From July 7th to 13th, our school and the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions held summer social practice activities in Hong Kong. 47 teachers and students from the School of Social Work, the School of Public Administration and the Graduate Affairs Office went to Hong Kong for practical exchanges.

Chen Xiuqin, Secretary-General of the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions and Huang Guo, Chairman of the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions extended a warm welcome to the summer social practice team of our school, and introduced the Federation's organizational structure, operation mode, management method and the important role it played during the discussion.

The summer social practice team visited the industrial member unions of the Federation of Trade Unions, including the Hong Kong Seamen’s Union, the Workers’ Club and its affiliated Workers’ Clubs and Vocational Training Centers; and registered non-profit charitable organizations such as the Workers’ Medical Room, the To Kwawan Society for the Wellbeing of the Elderly and community pharmacies, etc. Through seminars and exchanges, the summer social practice team gained a better understanding of the work of the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions in promoting industrial worker unity, worker vocational training and development, employment guidance, medical and health care; and deepened its understanding of Hong Kong’s relevant systems, culture, politics, society and other aspects.

The summer practice team of our school also met with Ms. Liu Guirong, the District Councillor of Yuen Long District and Mr. He Qiming, Member of the Hong Kong Legislative Council; their knowledge about the election process of Hong Kong Councillor and the basic situation of the Legislative Council is greatly enriched. The sharing by Mr. Huang Wancheng, the Senior Social Work Director, also helped everyone to better understand the development history of Hong Kong registered social workers and the requirements of the registration system.

At the end of the trip, the members of the summer practice team made a report as a summary of their thoughts and gains during the 7-day visit. Ms. Lin Shuyi, the Honorary Chairman of the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions, fully acknowledged everyone's performance and issued certificates.

This exchange is an exploratory and practical activity carried out after the signing of the memorandum of cooperation between our school and the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions in early 2019. It will help us to further cooperate in exchanges, industry visits and mutual support; it not only expands the social influence of our school, but also lays a more solid foundation for future visits and cooperation.

The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions was established in 1948 and is currently the largest labor organization in Hong Kong. It has 193 member unions and 59 associate unions covering a wide range of industries, including land and rail transport, marine transport, air freight transport, government departments, public utilities, clerical and professionals, tourism, catering, retailing and hospitality, servicing industries, shipbuilding and machinery manufacturing, construction etc. Since its establishment, the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions has always been committed to the cause of patriotism and Hong Kong labor movement, safeguarding the rights and interests of employees, driving social progress and promoting Hong Kong's prosperity and stability.

(Office of International Exchange and Cooperation     School of Social Work

School of Public Administration     Graduate Affairs Office)