Hello everyone, my name is Dicky, and I am currently studying surveying in the Department of Real Estate and Construction, Faculty of Architecture.

I am thrilled to be a Common Core student consultant, as I have previously participated in several Common Core projects that have profoundly impacted my perspective on the world. One notable experience was my involvement in the Digital Voices of Hong Kong and Myanmar Students research study trip to the Thai-Myanmar border. During this trip, we explored the challenges faced by Myanmar refugee youths who struggled to access higher education while striving for their future aspirations in various learning centers.

This experience was eye-opening and inspirational, fostering a strong connection with the local community. Upon returning to HKU, we questioned how we could help and began brainstorming with friends.

With unwavering support from the Transdisciplinary Experiential Learning Fund and the HKU Common Core Office, we embarked on two fully funded trips over the past two years: Make Swe, a volunteer project entirely initiated and coordinated by HKU students, aimed at improving the living and learning environments of Myanmar migrants and refugees affected by the ongoing civil war in their home country, to the Thai-Myanmar border.

These included:

– Make Swe: Building Bridges of Education – Hong Kong & Myanmar Migrant School Renovation Project

– Make Swe 2: Myanmar Refugee School Design & Build Project: Constructing Sustainable Architecture for Social Impact

These transformative trips served as a reminder of the vastness of the world and the importance of stepping outside the confines of the classroom to gain a deeper understanding of our surroundings.

I believe that participating in transdisciplinary experiential learning projects supported by the Core allows us to discover and comprehend real-life challenges that extend beyond the boundaries of HKU. This belief fuels my excitement to contribute as a Common Core student consultant, where I can actively participate in brainstorming sessions and offer fresh ideas to enhance the Core.