This semester, the Language Improvement Project has organised 11 diverse language and cultural courses. Six of them were new courses, aiming to broaden students’ exposure to different languages and cultural traditions while enhancing their interest in language learning.

SP01 Cantonese Opera Appreciation – The Pearl Pagoda

Led by Ms Man Wah, founder of the Tin Ma Music and Opera Association, the course introduced students to Cantonese opera aesthetics through guided appreciation of the classic opera The Pearl Pagoda.

Students also learnt basic movements and explored different styles of spoken dialogue. The programme concluded with a backstage tour and a live performance at Ko Shan Theatre, which students found engaging and professional.

SP02 Cantonese Pronunciation and Clarity Enhancement

Taught by College member, Dr Ng Ka Yi from the Department of Chinese Language and Literature, this course addressed common Cantonese pronunciation issues with practical techniques. Participants reported noticeable improvement and greater confidence in their everyday communication.

SP03 Elementary Chinese Calligraphy

College alumnus, Mr Chan Kai Wing guided students through Chinese calligraphy basics, script practice, and creative writing. Live demonstrations and hands-on practice helped students gain confidence and refine their brushwork.

SP04 Turning Your Idea Into a Professional Pitch

Taught by College member, Mr Johnson M L Chan, from the English Language Teaching Unit, the course equipped students with clear and persuasive communication skills for presenting ideas to different audiences. In the final session, students delivered simulated pitches, demonstrating noticeable growth in presentation skills and confidence.

SP05 Modern Language and Culture Series – Chicaca Fiesta

Led by Mandy and Winky from Chicaca Culture, students explored Latin America through language, music, dance, travel, and cuisine. One of the sessions also featured a guest instructor who taught tango dancing at Si Yuan Amenities Centre (SYAC), where students enjoyed tasting Peru’s famous alcoholic beverage and traditional dumplings.

SP06 Sharing about ‘Strollology’ and a tour at CUHK

Featured by College alumnus, Dr Sampson Y H Wong from the Department of Geography and Resource Management who shared what ‘Strollology’ is all about and why something as simple as ‘going for a walk’ can also be a meaningful mode of learning. Following the sharing session, Dr Wong led students on a campus tour. Started at the College, continued to the Main Campus, and then down to the foothills, allowing students to rediscover CUHK step by step.

SP07 The Language and Communication Clinic (II)

Following the enthusiastic response from students last semester, the College once again invited Poppy Miller & Minxin Li from Williams College (US), to engage students in one‑to‑one English conversations. The sessions focused on improving pronunciation, articulation, and conversational fluency. One of the workshops was held at SYAC, where students enjoyed a relaxing afternoon tea while practising English in a casual and friendly setting.

SP08 Coffee Experience Workshop

Co‑organised with Ideaology at the CUHK Art Museum, this brand‑new workshop was one of the highlights of the semester. The experienced instructor introduced the origins, characteristics, and tasting methods of three types of coffee beans in English. Through coffee tasting and hands‑on latte art practice, students learnt about coffee culture while enjoying a relaxing and enriching evening.

SP09 Brewing English: A Tea Appreciation Language Workshop

Another new activity led by Dr Joyce L H Lee, from the English Language Teaching Unit. Through warm‑up games, hands‑on activities, and tea tasting, students learnt a wide range of tea‑related vocabulary while gaining insights into tea brewing techniques, the art of tea appreciation, and tea‑drinking etiquette. The workshop truly blended learning with experience.

SP10 Korean Cultural Night: Make Your Own Gimbap

College member Ms Jennifer Choi, a Korean instructor from the Department of Linguistics and Modern Languages, led a two‑hour workshop guiding students step by step, from washing spinach to slicing carrots,  through the process of making Korean gimbap. Students not only enjoyed tasting the gimbap they made themselves, but also learnt related Korean vocabulary, leaving the workshop with a rewarding experience.

SP11 Business Etiquette and Communication

College member Prof Elisa K Y Chan from the School of Hotel and Tourism Management conducted a two‑day workshop on Business Etiquette and Communication. The workshop also featured a special guest speaker, Mr Alberto Grau Jr, Director of Food & Beverage at The Ritz‑Carlton, Hong Kong, who shared insights into the importance of business communication and table manners. Through role‑playing and a simulated business luncheon, students gained hands‑on experience and built confidence in real‑world professional settings.