The Inauguration Luncheon of the United College Shum Choi Sang Mentorship Programme: Year of Ho Man Sum 2025-2026 was held at Courtyard by Marriott Hong Kong Sha Tin on 27 September 2025. This special occasion marked the official launch of the 26^th cohort of the Programme, bringing together mentors and mentees for their first face-to-face interaction in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

168 guests, mentors and mentees attended the Inauguration Luncheon, filling the banquet hall to capacity. Before the luncheon officially began, Professor Stephen H S Wong, College Head of United College, and Mr Simon K C Lee, Vice-Chairman of the College Board of Trustees, Honourary President of the United College Alumni Association, and Co-convenor of the Mentorship Programme Coordinating Committee, delivered opening remarks. They shared the vision and development of the Programme, and encouraged mentees to make the most of their mentor relationships in exploring personal aspirations.

Professor Stephen H S Wong delivered an opening speech at the Inauguration Luncheon.

Mr Simon K C Lee expressed heartfelt gratitude to Mr Ho Man Sum, the Year Patron, for his generous support and unwavering commitment to mentorship development.

The continued success of the Programme is made possible through the generous support of Patron, whose contributions have helped sustain this meaningful initiative over the years. This year, the Programme is honoured to have Mr Ho Man Sum, Vice-Chairman of the College Endowment Fund Committee, Vice-President of the United College Alumni Association, and Member of the Mentorship Programme Coordinating Committee, as the Year Patron. In appreciation of his unwavering support, the College prepared a commemorative trophy as a token of gratitude.

Ms Lina H Y Yan (left), Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Permanent Emeritus President of the United College Alumni Association, and Professor Stephen H S Wong (right) presented a commemorative trophy to the Year Patron of the Programme. Mr Ho Man Sum, Year Patron, was unable to attend the event due to prior commitments, the trophy was received on his behalf by Professor Fung Kwok Pui (centre), College Honorary Fellow.

In addition, the College took the opportunity during the luncheon ceremony to express appreciation and recognition to mentors who have provided long-term service for the Programme. Awards or certificates were presented to them as a token of gratitude. The list of recipients of the Long Service Award 2025–2026 is as follows:

 Mr FUNG Kwok Wai Raymond (right), receiving the award for his 5^th year of service as a mentor, presented by Professor Martin C S Wong (left), Associate Head, Dean of Students, and Co-convenor of the Mentorship Programme.

Mr HUI Wan Lung (right) and Ms YUE Lok Man Rebecca (left), receiving certificates and commemorative gifts for their 15 years of service as mentors, presented by Mr Simon K C Lee (centre), Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees, HonouraryPresident of the United College Alumni Association, and Co-convenor of the Mentorship Programme.

Ms YUEN Lai Kwan (left) and Mr LAU Hung Cheong (right), receiving certificates and commemorative gifts for their 20 years of service as mentors, presented by Professor Stephen H S Wong (centre), College Head

Ms CHOW Yim Fong Amy (right), receiving the award and certificate for her 25 years of service as a mentor, presented by Ms Lina H Y Yan (left), Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Permanent Emeritus President of the United College Alumni Association.

Before the luncheon commenced, Ms Lina H Y Yan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Permanent Emeritus President of the United College Alumni Association, led the guests in a toast on stage, extending her best wishes for the successful implementation and continued growth of the Mentorship Programme.

Following the toasting ceremony, the luncheon officially began. During the meal, each mentor-mentee group was invited on stage for group photos, capturing the joy of their first gathering. Taking advantage of this valuable opportunity to come together, mentors and mentees engaged in lively conversations, sharing personal experiences and career insights. In a warm and cheerful atmosphere, genuine connections were formed — a true reflection of the core values of the Mentorship Programme.

To conclude the luncheon, all guests, mentors and mentees were invited to gather at the front of the stage for a group photo, marking a perfect end to a memorable occasion.