivals. I enjoyed talking and listening to them about the history and culture of Xian. Moreover, I have made a lot of new friends from the other Hong Kong Uniform teams, Macau and Xian. I hope that I can keep in close contact with all of them.

I was selected as a Hong Kong Team member to take part in the 47th International Mathematical Olympiad held in Slovenia. Our team did very well and I was awarded a Silver medal. During my stay at Slovenia, I was able to meet participants from other countries and this widened my knowledge on Mathematics. Towards the end of the trip, we had a football match and paid visits to the well known karst landscape and beaches.

During this summer holiday, I joined an educational trip organized by Lingnan University. The purpose of this trip is to enrich our knowledge in ancient history of sea travel, sea trade and religious exchange. It is amazing to know that all those happened in Quanzhou were miracles. Being the main port of China, Quanzhou is nicknamed ‘the starting point of Silk Road on the sea’. Oversea trades were followed by cultural exchange. In this 4-day-trip, we visited a lot of temples, including Manichean, Buddhist, and Muslim. Never did these religious followers come into conflict with each other in the past. Even today, Quanzhou is always so sunny and Quanzhou people are always well mannered. I do think that it is why Quanzhou was a melting pot of different cultures, different religions and different races. This virtue is something that Hong Kong people are lacking. ‘Hong Kong is today’s Quanzhou, Quanzhou was Hong Kong in the past.’ one of the teachers concluded at the sharing session of the trip. Frankly speaking, Hong Kong has a lot to learn from history, to learn from Quanzhou. Today, Quanzhou has lost her position of being the main seaport. Will Hong Kong follow the fate of Quanzhou? Or can we overcome this destiny? Perhaps we can make another miracle with our hands.

This summer, I went to Beijing for ten days and during the trip, I knew more about our country. Actually, I had to attend 14 lectures in the trip, but we didn’t find it boring. In these lectures, professors from various famous universities gave us a detailed picture of China’s recent developments in education, economics and politics. Through visiting the monuments, we gained a lot of insights from all those historical sites as if we had experienced those historical moments. Witnessing the ups and downs of the country in past centuries, Beijing remains the capital city blended with glory and reforms. It remains the focal point of the fate of our country.

During the summer holidays, we took part in the National Education Visit to Beijing held by the National Education Centre. During the 5-day-trip, we visited many places like the Beijing Spacecrafts Factory and Yanjing Beer Production Factory which are hardly open to the public. We also went to some famous tourists spots, such as Tiananmen, the Forbidden City and Yuan Ming Yuan. Apart from traveling around Beijing, we had the privilege to interact with students from Central Normal University and Feng Tai No.l2 High School. We shared a lot about our cultural differences through our discussions. All in all, it was a rewarding trip which undoubtedly widened my horizons.

During this summer holiday, I joined the Oxfam Action Group 2006, which was organized by Oxfam, and went on an exposure trip to Cambodia with other 29 students from different schools. We interviewed many garment workers, sex workers, farmers and we visited many places such as a garment factory and the S-21 Concentration Camp Museum. I was particularly impressed by the farmers who seemed to be contented with their simple life. I learnt about poverty in this 7-day-Cambodia trip and I was led to believe that with faith and will-power even a man could change the world.

After receiving a series of training, we were appointed Young Envoys by the UNICEF. This summer, we participated in a six-day trip to Guangxi. We visited the primary and secondary schools, villages and sanitary units there. We came to know about the education development there and the actual work of the UNICEF. During this trip, we were very much impressed by the enthusiasm and efforts the Guangxi students put into their learning.

We were fortunate to join the fruitful 6-day Chinese History & Culture Study Tour in Kunming and Shangri-la in Yunnan during the summer holiday. It was fun and effective to learn Chinese culture through different kinds of activities. Visiting various historical sites and enjoying traditional Chinese meals enabled us to have a better grasp of our Chinese history. Interaction with students from Kunming City 1st Secondary School broadened our horizons and gave us the chance to make friends with each other. Moreover, the spectacular scenery in Shangri-la made us forget the pressure of our hustling life in Hong Kong. The most rewarding part of the trip is learning the philosophy of Zang Buddhism. It did change our perspectives of life. The experience we gained in the trip is indeed meaningful and valuable to all of us.

Exhilaration filled our hearts during the two-week trip to Singapore in this summer vacation. Assigned to Gan Eng Seng School, a well-known secondary school with a good reputation in Singapore, we had a chance to attend lessons with other Singaporean students and share our points of views on different issues. Their diligence and conscientiousness have greatly inspired us to improve our learning attitudes. In addition, the home-stay in our host families was really a valuable experience for us to learn to respect people of different cultures and religions. We also visited Chinatown, the Singapore Science Centre and the Republic Polytechnic, which are just a few of the many famous places in Singapore. In a nutshell, the trip has not only broadened our horizons, but also provided us with an opportunity to learn to communicate and cooperate with others. Every moment in Singapore was unforgettable and even now, the memories of those days still linger in my mind.

“HKJPC: An Exploration of Mainland China (A Visit to Beijing)” was organized by Hong Kong Police Force in association with Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in HKSAR. Led by Mr. TANG King Shing, Deputy Commissioner Operations (DCP Ops), we paid visits to different places of historical and tourist attractions. This broadened our horizons and increased our understanding of the capital -- Beijing. It also gave us an opportunity to make new friends with the other members. We visited the Great Wall, Lugouqiao Bridge the Great Hall of the People, the Forbidden City, Beijing Sports University, Chinese People’s Public Security University and Chinese Academy of Space Technology. I am glad to be the delegate of Mongkok district for this memorable trip.

I was selected in May to be a representative of QES to join this programme held during the summer holidays. During the 7-day trip, I visited many aerospace infrastructures that are not open to the public, such as the factory of satellites, aerospace museum, aviation museum, science centre, aerospace centre, Beihang University and its associate secondary school. I learnt a lot about the history of aerospace and aviation of China through lectures and Q&As. Moreover, the programme on rocket production and launching and the simulated space shuttle launching programme were very interesting. The most valuable experience was the chance to stay at Beijing Aerospace University. I was able to communicate with the students of the University, from whom I learned much about aerospace. I was able to polish my Putonghua too! I also did some sightseeing in Beijing, visiting such famous spots as Tiananmen, Changanjie and Wangfujing, enjoying a Shaolin Kungfu performance and joining the flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square on the last day.

The eight Hong Kong Team members wear awarded 1 gold medal, 5 silver medals and 2 bronze medals.