Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) held a flag-raising ceremony this morning (1 October) to celebrate the 74^th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. This marked the first National Day flag-raising ceremony since the slowdown of the COVID-19 pandemic. The event brought together members of the university community to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the motherland and to wish the country continued prosperity. Attending the ceremony were approximately 200 HKMU stakeholders, including Council members, management, staff and students.

The University has always placed great emphasis on cultivating the students' national consciousness and encouraging them to contribute to the development of the country. Many HKMU students were excited to participate in the ceremony. “As I witnessed the national flag being raised, I deeply felt its lofty significance and the power of unity,” said nursing student Lai Yan-yu. “I feel honoured and proud to see teachers and students united to salute the national flag. This solemn ceremony makes me understand that we university students should do our utmost to contribute to the development of our country and society.”

“Participating in the flag-raising ceremony reminds students to embrace their identity as 'Hong Kong Chinese' and fosters their sense of belonging and identity as 'Chinese', 'Hongkongers' and 'HKMUers',” said Marcelino Cheung Ho-chai, a student in the language and translation programme. “Through the flag-raising ceremony, students are instilled with the messages of patriotism, love for Hong Kong and affection for the University, and they take pride in their Chinese identity.”

Xie Ruoshui, a student from the mainland, said she felt honoured to participate in the flag-raising ceremony. “I was excited and proud to see the Five-star Red Flag raised,” she enthused. “I sincerely wish our country a happy birthday and pledge to continue to proactively contribute to the development of the motherland.”

Another mainland student, Qiu Yancong, shared his unforgettable experience of participating in this event. “This will be one of the precious memories of my university life,” he said. “Our country and society have gradually returned to normal after the pandemic, and this is what we have worked together to achieve. It was an honour to celebrate the National Day with so many students this year, and to share our love and pride in our nation. May we continue to join hands for the prosperity and bright future of our nation.”

Hong Kong Metropolitan University is committed to providing high-quality education, engaging in cutting-edge research, and cultivating students' holistic development. In addition to daily flag-raising on campus, the University holds flag-raising ceremonies every Monday morning and on momentous occasions, such as New Year's Day, HKSAR Establishment Day and National Day. All students and staff are encouraged to attend.