The Department of Social Sciences of the School of Arts and Social Sciences (A&SS) of Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) hosted its first Psychology and Counselling Festival, “Illuminating the Future — Psychology and Counselling Festival 2024”, on 21 September on campus. As part of the HKMU 35^th anniversary celebrations, the Festival aimed to promote public understanding of psychology and mental wellness, foster collaboration and academic exchange, and empower students to participate in public education.

The Festival started with an opening ceremony featuring remarks by Provost Prof. Reggie Kwan Ching-ping and Acting Dean of A&SS Prof. Eva Man Kit-wah. Officiating guests included HKMU Court member and Council member of the Fu Hong Society Ms Virginia Choi Wai-kam, Vice President (Administration and Corporate Development) Prof. Charles Kwong Che-leung, Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences Prof. Janet Wong Yuen-ha, Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning) of A&SS Dr Kelly Chan Kar-yue, Associate Dean (Administration and Development) of A&SS Dr Rebecca Leung Mo-ling, and Acting Head of Social Sciences of A&SS Dr Terence Shum Chun-tat.

The ceremony was followed by a keynote speech by the Chief Executive Officer of the Fu Hong Society, Dr Woo Chi-wood, titled, “The Principles Unchanging amidst the Rapidity of Change”, in which he highlighted different counselling therapies. There were also seminars by the Founder of the Hong Kong Institute of Animal Assisted Intervention (HKIAAI), Mr Eddie Lee, on animal-assisted therapy and a registered play therapist of the Australasia Pacific Play Therapy Association (APPTA), Miss Yvonne Chan, on play therapy. The participants enjoyed a Japanese Pastel Nagomi Art workshop, led by counsellor Mr Alexander Yip, and a Singing Bowl and Mindfulness workshop, by Singing Bowl therapist Ms Zero Chan. Participants also visited the Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Laboratory. Interactive booths were set up by our community partners, including the Fu Hong Society, the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Lok Man Alice Kwok Integrated Service Centre, the Sunshine Lutheran Centre of the Hong Kong Lutheran Social Service and the Zion Social Service — Yuk Lai Hin Counselling Centre, which showcased their contributions to mental wellness in society.

The day concluded with closing remarks by Vice President (Administration and Corporate Development) Prof. Charles Kwong Che-leung. Two awards were given out to recognise outstanding interactive booths, namely the Best Booth Award and the Best Presentation Award. Psychology and Counselling Festival 2024 signified HKMU's engagement in promoting psychological health and mental wellness in the community.