The China-United States Exchange Foundation (CUSEF) was honored to welcome 27 students from the Semester at Sea / Institute for Shipboard Education (ISE) program, representing universities across the United States and several international institutions. The students, who are spending a semester traveling and studying aboard the MV World Odyssey, arrived in Hong Kong on December 10 as part of their academic voyage exploring global issues through first-hand experience.
On December 11, Andy Tung, Vice Chairman of CUSEF, and James Chau, President of CUSEF, warmly received the delegation at the Foundation’s Hong Kong office. In his remarks, Mr. Chau discussed CUSEF’s mission, highlighting the Foundation’s role in building platforms for dialogue, exchange, and long-term relationships between people in the United States and China.
“We try to give people the tools to see each other in three dimensions, not as headlines or abstractions. When we welcome a group like yours, it is not just a courtesy call. It is part of that mission,” said Mr. Chau.
He further noted that the relationship between the United States and China is too important to be left only to governments. “It needs people who are willing to listen to each other, to sit in the same room even when it is uncomfortable, and to stay curious when it would be easier to turn away.” He encouraged the students to “think of yourselves not only as students of U.S.–China relations, but as early contributors to its next chapter.”
Following the welcoming remarks, Mr. Tung and Mr. Chau were joined by Stanley Sun, Chief Executive Officer of China-Hongkong Photo Products Holdings Ltd, for a live dialogue with the delegation. Together, they shared updates on Hong Kong’s latest developments and emphasized the city’s unique role and advantages on the global stage.
The students will spend six days in Hong Kong, exploring and experiencing the city’s rich culture and dynamic environment.
Semester at Sea is a renowned study abroad opportunity that allows students to travel, live, and take classes on a ship, while traveling and experiencing the world. In the 1960s, Mr. C.Y. Tung, the father of Hong Kong's former Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa, provided ships and ship management expertise for Semester at Sea. Since 1963, over 63,000 students from 1,700 institutions have visited more than 60 countries through Semester at Sea and its predecessor programs.
CUSEF Vice Chairman Andy Tung addresses students, highlighting Hong Kong’s role on the global stage.
CUSEF President James Chau delivers the welcome remarks, emphasizing the Foundation’s role in building platforms for dialogue, exchange, and long-term relationships between people in the U.S. and China.
Andy Tung (L), Vice Chairman of CUSEF, and James Chau (R), President of CUSEF, join Stanley Sun (M), CEO of China-Hongkong Photo Products Holdings Ltd., in a live dialogue with students.
Students share their views and impressions of Hong Kong.
