The Outstanding Students Awards Presentation Ceremony 2025 was held on 13 March 2026. This year, 44 College students were recognised across four award categories, including 24 awardees in Sports, nine in Social Service – Community Service, eight in Social Service – Serving the CUHK Community, and three in Innovation and Invention. Their achievements reflect the students’ outstanding contributions and accomplishments across a wide range of fields.

Seven individual awardees and two award‑winning teams nominated by the College were invited to take part in interviews, sharing how they pursued their passions beyond academic study and grew through challenges. Their stories bring to life the many dimensions of whole‑person development.

Social Service – Community Service

From left: Lau Chun Yin, Jeffery (SOWK/3) and Wong Ho, Jonathan (PACC/4)

During their journeys at CUHK, some students respond to social needs with an open mind, while others turn ideas into action. Jonathan and Jeffery exemplify both approaches. Jonathan connects education with diverse communities through social enterprise initiatives, while Jeffery continues to advocate within the field of social service and institutional engagement.

Jonathan shared that his path into social service did not begin with a clear blueprint, but emerged through exploration: ‘By trying and learning through practice, new possibilities gradually unfold.’ Jeffery, on the other hand, believes that addressing complex social issues begins with empathy: ‘Only by setting aside judgement and listening with understanding can real change take place.’

Though on different paths, they share a common belief—serving the community with openness, empathy and action.

Click the link to watch Jonathan and Jeffery’s interview and learn more.

Social Service – Serving the CUHK Community

Cheng Yung Wai, Avril (COMM/3)

Avril was recognised for her proactive efforts to respond to students’ needs and improve campus life. She believes that student service is not defined by titles, but by a willingness to take an extra step where possible: ‘Student service is not about identity or status, but about being willing to go one step further.’

Emphasising empathy, Avril shared that meaningful service begins with understanding others’ perspectives rather than insisting on one’s own. By turning everyday observations into action, she has brought about practical changes for fellow students, exemplifying the spirit of service to the CUHK community.

Click the link to watch Avril’s interview and learn more.

From left: Or Chung Tin, Samuel (PSYC/5) and Mak Chung Yu, Max (GLSD/4)

Over the years, the spirit of United College has lived on through students who turn values into action. Through College orientation camps and anniversary celebration student activities, Max and Samuel have remained actively committed to serving the College community. In planning student activities, they have taken up responsibility, responded to students’ needs, and translated commitment into meaningful action in support of the College.

Reflecting on his motivation, Max shared that ‘passing on the spirit’ drives his continued involvement: ‘As long as an activity can continue, it is already better than letting a tradition disappear.’ Samuel, inspired by being guided by senior students during his early College life, hopes to pass on the same meaningful experience to future UCians.

Through their involvement in College orientation camps and anniversary activities, both came to recognise the importance of communication and empathy, and to see that the true value of student activities lies not only in outcomes, but also in the journey of learning and growth. As Max noted, ‘Calm and respectful communication often makes it easier to resolve challenges,’ while Samuel added, ‘Different opinions simply reflect different perspectives—learning to understand one another is the greatest takeaway.’ Together, they exemplify the care, commitment, and whole‑person development valued by CUHK.

Click the link to watch Max and Samuel’s interview and learn more.

Chan Pui Yin (IBBA/4)

For Pui Yin, a student hall is more than a place to live—it is a community where students from diverse backgrounds can connect and grow. From College orientation camp to helping establish the first residents’ association of Choi Kai Yau Residence, she has consistently worked to enable more students to truly integrate into hall life.

She believes that ‘different languages and cultures each carry their own meaning and are not barriers to understanding.’ This willingness to go one step further has fostered mutual understanding between local and non-local residents. By translating commitment into action, Pui Yin hopes fellow students can build meaningful university memories and a genuine sense of belonging.

Click the link to watch Pui Yin’s interview and learn more.

Punia Min, Francis (25/GLSD)

‘You matter, and every single moment of You matters.’ This belief guided Francis throughout his journey at CUHK. Originally from Myanmar, he has actively devoted himself to serving Southeast Asian and non‑local students, supporting their adjustment to campus life in Hong Kong.

Arriving in Hong Kong alone during the pandemic once left Francis feeling helpless, but it also led him to seek out university support, connect with peers, and transform his own experiences into actions that respond to others’ needs. Through his involvement in student organisations and committee works in CUHK, he hopes to remind fellow students that—even in unfamiliar surroundings—there are always people willing to listen and offer support.

‘Being able to truly help others and bring about positive change allows me to see my own value,‘ Francis reflected, a belief that lies at the heart of his commitment to social service.

Click the link to watch Francis’s interview and learn more.

Sports

United by teamwork and determination, the College Men’s and Women’s Volleyball Teams, regardless of gender or background, bring the heart of sport to life on the court. Through countless practices and hard‑fought matches, the men’s and women’s teams learn to face challenges together, growing stronger through every win and loss.

College Women’s Volleyball Team
Comprising players from diverse disciplines and year levels, the College Women’s Volleyball Team stands united through trust and mutual support, remaining determined even in the face of limited manpower and challenging conditions. As captain Lin Wing Lam (PESH/5) shared, ‘Even if we did not win the championship, we never lost in spirit.’ Their perseverance and fighting spirit make the team truly inspiring.

Please click the link to watch the College Women’s Team’s interview video and learn more.

College Men’s Volleyball Team
Facing opponents from different Colleges, the team embraces each match as a fresh challenge and enjoys the spirit of Inter-Collegiate Competitions. As captain Lau Hok Tin (PESH/3) shared, ‘Every match is a new challenge, and that is what makes College competitions so enjoyable.‘ Team member Khan Ahmed (ESHE/3) added, ‘Winning is never easy—it should be seen as a new beginning.’ This constant pursuit of improvement embodies the values of collaboration, responsibility, and growth that College sports emphasise.

Please click the link to watch the College Men’s Team’s interview video and learn more.