Ascent Campaign Booklet

8/9/2019 Ascent Campaign Booklet

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/ascent-campaign-booklet 1/35

1.A L L R I G H T S R E S E R V E D



3.2.

Introduction to Candidates

The Meaning of ‘Ascent’

Our Vision

University Affairs

Key Points on University Affairs

University Administration

Campus Facilities

Campus Planning

Union Affairs

Routine Work

Student Welfare

Social Functions

Publications

Administration

Finance

External Affairs

External Affairs

Working Plans

4.

18.

20.

22.24.

26.

28.

30.

32.34.

38.

41.

45.

47.

50.

52.54.

62.



(Bachelor of Arts, Year II)

Last year, I was fortunate to take up certain responsibilities in different realms:as the Vice-Chairman, External of Arts Association, H.K.U.S.U., I was given the

chance to interact with various students so as to know more about their opinions

towards the curriculum and the campus design; as a councillor in the Union Coun-

cil, HKUSU, I got to know more about different internal issues while assisting the

executive committee in dealing with external matters. Not only did I gain much ex-

perience from these positions, I also realised that the HKUSU still has much room

for improvement with respect to different inadequacies.

We, like most Hong Kong people, are forced to cross a point of no return. What we

have done, and what we have suffered in the past, have proved to fail to bring us the

democracy that we should always be entitled to. We either step up and shoulder up

the responsibility, or we accept such bondage and atrocity. In such times of chaos

and tumult, it is our turn to create our own epoch of a brighter future, and a city that

we will always be proud of.

Related experience

• Vice-Chairman, External, Arts Association, H.K.U.S.U. 2013–14

• Councillor, HKUSU Council 2014

• Member, Current Affairs Committee, HKUSU Council 2014

• Member, Council Restructuring Working Group, HKUSU Council 2014

• Councillor, Arts Students’ Council, Arts Association, H.K.U.S.U. 2013–14

• Chairman, Current Affairs Committee, Arts Students’ Council, Arts Association, H.K.U.S.U.

2013–14

• Chairman, Orientation Affairs Committee, Arts Students’ Council, Arts Association, H.K.U.S.U.

2013–14

P r o p o s e d P r e s i d e n t

FUNG JING EN(Bachelor of Journalism, Year II)

The amber umbrella has been held high for months, yet it shall never be put down,nor shall the sincere fervour in my pursuit of true democracy. It is disappointing

and frustrating to see what my home has become, how injustice and inequity has

befallen on Hong Kong. Still, this is not yet the end. The roads that we all have

built together, as HKUers and Hong Kongers, shall never vanish at all. We are still

hoping for change.

I am glad to have met, at such a crucial moment, these thirteen companions who all

share the same determination towards our institution and the future of this city. We

aspire to make HKUSU a leader of not only HKU students, but also Hong Kong.

Ascent and I shall never shun from such responsibility of our age.

It is our earnest wish that all students trust us, who shall always stay passionate and

determined. Your one vote shall safeguard our justice and faith that our university

has long established and embraced, and your one vote shall bring us towards a

brighter future.Related experience

• External Vice Chairperson, Starr Hall Students’ Association, HKUSU 2014–15


• Member, Council Business Committee, HKUSU Council 2014

• Vice-Chairman, Joint Hall External Vice-Chairperson Committee 2014–15

• First Year Representative, Sociology Society, SSS, HKUSU 2013–14

Proposed Vice-President (Internal)

HO KA YIN

4. 5.



Proposed Vice-President (External)

LI FUNG KEI(Bachelor of Social Sciences (Government and Laws), Year II)

In the upcoming year, Ascent, with steadfast belief, is willing to assume the respon-sibility to make a noise on behalf of all HKU students, especially when Hong Kong

arrives at such a crossroads that profoundly determines the city’s future political

development. Our destiny is in our hands and it is time for us to venture for what

we truly deserve. Such responsibility can never be shed—we must shoulder it up.

We sincerely hope all of you, members of the HKUSU, can vote for us, and we shall

fight for a brighter future together on this expedition for an epoch of our own.

Related experience

• Member, Current Affairs Committee, HKUSU Council 2014

• Current Affairs Secretary, University Hall Students’ Association, HKUSU 2014–15

• Chairman, Current Affairs Sub-committee, University Hall Students’ Association, HKUSU

2014–15

Proposed General Secretary

CHENG POK MAN(Bachelor of Science, Year II)

The University of Hong Kong has nurtured numerous social elites in the past cen-tury. Every generation of HKU students assumed great responsibility in the social

changes of their era. In the Umberlla Revolution, HKU students, as always, played

an important role in this democracy movement which are determinant to the future

development of Hong Kong.

On the road of achieving my goals, fortunately, I have met thirteen other members of

Ascent. We are dedicated to serve all of you, members of HKUSU, in this coming

year, and safeguard the core values of our city. We sincerely hope that you could

vote of us, Ascent, so that we can create a brighter future of HKUSU, and Hong

Kong, together.

Related experience

• External Vice-Chairman, Science Society, HKUSU 2013–14


• Member, Constitution Review Committee, HKUSU Council 2014

• Member, Council Restructuring Working Group, HKUSU Council 2014• Councillor, Science Society Council, HKUSU 2013–14

• Member, Constitution Revision Committee, Science Society Council, HKUSU 2013–14

• Member, Orientation Affairs Committee, Science Society Council, HKUSU 2013–14

6. 7.



Proposed Financial Secretary

WONG TSZ YAN(Bachelor of Arts, Year II)

The Umbrella Revolution has led students and citizens to rethink the impacts ofadopting the electoral reform. Throughout the protest, the Union plays a critical

role in raising awareness within campus, influencing students’ minds and uniting

her members.

I believe the coming year will continue to be difficult for Hong Kongers who are not

satisfied with the current system. Therefore, I wish to commit myself to be part of

the executive committee to take care of union finance so as to support its regular

operation. Having worked as a financial secretary of an academic society, I have

experienced the difficulties in the process of applying for subsidies to organise

activities. I would like to take this opportunity to provide greater support to sub-or-

gansations.

In the year ahead, Ascent aims to continue extending members’ awareness from

campus to society. We rely on your support to gain an opportunity to deliver our

views.Related experience

• Financial Secretary, Society of Comparative Literature, Arts Association, H.K.U.S.U. 2013–14

• Member, Finance Committee, Arts Students’ Council, Arts Association, H.K.U.S.U. 2013–14

Proposed University Affairs Secretary

CHAN JIAN(Bachelor of Science, Year III)

HKUSU has long been playing a leading role in such a chaotic time, in both soci-ety and on campus. But as the old saying goes, ‘to conquer others is to first take

care of ourselves’. Even though the Union takes up such high status in society, it

is our basic duty to ensure the normal operation with the institution, serving as a

bridge between the school board and students, uniting our students and providing

a sound foundation for any possible political movements.

If we are honoured to be elected, we will continue to communicate efficiently with

the university and to uphold co-governance between students and staff. Moreover,

we will keep students up to date with university affairs to provide more opportu-

nities for discussion on the issues, so as to reflect students’ views to concerned

parties.

Related experience

• Member, University Affairs Committee, HKUSU Council 2014

• Cultural Secretary, Starr Hall Students’ Association, HKUSU 2013-14

• Financial Secretary, Joint Hall Cultural Committee, 2013-14

8. 9.



Proposed University Affairs Secretary

CHIU WING CHUNG(Bachelor of Science, Year II)

The year 2014 was a year of much importance to Hong Kong. No matter it wasthe political circumstances or the general mindset, they all underwent major yet

unprecedented changes.

In such chaotic times, I am glad to have my fellow proposed cabinet members to

walk along the way ahead with me, treasursing the universal values of freedom,

equality and democracy, and persisting the devotion of HKUSU in the entire revo-

lution for transforming the society. In the upcoming year, it is one of our major goals

to implement much reforms in order to make HKU a more student-friendly and

comfortable institution,we promise that we shall insist on the principle of collegiality

between teaching staff and students.

Related experience

• Chairman, Chemistry Society, SS, HKUSU 13–14

• Councillor, Science Society Council, HKUSU 2013–14

• Member, Constitution Revision Committee, Science Society Council, HKUSU 2013–14

• Member, Orientation Affairs Committee, Science Society Council, HKUSU 2013–14

Proposed External Affairs Secretary

LAI SAMUEL DIC SUM(Bachelor of Arts, Year II)

I could hardly imagine before how scary it was to face the armed police force infront of you who were all set to march towards you. On 26th September, it was the

first direct confrontation between the protestors and the police force. While they

were all armed with shields, batons and even pepper sprays, plastic wrappings and

umbrellas were the best we could get to defend ourselves against such authoritar-

ian government. Even so, I was moved by the determined unity and the undeterred

bravery shown, looking forward to taking a greater step forward for every single one

in this city for freedom and equality.

Two years ago, HKUSU underwent such chaos that nearly put the whole Union

to a halt. Only with the effort of the predecessors at that time could the tumult be

settled. But right now, it is more than the HKUSU; it is Hong Kong in total disorder.

As university students, we have the inevitable responsibility to fight for what we

believed, returning the real Hong Kong to the hands of all Hong Kong people.

10. 11.



Proposed External Affairs Secretary

TSE HO TING(Bachelor of Engineering, Year II)

Participating in the Umbrella Revolution, I was disappointed yet furious towards allthese unreasonable violence. Though the Umbrella Revolution was forced to come

to an end, it does enlighten me, and together with many other people, to fight for

democracy, a core value that we have long embraced. In the coming year, I decide

to move further forward and run for the HKUSU annual election.

In 2015, constitutional reform is of much urgency, and it shall definitely be a chal-

lenging year for everyone of us. If I am fortunate to be elected, I shall make good use

of my experience and try my best to serve the Union and all students.

Related experience

• External Secretary, Engieering Society, HKUSU 2014–15

• Councillor, Engineering Council, HKUSU 2014–15

• Chairperson, University and Current Affairs Committee, Engineering Council, HKUSU 2014–15

Proposed Student Welfare Secretary

CHAN NOK HANG(Bachelor of Science (Surveying), Year II)

In my freshman year, the Northeastern New Territories development plan controver-sy surprised me when I had just become a member of Hall Association executive

committee and Union Council. Since then, I began to participate more in social

affairs. Although our efforts may not have profound impacts, I was deeply moved

by determination of Hongkongers and that is the reason why i wish to continue

committing to the Union and Hong Kong.

Members are the foundation of the Union and the sense of belonging of members

determines whether the Union is successful or not. Though welfare seems trivial, it

is still essential. I will dedicate myself to enhancing the relationship between mem-

bers and HKUSU, and safeguarding all core values of our members.

Related experience

• External Vice-Chairman, University Hall Students’ Association, HKUSU 2014–15


• Member, Council Restructuring Working Group, HKUSU Council 2014

• Member, Tendering Committee of Notebook Ownership Programme 2014, HKUSU Council2014

• Chairman, Joint Hall External Vice-Chairperson Committee 2014–15

12. 13.



Proposed Publications and Publicity Secretary

YEOW TSZ KIN(Bachelor of Arts, Year II)

The post of ‘publication secretary’ or ‘publicity secretary’ is often associated withthe image of a graphic designer staring blankly at the computer screen, regurgi-

tating design clichés and spitting out posters and leaflets at high speed. He is to

execute the committee’s decisions; his job is simply to convert information into

graphics, and to deliver information to his members through online Facebook pag-

es. More importantly, he is entrusted with the task of recording the Union’s history

for later generations. Some of you may know that the Union Magazine hasn’t been

published for more than 30 years. If I am lucky enough to be elected, republishing

it would definitely be one of my top priorities.

Related experience

• Publication Secretary, Arts Association, H.K.U.S.U. 2013–14

• Councillor, Arts Students’ Council, Arts Association, H.K.U.S.U. 2013–14

Proposed Social Secretary

CHOI WING IN(Bachelor of Arts, Year III)

The thought of working for the Students’ Union had never came to my mind beforeI went on exchange to Germany last April. But during the 6.22 Civil Referendum, I

was unable to cast my vote due to the network restrictions. And as the 7.1 protest

took place, I could do nothing more than sitting in front of the screen watching how

peaceful protectors were being beaten up by the police. After I came back to Hong

Kong, the tear gases fired on the first day of the Umbrella Revolution reflected how

much our government has neglected the demands of the public and suppressed

innocent students. This is the why I have decided to stay in HKU for one more year.

Due to the small number of Union Executives of the last session and the successive

democratic movements in Hong Kong, it was understandably difficult for HKUSU

to cater for all the student affairs. In the future, we would like to provide more plat-

forms for students to get to know each other and the Executive members, so that

the Union can achieve its goal of ‘Unity with Independence’. Additionally, we would

devote more efforts to providing an English version of the information delivered by

the Union, so as to create a more harmonious campus environment.

The 14 of us dedicate ourselves to improving the university, external as well as wel-

fare and internal affairs of the University. This is not only our promise to all, but also

an expectation we have on ourselves. I hereby call on all of you to cast your vote,

which will enable us to maximize the strength of the Union.

14. 15.



Proposed Current Affairs Secretary

LEE HIN SING(Bachelor of Science, Year II)

Established over a century ago, HKUSU is always the pioneer among independentstudent organisations in Hong Kong. Much thanks to the contribution of all pre-

decessors, there has been continuous successes in the previous years, and the

Union took an important role among student organizations in the previous social

movements.

As an executive committee member of Science Society, HKUSU last year, I realise

that my fellow students are not as apathetic as what i used to think. They do pay

much attention to current affairs in which they are totally at stake. While there may

be times when we lose much confidence as a result of different shameful experi-

ence, we must stand firm for the political right that we are ever entitled to, and do

our best in defending our core values.

Related experience

• Current Affairs Secretary, Science Society, HKUSU 2013–14

• Councillor, Science Society Council, HKUSU 2013–14

• Chairman, Current Affairs Sub-committee, Science Society, HKUSU 2013–14

Proposed Administrative Secretary

LAI YUEN CHI(Bachelor of Arts, Year II)

Two reasons prompt me to run for the post of Administrative Secretary. First, hav-ing served as the chairperson of Society of Comparative Literature last year, I have

experience on the daily operation of sub-organisations affiliated to HKUSU. Sec-

ond, I believe that HKUSU is a good platform to unite students and encourage

them to participate in current affairs. I, therefore, aspire to facilitate sub-organisa-

tions’ administration in order to establish a close bonding with fellow students, thus

strengthening HKUSU’s role in uniting students.

Every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation. Please vote

for Ascent to allow us the opportunity to serve HKUSU. The fourteen of us pledge

to brace ourselves to our obligations and make every endeavour to achieve our

common goal—to serve fellow students and ultimately to contribute to the political

reform in Hong Kong.

Related experience

• Chairperson, Society of Comparative Literature, A.A.H.K.U.S.U. 2013–14

• Councillor, Arts Students’ Council, A.A.H.K.U.S.U. 2013–14

• Member, Constitution Review Committee, Arts Students’ Council, A.A.H.K.U.S.U. 2013–14

16. 17.



Unite for a difference Ascent for utmost eminence

‘Ascent’

A point of no return finally comes to our doorstep, a crossroads in the history of

our city. Rising to the occasion, at such a moment, the fourteen of us shall bring

along the faith of our members for a brighter future, an epoch of our own.Ascent represents a climb to the summit of a mountain, an expedition to the

uncharted heights. Long suppressed and suffocated, all Hong Kong people rose

to the occasion in the past months, venting out their anger and concerns, not to

mention the thousands of students from HKU.

Such a climb to the summit is more than a mere challenge for us, it is a chance

to carry along what all students of HKU have long believed in and aspired, the

undeterred persistence, the incessant fervour, the irrefutable values, to a much

higher place where we can at last see the light out of the gloom, the hope out of

the despair.

We are dedicated to passing on the values that we have long embraced, going on

a journey in search of a place that we have long believed in. We hereby invite you

all to go on the first ascent to a new world, to create a new era that we are everentitled to, of justice, freedom and equality.

18. 19.



Our Vision

At the very beginning, our aspirations were ex-

pressed, our dreams were pledged, but after all,

one question remains unsolved: Why are we

running for an election to become the executivecommittee of the Students’ Union? ‘The dark night gives me a pair of black eyes, but I use them to seek for the light.’

Such quotation from Gu Cheng’s A Generation inspires us to make this decision.

It is our responsibility to run for the election; it is our aspiration to serve our fellow

students, not to mention in such time of literal darkness. As everyone else does, we

look for a better Hong Kong, and we hope for a better HKU.

A better Hong Kong

Going through the immense transformation, from a colony to a special administra-

tive region, from a fishing village to a metropolitan, the Hong Kong spirit remains

unaltered, overcoming every challenge and hardship ahead with much determina-

tion, with no thought of ever giving up. Not only are we proud of our city’s unique-ness, we contribute to our beloved home as an individual. Once did we have much

hope for the future, much faith in the system, we believe that our core values shall

long last. Yet, with his dexterity, the authoritarian neglects the cultural differences,

forcing the assimilation between China and Hong Kong, abandoning the long-es-

tablished law and regulations. The democracy that we have long fought for remains

shattered in pieces. The Umbrella Revolution is then an undoubted retaliation to-

wards the suppression of the government. While all the occupied zones might

have been cleared after 79 days, the plight remains unsolved, anger uneased. True

democracy remains to be our eternal goal, a dream that is long cauterised in our

mind. Ascent remains resolute towards civil nomination, abolishment of the func-

tional constituencies, abandonment of the 31 August frame on CE election, and the

restart of the electoral reform. We are entitled to the onus of our time, and there’s

no way for us to shed the responsibility.

A better HKU

The same disorder took place within HKUSU three years ago, with the colludedPresident and Council Chairman making use of the loopholes in the constitution,

attempting to achieve their secret agenda. Only did the assembly at the Sun Yat-

sen Place and the effort of all councillors help liberate the Union from its paralysed

state, putting it back into order. Even so, many problems remain unsolved on cam-

pus in various aspects, including campus amenities, catering, transportation and

communication with societies. As members of different executive committees last

year, we truly understand the need and problems of halls and faculties. Apart from

paying attention to current affairs, we sincerely hope to make good use of our past

experience to unite our students and consolidate our relationship with the school

board. We shall ensure the collegiality in drafting school policies, holding on to

our motto, ‘unity with independence’, in attempt to create a better campus for all

students.

In the meantime, the second phase of consultation concerning the electoral reformin Hong Kong begins, series of political arrests and charges that go against justice

are certainly expected. While some may choose to succumb to and shun from

all predicaments and absurdities, we Ascent decided to run for the election, for

our students, our city, for our time, our justice. Hung on with values that we long

embrace, Ascent is determined to go all the way with you all, overcoming every

hardship, ascending to utmost eminence.

20. 21.



22. 23.

University Affairs

University Affairs

Principles• To uphold collegiality of students and staff and increase the transparency of university

affairs• To ensure full utilisation of university resources and priority of HKU students in using them• To act as a bridge and encourage close communication between students and the uni-

versity• To raise students’ participation in university affairs and ensure that students’ feedback are

considered fully before the university establishes new policies

Current situationWith limited channels to express opinions, it is rare for students to discuss university affairs.

However, university affairs are closely related with students and often call for students’ at-tention. Our cabinet will be working on the following problems:• The complicated administration structure of the university is difficult for students to under-

stand. There is also a lack of efficient channels for reflecting opinions related to universityaffairs

• Students often doubt whether their opinion has been recognised by the university andtherefore lack initiative to get involved in the discussion

• More and more visitors have been visiting the HKU campus after the launch of the WestIsland Line, but campus facilities may not be able to accommodate currently high influx ofpeople

• Students’ opinion has not been fully consulted before some university policy making, likethe university’s earlier planning of the Main Building and the wardenship selection system,etc.

Aims• To demand the university for higher transparency on university affairs and to consult stu-

dents at early stage of policy making• To urge the university to review campus planning and to ensure students enjoy higher

priority in using campus facilities

• To review the current usage of campus facilities and to consider the possibility of makingthem free for students. We shall also seek to amend unreasonable regulations• To urge an increase in number of student representatives in university committees so that

students’ voices are better heard. We shall also do more promotion on the working prog-ress of the committees to increase students’ involvement

• To collect students’ opinion on university affairs starting from the election period and referthem to different university committees

• To increase the transparency of the University Affairs Committee of the Union Council andto collect students’ and sub-organisations’ opinion over different university affairs



Key Points in University Affairs

HKU facilities should be prioritised for students

With the launch of the West Island line, the increasing number of tourists adds

further burden to the meagre campus facilities and services. We believe that HKU

facilities should be prioritsed to our students, and we shall try our best to ensure

that the influx of visitors would not pose any impact on our students.

We are gratified with the new policy adopted by the university in canteens in strictly

enforcing the measure to check identity cards of visitors during peak hours. While

keeping track on its effectiveness, we shall propose further restrictions on access

to study commons on campus such as the first and second floors of the KnowlesBuilding. The installation of card readers in these students’ facilities shall ensure

that no visitors can trespass into closed facilities. Facilities shall then be priori-

tised for students’ usage.

Student Petition System

Currently, students’ participation in university affairs is confined to voicing opinions

through student representatives in the executive committee or in university gov-

ernance committees. Yet, the authority of student representatives under different

structures may be insufficient in face of controversies or important issues. Thus,

we plan to launch the Student Petition System, which is essentially a platform to

gather signatures of students on specific issues. In doing so, students’ opinions

can be effectively reflected, and students’ participation in campus planning and

university governance can be improved. The details of the system are as follows:

• Students would voice their opinions, or draft proposals, on university affairs to the

executive committee.

• The executive committee would then consult the University Affairs Committee,

HKUSU Council on the proposals, and seek reply from the university.

• The proposals shall be open for petition with ample background information un-

der the concensus of the proposer and the executive committee If no reply is

effectively made.

• The petition shall help increase our bargaining power and demand the university

for a formal reply.

Online platform for students’ feedback

The university governance structure has provided various channels for students to

voice their opinions on different aspects, ranging from catering, wireless network to

campus security. However, the insufficient promotion of these mechanisms makes

it difficult for students to express their concerns. Thus, we shall better promote

these existing mechanisms so that students can utilise them and effectively par-

ticipate in university affairs.

Moreover, in order to be more user-friendly, we shall launch an online platform

for students’ feedback, a much simplified mechanism which channels opinions

on various aspects. As the executive committee is more familiar with the university

governance structure, we can effectively refer opinions to their corresponding de-

partments through cooperation with students’ representatives in different commit-

tees. We can then ensure thorough consideration and direct responses from the

university.

24. 25.



University Administration

Exam papers Current situation

• Most of the students cannot get back their marked exam papers

• Some past exam papers are not available online

Aims

• Help students get back their marked exam papers for further study

• Urge all departments to release past papers for students’ reference

Our strategies

• Discuss with professors and departments about the possibility of returning exam

papers to students, and to consult different faculty societies and academic soci-

eties on the current practice of exam papers beforehand

• Urge professors to offer pre-exam tutorials for preparation and post-exam tu-

torials for consolidating knowledge if no past exam papers are available for the

course

Optimize the quality of teaching and learning Current situation

• The New Secondary System (NSS) has been operating for almost 4 years, and

some compulsory courses like Common Core courses, CAES and CSCI (Prac-

tical Chinese course) cannot cater for the needs of students

• Feedback on the ineffectiveness of SETL in improving the teaching quality is

heard

Aims

• Achieve betterment of the curriculum• Raise the transparency and effectiveness of SETL and motivate students to par-

ticipate in the questionnaire

Our strategies

• To collect students’ opinion on Common Core courses, CAES and CSCI and to

urge the university to review the current setting of the cirriculum

• To seek for officical enrollment statistics of CAES for reviewing the possibility of

CAES reform

• Review the SETL system with different departments and urge the university to

release the result and announce the corresponding improvement could adopt

• To collect students’ feedback to the current setting of SETL, and based on the

survey result to give amendment suggestion to the university

Raise the transparency of the wardenship systemCurrent situation

• The controversial behaviour of Lee Shau Kee Hall’s warden reflects that wardens

are not liable to hallmates

• An advisory board was established to study the issue in question, but it has noactual authority

• Starr Hall’s warden sought for re-appointment as warden but was declined with-

out a proper explanation from the university

• The wardenship of Lee Hysan Hall and Simon K.Y. Lee Hall will terminate soon,

and selection is already in progress

Aims

• Urge the university and wardens to value the opinions of hallmates

• Raise the transparency of the wardenship selection system

• Increase hallmates’ participation in the selection of wardens

Our strategies

• Establish a committee with student representatives for monitoring wardens’ per-

formance

• Urge the university to disclose the details and the weighing of the six selection

criteria in the selection of wardens

• Establish a communication platform to ensure the feedback from hallmates are

valued

• Update hall students’ associations with the progress of the selection of warden

and collect hallmates’ opinion on the issue

26. 27.



Campus Facilities

Catering serviceCurrent situation

• Feedback from students shows that the food quality is unsatisfactory

• The waiting time during peak hours is too long

• A new notice is released which states that only students and staff are served

during peak hours (10:30 am–2:30 pm)

Aims

• Urge the caterer to improve food quality and ensure the price is at a reasonable

range

• Reduce the waiting time for a meal• Ensure students and staff can have the priority to enjoy catering services

Our strategies

• Monitor the food quality of the caterers

• Recommend the Union Restaurant and the restaurant in the Fong Shu Chuen

Amenities Centre to provide electronic food ordering machines and ensure that

these machines are in service during rush hours

• Review the effectiveness of the new policy and its execution

Shuttle bus serviceCurrent situation

• The shuttle bus service mainly serves students from Jockey Club Student Village

III, Medic Campus, Sassoon Road Halls and University Hall who want to travel to

the main campus

• The schedule of the shuttle bus and the setting of bus stops cannot fulfill theneed of students

• The schedule of the shuttle bus is not reader-friendly

Aims

• To improve the shuttle bus service to fit the needs of students

Our strategies

• Collect students feedback on the frequency, route, and schedule of the service

and reflect them to the Estates Office

• Request a business report and put forward a proposal to the university to regu-

late the shuttle bus frequency, fare, and route

• Urge the university to provide a more user-friendly schedule of the service

Water fountains and vending machines Current situation

• The Centennial Campus lacks vending machines of drinks and snacks• The Sassoon Road Campus lacks water fountains

• Aging of some water fountains can be observed

Aims

• Install vending machines on the Centennial Campus to fulfill students’ needs

• Install water fountains on the Sassoon Road Campus

• To review the amount, location, and quality of working water fountains on the main

campus

Our strategies

• Collect students’ opinions and estimate students’ need for water fountains and

vending machines

• Study the feasibility of installing these facilities with the university

28. 29.



Campus Planning

Wireless Network Current situation

• The stability of the wireless network is unsatisfactory

• There are blind spots in the wi-fi network on campus

Aims

• Improve the quality of the wireless network

Our strategies

• Collect students’ feedback on the wireless network service and reflect them to

the University

• Identify the wi-fi blind spots on campus and report them to the university in order

to improve the network

Free the right of using classrooms Current situation

• Students have a high demand for rooms on campus for project discussion

• Classrooms on the Centennial Campus are seldom in use

• The rooms in amenities centres can be booked by students in groups

Aims

• To fight for more rooms for students for students’ use

• To ensure full utilisation of the university’s resources

Our strategies

• To review the usage of rooms on the Centennial Campus

• To study the university’s usage data of rooms in amenities centres for investiga-

tion of students’ demand for them

• To urge the Accommodation Committee to provide more rooms for students

Monitor the operation of the Chong Yuet Ming Amenities CentreCurrent situation

• The construction work of the Chong Yuet Ming (CYM) Amenities Centre is al-

most finished, and there will be new facilities available for students’ use

• A new theatre will be launched in the amenities centre

• The university currently plans to renovate other parts of the amenities centre

Aims

• Ensure the facilities in the Chong Yuet Ming Amenities Centre will be in service

as soon as possible

• Ensure sub-organisations enjoy higher priority than external parties in using thefacilities

• Minimise the adverse effects of future renovation projects to sub-organisations

with society rooms in the Chong Yuet Ming Amenities Centre

• Ensure the planning of the amenities centre caters for students’ need

Our strategies

• Follow up on the situation of the usage of the new facilities and collect students’

feedback on the new facilities

• Set up terms and conditions for the use of the new facilities with the university

and review them continuously

• Urge the university to recognise students’ opinions, release details the renovation

plans as soon as possible, and minimise the adverse effects to sub-organisations

30. 31.



33.32.

Union Affairs

Union Affairs

Current situation

• Loose bonding is observed between the Union and its members mainly due to

the lack of communication channels and access of information of the Union

• Sub-organisations may not fully recognise the ways the Union is providing assis-

tance to them

• The main platform for promotion provided by the Union to sub-organisations, the

mass email system, has very low effectiveness

• Non-local students hesitate to get engaged in the activities organised by theUnion and its sub-organisations due to language barriers

Principles

• Serve our members and advocate two-way communication in order to raise their

sense of belonging towards the Union

• Provide assistance to sub-organisations to strengthen the bonding between the

Union and sub-organisations

• Facilitate the integration of non-local students into our campus life

Aims

• To offer more activities and welfare that directly benefit all members

• To provide more frequent and regular means to receive members’ opinion on

Union Executives

• To organise briefing sessions for sub-organisations on different issues in order to

ensure better utilisation of resources from the Union

• To utilise the promotional platform of the Union to assist sub-organisations onpromoting their functions

• To strive for more resources for sub-organisations

• To provide a series of functions to non-local students



Routine Work

Organise more consultation forums Current situation

• The current effectiveness of consultation forums is low due to inappropriate ven-

ue selection

• No consultation forum was held on the Medical Campus and the Dental Campus

• Members lack of understanding on the Union, the Union Council, and the Union

Executives

• Members lack interest in participating in the consultation forums

Aims

• To enhance members’ understanding on union affairs and university affairs• To raise the transparency of union affairs and university affairs

• To deepen members’ understanding on the Union, the Union Council, and the

Union Executives, and to encourage them to give opinions on related issues

Our strategies

• Organise consultation forums at different locations in each semester on the Med-

ical Campus, the Dental Campus as well as on the Main Campus

• Encourage the Union Council continue holding council meetings to adopt the

Half-yearly Reports and the Annual Reports of Union Executives at the Union

Foyer to facilitate involvement of members

Improve communication and sub-organisations Current situation

• There is a lack of proactive platforms of communication with sub-organisations

• Sub-organisations may not fully understand the administration of the Union Aims

• To improve communication with sub-organisations

• To lower the administration cost of sub-organisations

Our strategies

• To visit sub-organisations more frequently to know more about their needs, and

hence provide better assistance

• Take shifts to stay at the Union Office to answer members’ questions directly

• Assist sub-organisations to organise large-scale and inter-society events

• To hold briefing sessions on various issues to familiarise sub-organisations with

various regulations of the Unions

• Encourage and assist sub-organisations to post up information of the Union in

their common areas

Man age th e Union Buil ding Current situation

• The temporarily stored materials of the Umbrella Revolution have long occupied

the public area outside the Union Office, contributing to security issues and a

reduction of space available to students

• The stability of wireless network inside the building is unsatisfactory

Aims

• Encourage members to stay at the Union Building during their leisure time

• Make it easier for members to receive information about social issues and news

from the Union and its sub-organisations through publicity channels in the Union

Building

Our strategies

• To look for an appropriate place to store the materials of the Umbrella Revolution

to free the public space for members

• To improve the stability of wireless network in the Union Building

34. 35.



Routine Work

Reduce the number of computer shops Current situation

• The function of the two computer shops in the Union Building are overlapping

• The leases of the two computer shops will soon expire

• The catering services provided on campus are insufficient to meet students’ de-

mand

Aims

• Improve the planning of shops and facilities in the Union Building to cater for

members’ needs

• Increase the supply of catering services on campus

Our strategies

• Consider the possibility of converting some of the shops into restaurants

Mon th ly Eve nt Calendar Current situation

• Sub-organisations often use the mass email system as a means of promotion

• However, students seldom read these emails in detail

Aims

• Help sub-organisations with their promotion work in order to attract more mem-

bers to join their functions

Our strategies

• To collect information of functions held by sub-organisations on a monthly basis

• To upload a centralised event calendar to the Facebook page of the Union

• To include the centralised event calendar in monthly newsletters and distribute

them to members in person

Diverse academic events Current situation

• Past Union academic activities mainly focussed on social affairs and political

issues

• The General Education Unit and different faculties are the main organisers of

academic events, while academic societies are also responsible for initiating ac-

ademic activities on their own

• These activities cannot cater for the needs of medical students and dental stu-

dents because they are almost always held on the Main Campus

Aims

• Ensure that students can enjoy diverse activities

• Cultivate an atmosphere of interaction and discussion among students, scholars

and university staff

• To cater for the needs of medical students and dental students

Our strategies

• Organise forums and discussion platforms with different guests

• Help sub-organisations promote their events

• To organise events on the Medical Campus and the Prince Philip Dental Hospital

as well as on the Main Campus; events on the Main Campus should preferably

be held on Wednesdays

36. 37.



Student Welfare

Student welfare pack Current situation

• This year, Union Dairies and Superpass Welfare Packs are distributed as welfare

for students

• The distribution of Union Diaries is later than usual compared to previous years

• Promotion on welfare is insuffient, making it difficult for members to know when

welfare products are being distributed

• Members can enjoy special offers in by some shops as a member of the Union

Aims

• Improve the relationship between members and the Union through welfare• To seek for diversified sponsorships

Our strategies

• Expand the content of the welfare pack

• Distribute Union Diaries earlier at the begining of the semester

• Distribute welfare products at the Union Office regularly and do more promotion

work on student welfare

Mega SaleCurrent situation

• Retailers in Mega Sale consist of various kinds of shops

• The goods sold lack diversity according to some students

• The prices are slightly lower than the market price

Aims

• To introduce more kinds of products to cater for the students’ needs• To support the development of social enterprises and local start-up businesses

Our strategies

• Consult members’ opinion on which types of products they want and consider

introducing products of greater variety

• Bring in products from social enterprises and local start-up businesses, and in-

vite different shops to set up booths at the Mega Sale

Union Co-op StoreCurrent situation

• Goods currently sold at the Co-op Store include stationery, commodities, HKU

souvenirs, and products designed by the Union

• Prices are slightly lower than the market price but promotion is insufficient

• Members expect the store to provide products of higher quality and more diver-

sity

• Restocking is too slow, especially for stationery during the beginning of the se-

mester and hoodies in winter

Aims

• Do more promotion on the Co-op Store’s goods

• Introduce new products and brands

• Improve the speed of restocking

Our strategies

• Design more HKU- and HKUSU-related products

• Use more online means to promote the store’s goods and publish a comprehen-

sive product list

• Communicate with union staff more frequently and negotiate with suppliers to

improve the speed of restocking

• Keep selling hoodies throughout the year

• Collect opinions and suggestions from members on the Co-op Store

38. 39.



Student Welfare

Noteb oo k Ow ne rshi p Prog ram meCurrent situation

• Notebooks of different brands are included in the Notebook Ownership Pro-

gramme, and the prices are also cheaper than usual

• Students have increasing demand of different brands of personal computers, but

may find it difficult to express their opinions on the programme

Aims

• Assist the Notebook Ownership Programme Tendering Committee in choosing

brands of notebook after listening to members’ opinions

Our strategies

• Collect members’ opinion on which brands of notebooks they prefer

• Invite other notebook brands to join the ownership program

• To seek more sponsorships and discounts

Online second-hand textbook trading platformCurrent situation

• Currently, there are only two stores selling textbooks on campus, and there are

no second-hand textbook stores

• A second-hand textbook trading platform can alleviate the finanical burden of

members by reducing the cost of buying textbooks

• The current trading platform takes the form of an online forum which has minimal

traffic

• The platform is only used for trading second-hand textbooks

Aims• To diversify the services provided by the trading platform and increase the num-

ber of users

Our strategies

• Maintain the forum and categorise the posts to ensure user-friendliness

• Consider running the platform on social networking sites

• Consider diversifying the services provided by the platform by also allowing trad-

ing of books of other genres, and even commodities and clothing

Social Functions

Social Functions Current situation

• Students in general lack a strong sense of belonging towards the Students’ Union

• Due to language barriers, non-local students often encounter more difficulties in

getting fully involved in university life

Aims

• To hold a variety of social functions which are socially integrative and entertaining

• To organise a series of activites specially designed for non-local students so that

they can get more involved in university life

• To pass on the university’s culture and traditions and enhance students’ under-standing on the university and the Union

Proposed activities

• High Table Dinner

(Date: April and October 2015)

• Superpass Function

(Date: Late April and Late November 2015)

• Orientation Camp

(Date: Mid-August 2015)

• Non-local Freshmen Orientation Series

(Date: Late August 2015)

• Buddy Programme

(Date: September to November 2015)

• Night Concert

(Date: Mid-November 2015)

40. 41.



Social Functions

High Table Dinner Date: April and October 2015

Venue: Loke Yew Hall

Introduction

Many HKU students have been longing for a chance to wear the green gown at the

High Table Dinner in Loke Yew Hall. We hope to provide students with the opportu-

nity to get to know each other. We plan to invite representatives from the university

and alumni to come and open a dialogue with the students.

DetailsWe would like to hold two High Table Dinners within our term of office. We will

invite students and guests to join the Dinner and arrange a decent meal for them.

Superpass Function Date: Late April and Late November 2015

Introduction

Superpass is one of the unique tradtions of HKU. We would like to organise activi-

ties such as the writing of Chinese couplets and the delivery of welfare packs so as

to help alleviate students’ stress and wish that all students will obtain a satisfactory

result.

Details

Preparation work will commence in the last two teaching months. The work in-

cludes formulating the contents of the welfare pack and preparing materials for

writing the Chinese couplets.

Orientation CampDate: Mid-August 2015

Introduction

Newly admitted students may be unfamiliar with the campus and culture of HKU.

With regard to this, we would like to organise an orientation camp for freshmen,

introducing them to the history and culture of HKU and HKUSU and helping them

construct their own identity as an HKU student. Additionally, we hope to enhance

their sense of belonging towards the Union and help maintain the relationship be-

tween these participants.

Details

An organising committee will be set up and helpers will be recruited in June. Prepa-

ration work including materials and the formulation of the content of the camp will

commence shortly afterwards. We will organise a variety of interactive games and

activities for freshmen to get to know each other.

Non -local Fresh men Or ie ntat ion Seri es Date: Late August 2015

Introduction

The Centre of Development and Resources for Students (CEDARS) organises an

orientation day for non-local students annually. We would like to co-organise an

orientation series with CEDARS to provide opportunities for non-local students to

join the sub-organisations of the Union and help them integrate with the campus

life. Besides, we would like to hold a series of activities for non-local students to

experience Hong Kong culture.

Details

We will contact CEDARS to co-organise the orientation day, hold talks to introduce

HKUSU to the non-local freshmen, and invite sub-organisations to set up booths to

recruit them as members.

42. 43.



Social Functions

Buddy ProgrammeDate: September to November 2015

Introduction

Having always been an international university, HKU comprises both local and

non-local students, and the Union should cater for the needs of both of these

groups of students and foster communication between them. At present, it is ob-

served that they have limited communication with each other and usually stick to

the social circles of their own. With regard to this, we plan to introduce the Buddy

Programme to assist the matching of local and non-local students and organise

social activities for them.

Details

We will first open application for students interested in joining the programme and

pair them up. The program will begin with activities such as city tours and campus

tours. Gatherings related to Hong Kong culture will be held to enhance non-local

students’ understanding on the city. We hope that buddies will maintain a long-last-

ing friendship even after the program.

Night Concert Date: Mid-November 2015

Introduction

Entertainment programmes for members of the Union have long been insufficient.

In this regard, we would like to invite interested students, local artists, and bands

to provide music performance on campus, so that HKU students can enjoy them-

selves while getting to know more about local music culture.

Details

We will arrange for the venue and invite performers for the concert. Union newslet-

ters and other publications will also be distributed on site.

Publications

Republish the Union MagazineCurrent situation

• The Union Magazine hasn’t been regularly published for around 30 years, and

hasn’t been published at all for around a decade; the last time it was published

was in the 1990s

• The history of the Union isn’t properly recorded

• Students do not have enough to read to know more about what has happened

and what is happening in the Union. Some of them may feel that the Union is

somewhat distant from them

Aims

• Republish the Union Magazine so that the history of the Union may be well pre-

served for the many generations to come

Our strategies

• Establish an editorial board which comprises students and alumni from different

backgrounds

• Put forward a motion to the Union Council to establish a committee responsible

for publishing a special edition of the Union Magazine recording the history of the

Union for the past 10 years

• Help sub-organisations trace back their history

• Collect submissions of articles from students and conduct interviews with stu-

dents, executive committee members of different sub-organisations, and even

university staff to collect first-hand information for the publication

44. 45.



Publications

Publish Union newsletters Current situation

• It is hard for students to get themselves updated with news from the Union and

the Union Council

• This year, only two newsletters were published. Due to the lack of promotion, it

didn’t reach many members

Aims

• Deliver news from the Union, the Union Council, and the Union Executives to

students directly

• Help sub-organisations promote their functions

Our strategies

• Publish monthly newsletters which include news from the Union, the Union Coun-

cil, and the Union Executives and deliver them to students directly on campus

• Collect details of upcoming functions of sub-organisations and publish a cen-

tralised list of functions in the newsletter

• Update the Facebook page and website of the Union regularly with important

news

Administration

Society rooms Current situation

• Some sub-organisations don’t have a society room or have to share society

rooms with other sub-organisations

• The society rooms of some academic societies are far away from where their

faculty is located

• The society rooms of some academic societies of the same faculty are scattered

around the campus

Aims

• Allow sub-organisations to have rooms for storage of materials

Our strategies

• Discuss the arrangement of society rooms or storage space with the university

• Assist academic societies in urging faculties to open rooms in faculty building for

use of societies

Union Handbook Current situation

• There are many organisations managing the resources of the university, making it

confusing for sub-organisations to book venues and materials for their activities

• The union currently doesn’t provide list of resources available to sub-organisa-

tions

Aims

• To promote sub-organisations’ understanding on available resources

• To smoothen the administrative process for sub-organisations

Our strategies

• To conduct research and clarify the duty of organisations that manage resources

• To compile information for a list of resources

• To publish a Union Handbook for distribution to sub-organisations

46. 47.



Administration

Society card Current situation

• Sub-orgnisations’ executives need to leave their student card when borrowing

resources, creating inconvenience when they need to use campus facilities, e.g.

when they need to enter the Main Library or Chi Wah Learning Commons)

Aims

• To reduce inconvenience in students’ access to campus facilities

Our strategies

• To make cards for sub-organisations for use of booking resources

• Negotiate with other parties administering the resources in the university to make

it possible for sub-organisations to use the card when booking resources that are

not administered by the Union

Briefing sessions on the Internal Regulation Current situation

• Sub-organisations generally lack understanding on the Internal Regulation

• Confusions sometimes arise concerning poster sites used by sub-organisations

Aims

• Improve sub-organisations’ understanding on the Internal Regulation

Our strategies

• Organise two briefing sessions on the Internal Regulation to brief sub-organisa-

tions on regulations that have been amended

• Collect opinions online and introduce more kinds of resources that can be booked

Online resource booking systemCurrent situation

• Executive committee members of sub-organisations have to come to the Union

Office in person in order to book resources

• It is common to see long queues outside the Union Building waiting to book

resources

• An online booking system is about to be launched

Aims

• Perfect the online booking system

Our strategies

• Closely monitor the operation of the new online booking system

• Introduce the online booking system to sub-organisations during briefing session

Registration DayCurrent situation

• The Registry has plans of using online registration for the university’s registration

process• The newly open HKU Station may increase the chance of freshmen leaving HKU

before completing the entire route

• This year, the area covered by the fixed route is large and it takes time for fresh-

men to complete the entire registration process

• Freshmen are unclear about the registration process

Aims

• To secure sub-organisations’ opportunity to meet freshmen and freshmen’s op-

portunity to get to know about sub-organisations

• To shorten the time needed for registration

Our strategies

• Establish the Orientation Affairs Committee in March to start preparing earlier

• Release details of the route and orientation functions online prior to the Registra-

tion Day to facilitate the registration process

• Rearrange the route and the human resources to reduce the chance of freshmenleaving HKU before completing the entire route

• Appeal to the university for a registration process that is not completely done

online

48. 49.



Finance

Finance policies Current situation

• Union sub-organisations are unable to apply for funds in time as they are not

familiar with the Union’s Financial Regulation

• Several resources like simultaneous interpretation systems are not in stock

• Much budget is used to cover the Union Building’s power bill

Aims

• Promote the funds available for application by sub-organisations

• Provide resources to serve the different needs of sub-organisations

• Lower operating expenses so that more resources could be directly spent onmembers’ welfare

Our strategies

• Hold briefing sessions on the Financial Regulation once per semester

• Include an explanation of the application procedures of funds that can be applied

by sub-organisations in the Union Handbook

• Purchase equipments so that more comprehensive assistance can be provided

to sub-organisations

• Review the Union Building’s power usage and apply measures to reduce the

power cost

50. 51.



53.52.

External Affairs

External Affairs

Rationale

The Hong Kong University Students’ Union (HKUSU) has long been playing an im-

portant role in various reformations of the Hong Kong society. As the future pillars

of our society and under the much expectation of the general public, it is the duty of

university students to take up the role of a leader in social progression with our ca-

pability and intelligence. We shall pass on the gist of our motto, ‘Sapientia et Virtus’,

and safeguard universal values of human rights, freedom, democracy, and justice.

Thus, HKUSU shall bring different social issues onto the campus, fostering dis-

cussion and becoming a platform for students to understand current affairs. The

Union shall always be a students’ organisation, standing into students’ shoes and

understanding their opinions.

Current situation

Last year was a year of total chaos and tumult, yet much student participation

could be witnessed. The first phase of the North East New Territories Development

Programme revealed procedural injustice in the Legislative Council, which was fol-

lowed by the Copyright (Amendment) Bill that resulted in heated discussion and

debate. The white paper issued by the State Council of the PRC and the subse-

quent 31 August frame on selection of the Chief Executive further sparked off the

Umbrella Revolution, which took form of an occupation lasting for 79 days.

Even so, no external positions of the Union was taken last year. While the exter-

nal work was sustained under generous assistance from the executive committeemembers and union councillors, as a result of the insufficient manpower and the

Umbrella Revolution, the Union not only failed to promote discussion on current

affairs on campus, it also find it difficult to voice opinions on different social issues.



External Affairs

Uphold ‘One Country, Two Systems’Different and against assimilation

The principles of ‘one country, two systems’ and ‘high degree of autonomy’ has long

been established in Hong Kong ever since the change of sovereignty in 1997. We

have our own rights in both judicial and legislative branches. Freedom of speech, of

press, of demonstration, and of assembly are surely of much importance.

Yet, the Chinese government has never respected the disparity between Main-

land China and Hong Kong, forcing the assimilation of the two through various

means, namely the one-way permit, the North East New Territories Development

Programme, national education, and the implementation of Mandarin as the teach-

ing language for the subject of Chinese in Hong Kong. On the other hand, the

frequent meetings between the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government

in HKSAR and politicians, and its multiple comments on local political circumstanc-

es, hint the communist intention to rule the city through the Liaison Office. While

requirement of ‘to love the country’ was further imposed on judges as according to

the recent white paper issued, there were also speeches made by Mainland offi-

cials concerning having the Secretary of Education supervised by the Central Peo-

ple’s Government. All the aforementioned show the intention to violate the notion

of ‘One Country, Two Systems’, which is undoubtedly one of the major reasons for

the worsening relation between Hong Kong and Mainland China. To facilitate the

relation and gain support from Hong Kong people, China must respect the prin-

ciple of Two Systems while reducing interruptions to Hong Kong’s own business.

Safeguard freedom and values

Hong Kong people has always been proud of our freedom of speech and of the

press. Yet, the various assaults on the press last year surely added much concern,

namely the assault on Kevin Lau, the previous chief editor of Ming Pao, and the use

of incendiary bombs towards headquarter of Apple Daily. The Copyright (Amend-

ment) Bill further curbs secondary creations. In face of all sorts of suppressions, we

shall hold on to our faith and values, safeguarding our freedom and voicing amid

injustice and inequity.

All men are born free and equal, and shall enjoy various rights and freedom. Such

notion shall also rest with freedom of assembly and demonstration. According to

the ‘Public Order Ordinance’, ‘a public procession consisting of more than 30 per-

sons can only take place if the Police Commissioner has been notified a week in

advance and the Commissioner has notified the organiser that he has no objection.’

Though such requirement had been once abandoned before the change of sover-

eignty due to its violation of the Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance, it was revived

in the temporary Legislative Council, severely intruding the freedom of assembly in

Hong Kong. It was even worse when such ordinance was constantly abused in the

course of the Umbrella Revolution. Thus, the government should strongly uphold

the principle of freedom in assembly and demonstration, amending or even can-

celling such article.

Priority to Hong Kong people

Controversies over resources allocation prevail in society nowadays, especially

concerning primary schools vacancy, medical services, and daily necessities. After-

all, the government has never prioritised Hong Kong people in policy making. As the

government for Hong Kong people, the HKSAR government shall always consider

our interests as a top priority.

1. Education.

The Education Bureau has been actively implementing Mandarin as the teaching

54. 55.



language of the subject of Chinese in Hong Kong, with more than 70% of primary

schools and around 30% of secondary schools under such scheme. While much

concern is raised towards its impact on students’ language learning ability, the gov-

ernment should stop the implementation and evaluate its effectiveness.

2. Economy.

A huge amount of of mainlanders have been making use of the loopholes of the

Individual Visit Scheme and engaging in parallel trading in Hong Kong, which even

exacerbated in recent times. Such trading leads to a severe shortage of milk pow-

dered formula and other goods in the Northern district. Worse still, these traders

occupy and block public areas, staging much nuisance to the local community. We

believe that it is a must for the Hong Kong government to be quick to act, re-eval-

uating the whole scheme and its impact to the Hong Kong economy so as to make

suitable amendments. It is also important for the police force to strictly enforce so

as to combat such trading activities.

While our major source of drinking water comes from Dongjiang, China, the gov-

ernment suggests purchasing electricity under the energy combination scheme.

We believe that the government should actively explore different proposals, namely

developing desalination technology and the use of natural gas, so as to make Hong

Kong a self-sustained city in terms of water and energy sources, reducing our

reliance on Mainland China.

3. Immigration.

According to the current laws, the Chinese government can approve at most 150

one-way permits to Hong Kong on a daily basis. Yet with the authority of approval

resting with the Guangdong province, such policy is actually against the notion of

‘two systems’. Immigration policy should consider needs of different social classes,

with much emphasis on the overall interest of the city. Thus, the government should

External Affairs

re-examine the quota on one-way permits and its criteria, ensuring that the new

immigrants would clearly understand and respect the local culture and history so

as to prevent the relationship between immigrants and local residents from wors-

ening.

Reflection, aspiration and execution on democratic movement

The three further restrictions imposed on the method of selection of the Chief Ex-

ecutive by the National People’s Congress Standing Committee (NPCSC) leads to

much fierce discussion, resulting in the Umbrella Revolution. Such large-scale oc-

cupation clearly demonstrates Hong Kong people’s determination and persistence

for true democracy. Apart from strongly opposing the 31 August frame on CE se-

lection, we remain unmoved towards the results of former general pollings con-

ducted: from 2017 onwards, civil nomination shall be adopted to nominate candi-

dates for the HKSAR Chief Executive Election, and from 2017 onwards, members

of the nomination committee responsible for the HKSAR Chief Executive Election

shall be elected according to the principle of ‘one person, one vote’ with equal

weighting votes. Moreover, the unjust system of functional constituencies in the

Legislative Council shall also be abolished.

According to the unfavourable Hong Kong electoral reform, its plan shall be put for-

ward to the Legislative Council for voting this year, and a new series of democratic

movements are much expected then to oppose the unacceptable electoral sys-

tem. Civil disobedience is expected to replace the traditional protesting methods

of demonstration to be the pivot in expressing citizens’ opinions. More aggressive

means are also suggested in forcing the government to listen to citizens’ concerns.

It has been disappointing to see how the government neglects the opinions of the

general public, carrying various motions under the escort of the Pro-Establishment

56. 57.



councilors. We believe in diverse protesting means in increasing the government

administrative costs, putting pressure on the administration and forcing the gov-

ernment to respond to citizens’ concerns. It is an obligation of all students to care

about the society and lead political development, not to mention amid such time

of chaos and injustice. We shall firmly hold on to students’ opinions, voicing them

out for the betterment of democracy in Hong Kong.

Aut onom y am id close co nnecti on

As a member of the Hong Kong Federation of Students (HKFS), HKUSU shall defi-

nitely channel students’ views into such platform and discuss with representatives

from other fellow institutions on different social issues. While it is unknown whether

these functions are in place, heated debate prevails in recent times concerning the

relationship and cooperation between the HKFS and HKUSU.

HKFS surely serves its purpose as a platform among the eight tertiary institutions.

Institutions effectively made use of such platform for discussion on various issues

concerning tertiary education, namely the student subsidy scheme and cutting of

resources to universities. We thus recognise HKFS’s significance, and it is our

hope to make good use of such platform in cooperating with other institutions.

But generally speaking, students have limited understanding the structure and op-

eration of HKFS. The lack of communication further widens the gap between HKFS

and students. Thus, we deem it necessary to foster communication between

HKFS and our students. We suggest inviting the proposed secretary-general and

deputy secretary-general to hold consultation forums on campus and discuss is-

sues with our students. We shall also ensure that the Delegation to HKFS would

report to members and listen to students’ opinions so as to effectively voice their

views in HKFS meetings.

External Affairs

No matter HKUSU withdraws from HKFS or not, HKUSU shall always rest with

the stance and opinions of all HKU students. We respect students’ right to voice

their opinions through the constitutional method of a general polling. In the mean-

time, we shall continue establishing normal relations with other organisations of

different stances and directions so as to raise our bargaining power in the course

of democratic movement.

In memory of the June 4th Massacre

Remain resolute in basic human rights

The June Fourth Massacre refers to the bloody military suppression of the PRC

government on the student movement protesting against collusion and corruption,

and in memory of Hu Yao Bang, the former General Secretary of the PRC on 4th

June 1989. As a result, various civil rights activists and organisations, including the

Tiananmen Mothers, have been persecuted. Human rights in China has been much

violated.

Even till now, many civil rights activists are in custody in form of house arrest, ‘to

be made lost’, and suffers from inhumane treatments. Information exchange and

the internet are also under close supervision, severely exploiting freedom in various

aspects. And whenever the atrocities of the PRC government is revealed, it would

only blame foreign intervention on China affairs, putting China government at an

irrefutable ground.

Thus, we reiterate the permanent stance of the HKUSU, that ‘the Central Govern-

ment of the People’s Republic of China must do justice to the 1989 democratic

movement, and shoulder up the responsibility for the June 4th Massacre’（「中華

人民共和國中央人民政府必須平反八九民運，並就六四屠城負上責任。」）,de-

manding the immediate release of civic rights activists and respect to human rights.

58. 59.



For an equal and accepting society

According to the United Nations Human Rights Committee’s Free and Equal , ‘un-

der international human rights law, states are not required to allow same-sex cou-

ples to marry. Even so, the obligation to protect individuals from discrimination

on the basis of sexual orientation extends to ensuring that unmarried same-sex

couples are treated in the same way and entitled to the same benefits as unmarried

opposite-sex couples.’ We strongly believe that all men are born free and equal,

and shall never be subjected to discrimination, regardless of transgenders, het-

erosexuals and homosexuals.

Homosexual marriage is still not yet approved in Hong Kong from a legal perspec-

tive, with controversies derived over right of inheritance and application for public

housing. Even so, these sexual minority should be treated fairly for the creation of

an open and accepting society.

HKU in a glocalised context

As a local institution, HKUSU should always put local Hong Kong issues at a high

priority. Yet, with more than 20% of non-local students on campus, it is difficult for

them to get to know the local issues due to the cultural differences and short term

of residence. Therefore, HKUSU, as the student body in an international university,

shall promote discussion and raise awareness on both local and foreign issues

through speeches and forums.

At the same time, in order to cater for all students and allow them to have a deeper

understanding in disparate issues, it shall be a must to hold all activities in both

Cantonese and English.

External Affairs

Lastly, HKUSU shall respond to internal issues that infringe on universal values,

showing the stances and opinions of students.

Student loan:The government as the culprit behind

Loans offered by the Student Financial Assistance Agency has been an indispens-

able subsidy to some students on both tuition fee and daily expenses, ensuring that

all students can finish their first degree regardless of their financial backgrounds.

While such aim may be achieved by nature,its various details are doubted.

Though risked rate of interest was cancelled, interest in the non-means-tested loan

scheme remains to be counted ever since students’ first year of study, which be-

comes the major reason for the huge debt on students upon graduation. The urge

to repay loans forces students to give up opportunities in pursuing further studies

for the limited income as a fresher to the society. Such an interest system should

be abolished immediately in order to ease the current situation.

More flexibility should also be found in the current monthly repayment system so

that students can balance between repayment and daily expenses. One way to do

so is to set the amount of repayment based on each and every single graduate’s

ability.

60. 61.



Act ivel y respon d to vari ous soci al is suesRemain resolute towards our core values

The coming year is expected to be another year of chaos and tumult. A new wave

of political persecutions is prevailed after the Umbrella Revolution, and it shall only

be worse in the near future. Thus, it is even more important for us to hold on to our

core values of freedom, democracy, rule of law and basic human rights. It is our duty

to voice students’ opinions under such conundrum.

Apart from the electoral reform, we shall also stress on other social issues, name-

ly the use of Mandarin in the subject of Chinese, and loopholes in the Individual

Visit Scheme. We hope to bring more information onto the campus, raising the

awareness of students.

Promoting discussion on current affairs

Controversies are aroused concerning the directions of development of Hong

Kong both in society and on campus, giving rise to different ideologies. While our

university has long lacked forums on politics, not only shall we organise forums

and conferences, we shall also organise discussion circles and salons so as to

promote discussion on the current political circumstances and ideologies, making

HKU the base for safeguarding the freedom of speech and promoting new ideas.

Expand current internal structuresOrganise students’ direct participation

While joint-faculty and joint-hall current affairs committees have been well estab-

lished, current affairs activities are intended to be held by different societies. To

ensure the smooth running of their activities, we shall keep close connection with

members of current affairs committees and external secretaries of societies.

Though CAC has long been involved in different student activities to promote its

work and invite students to join the current affairs interest group, students only pay

mere attention to the affairs, while there is no groups for students who wish to take

one step forward. As a result, we shall set up various working groups that directly

participate in publications and organising events, providing opportunities for stu-

dents to contribute to our institution externally.

Promoting international issues

As a world citizen, it shall be our duty to promote international issues in the uni-

versity apart from local ones. We shall hold diverse activities ranging from local

to world issues, broadening students’ horizons to an international scope. While

providing instant translation for activities held in Cantonese, more forums shall be

conducted in English to improve all students’ understanding on international affairs,

fostering intellectual exchange between local and non-local students.

Evaluating the structure of HKFSFostering communication among institutions

Many HKU students have limited understanding on the structure of the Hong Kong

Federation of Students (HKFS) and are much discontented about its performance

during the Umbrella Revolution. Some even called on a general polling to have HKU

withdrawn from HKFS.

Ascent disagrees with withdrawing from HKFS, with two major reasons, namely

its ability to gather all 8 members as a platform for discussion, and its room for

improvement regarding its various problems.

Working Plans

62. 63.



Of course we won’t accept the current condition of HKFS, and we certainly admit

the various loopholes and problems within its structure. Thus, we shall put forth re-

forms within the federation so as to continue our cooperation with other institutions.

Our suggested reform measures are as follows:

1. Reform the Delegation to HKFS (DHKFS), HKUSU Council.

As a bridge between students and HKFS, DHKFS, HKUSU Council is responsible

for collecting and voicing students’ opinions for assisting other institutions in de-

cision making. Yet, HKFS was much criticised during the Umbrella Revolution for

going against students’ will. Believing that the current DHKFS, HKUSU Council

fails to reflect students’ opinions, we suggest having a full member from the Cur-

rent Affairs Committee (CAC), HKUSU Council take up a full member position in

DHKFS, HKUSU Council. We shall also raise the accountability of the Delegation,

demanding all delegates to be present when the Union Council is approving the

Delegation’s working report. They shall be enquired by councillors so as to fulfil

their constitutional responsibility.

2. Evaluate the voting system of its annual general meeting.

The Secretariat is elected during the Annual General Meeting every year, in which

the Delegation of both the previous and the current session possesses the voting

right. As the Delegation only have authorisation for one session, the Secretariat of

the new session should have no direct relation with the Delegation from the past

session. We thus propose cancelling the voting rights of the Delegation from the

past session, reducing the interruption from past delegates.

3. Raising its transparency.

While students have limited understanding on the operation and financial condi-

tion of HKFS, each of us have to pay $6 as membership fee to the Federation.

As students are entitled to the right to have better understanding on its financial

condition, we shall demand HKFS to make public its financial report and audit

report so that we can keep track on its finance and ensure that all resources are

used appropriately. We shall also inform students of the agenda and minutes of

meetings of HKFS to further raise the transparency.

4. Increasing students’ participation, fostering bilateral communication.

While HKFS serves as a platform for various institutions, students are the basic

building blocks of all students’ unions. The lack of communication fully explains

the distance between students and HKFS. We shall strengthen the direct con-

tact between students and HKFS through inviting the proposed secretary-general

and deputy secretary-general to hold consultation forums on campus and discuss

issues with our students. Not only shall we upload the agenda of its meetings to

the internet, we shall also invite students to sit in meetings, allowing their direct

participation in HKFS affairs.

Working Plans

64. 65.



66. 67.



Documents

Ascent Campaign Booklet