The Department of Social Sciences, School of Arts and Social Sciences hosted the first Psychology and Counselling Festival, namely “Illuminating the Future – Psychology and Counselling Festival 2024” on 21st September 2024 (Saturday), from 09:30 to 17:00 at the Main Campus of HKMU. The Festival serves as part of the HKMU 35th anniversary celebrations. The Festival aims to promote awareness of psychology and mental wellness, foster collaboration and academic exchange, empower students, and share knowledge in psychology, counselling and self-care techniques with the general public.
The Festival started with an opening ceremony featuring opening remarks from Professor Reggie Kwan Ching Ping, Provost, and Professor Eva Man Kit Wah, the Acting Dean of the School of Arts and Social Sciences. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and kick-off ceremony marked the official launch of the event. Officiating guests included Ms Virginia Choi Wai Kam JP (Court Member, HKMU; Council Member, FU Hong Society), Professor Kwan Ching Ping, Professor Charles Kwong Che Leung (Vice President (Administration and Corporate Development), Professor Eva Man Kit Wah, Professor Janet Wong Yuen Ha (Dean of School of Nursing and Health Sciences), Dr Kelly Chan Kar Yue (Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning), School of Arts and Social Sciences), Dr Rebecca Leung Mo Ling (Associate Dean (Administration and Development), School of Arts and Social Sciences), and Dr Terence Shum Chun Tat (Acting Head of Social Sciences, School of Arts and Social Sciences).
Dr. Woo Chi Wood, Chief Executive Officer of the Fu Hong Society, delivered the keynote speech, “The Principles Unchanging amidst the Rapidity of Change”, highlighting different therapies in counselling. Seminars by Mr. Eddie Lee, Founder of the Hong Kong Institute of Animal Assisted Intervention (HKIAAI), on animal-assisted therapy, and Miss Yvonne Chan, Registered Play Therapist, Australasia Pacific Play Therapy Association (APPTA), on play therapy were well-received. Participants enjoyed the Japanese Pastel Nagomi Art workshop led by Mr. Alexander Yip, Counsellor, and the singing bowl and mindfulness workshop by Ms. Zero Chan, Singing Bowl Therapist. Guests also enjoyed visiting the Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Laboratory and interactive booths. Our community partners, including Fu Hong Society, Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Lok Man Alice Kwok Integrated Service Centre, Sunshine Lutheran Centre Hong Kong Lutheran Social Service, Zion Social Service – Yuk Lai Hin Counselling Centre also set up booths to showcase their contributions to mental wellness in the society.
The day concluded with closing remarks from Professor Charles Kwong, and an award presentation to the best booth and best presentation. The Psychology and Counselling Festival 2024 has signified HKMU's engagement in promoting psychology and mental wellness to the community.
