History Seminar on Chinese Diplomacy: Impressions of Cambodia from a Yuan Dynasty Envoy

22 November 2017

In 1296, Zhou Daguan was sent by the Yuan court as an envoy to the Khmer Empire (now Cambodia) and he stayed in the capital city, Angkor, for a year. Intrigued by Angkor’s geography, religion and customs, he wrote the 8500-word book “Customs of Cambodia” after returning to China. The speaker will illustrate the history of Angkor city and the diplomatic interactions between the Yuan court and the Khmer Empire through Zhou Daguan’s writings, along with pictures and artefacts. > Details

Seminar on Politics – Pro-establishment Centralist Politics in Hong Kong: Theory and Practice

22 November 2017

Arguments on political reform, strained relationship between Mainland and Hong Kong, filibustering in the LegCo etc… Political arguments in Hong Kong seem endless. Where can we find the solution to end this political turmoil? Can we find our way from political theories? Dr. Derek Yuen will discuss the theoretical basis for Pro-establishment Centralist politics to set a footing in Hong Kong politics and the current development of it. Dr. Derek Yuen is an Honorary Assistant Professor of the Department of Politics and Public Administration, The University of Hong Kong and a lecturer of the Master of Social Science in Global Political Economy Programme, The Chinese University of Hong Kong. This seminar is free of charge. Anyone interested in this topic are welcome to join. > Details

History Seminar on Trade How a Trade Empire was Born: The East India Company and Jardines 1750-1850

19 September 2017

Looking into Hong Kong history books, it is no wonder to find out that the authority of the governor was limited by the opinions of a union of British merchants, led by Jardine Matheson. In fact, the Dutch, British and French East Company and business Hongs, like Jardines and Dent &Co., could not only exert their influence on the local governors, but also as a whole on Eurasia logistics and politics. This seminar will discuss the 7-years war between Britain and France (1756-1763), the Thirteen Hongs in Guangzhou and opium trade and the political and business tycoon, the Jardines/ Keswicks family. Trade has always been a catalyst of wealth, but also of conflicts. Facing the present world where trade is becoming more widespread and inter-connected, it is therefore appropriate to see what this part of history can teach us. > Details

Data Center Tour – China Unicom (Hong Kong) Global Center

18 July 2017

The China Unicom (Hong Kong) Global Center in Tseung Kwan O is by far the largest and most advanced cloud data center established by Chinese telecom operators outside the Mainland. The Maritime Silk Road Society and the Savantas Liberal Arts Academy have specially arranged to give participants an idea of the latest developments in data centers and how Hong Kong can play the role of the information hub in the Belt and Road Initiative. The tour will include a visit to the control room of the data center and a briefing and discussion session with Unicom’s representatives. > Details

Experiential Learning of Tea Culture

10 March 2017

In order to enhance students’ understanding of tea culture, Savantas Liberal Arts Academy is organizing a visit to a tea house. > Details

Practical Chinese Learning Talks

09 February 2017

The instructor will take HKDSE exam questions as examples to illustrate the relation between Chinese culinary concept and insights for life and to explore how Chinese poets sought meanings of life from traveling, thus enhancing students’ Chinese Writing skills. > Details