Students from the Master of Business Management (MBM) programme at The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK) travelled to Bangkok, Thailand, from 4 to 7 August to attend the 14th University Scholars Leadership Symposium (USLS 2026), held at the United Nations Conference Centre. Organised by the Asian Humanitarian Affairs Organisation, the symposium brought together more than 300 young leaders from 29 countries and regions to explore key issues including leadership, global citizenship and sustainable development.
Through a range of learning experiences—including keynote speeches, panel discussions, cross-cultural exchanges and community service activities—participants engaged with speakers from diverse professional backgrounds and young people from around the world. They gained a deeper understanding of pressing global issues and reflected on the role of young people in advancing social progress and sustainable development.
Three MBM students—Li Yanna, Zhao Qing and Gai Xiaoyu—were selected as student delegates. They also took part in the signature community service initiative “Kindness Day”, extending their classroom learning into the community and deepening their understanding of leadership, empathy, sustainable development and cross-cultural understanding through practical experience.
Students participated in the “Kindness Day” community service programme, working alongside young leaders from around the world to serve local communities and put leadership into action.
Leadership Begins with Self-awareness and Service
For Li, the symposium marked her first overseas learning experience and an important opportunity to step outside her comfort zone. Through interacting with representatives from different countries and regions, she developed greater confidence in cross-cultural communication and gained a deeper understanding of global citizenship. During “Kindness Day”, she visited a rural primary school in Thailand to participate in community service. The experience allowed her to witness first-hand the positive impact of volunteer work and grassroots humanitarian initiatives. It also gave her a profound understanding that true leadership is founded not only on ability and decision-making, but also on empathy, self-awareness and a genuine commitment to serving others.
Discovering the Power of Empathy and Global Citizenship
Interacting with young leaders from around the world brought deep inspiration to Zhao. During the symposium, a presentation on wildlife conservation prompted her to reflect on the responsibility individuals share in promoting social progress and environmental conservation. She also participated in the “Kindness Day” community service project at a rural school. Through interacting with local children, she experienced how kindness and care can transcend cultural and language barriers. These experiences further deepened her understanding of global citizenship and the humanitarian spirit, while demonstrating to her that social impact often begins with care and action in everyday life.
ZHAO engaged in meaningful discussions with young leaders from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Deepening Her Understanding of Climate Action
Climate change and sustainable development were among the key issues that Gai focused on during the symposium. Through workshops and panel discussions, she gained a deeper understanding of the interconnections between climate change, displacement and social development. As part of “Kindness Day”, she participated in a mangrove restoration project, gaining first-hand experience of community-based environmental conservation and learning about the tangible impact of climate action on local communities. The experience reinforced her understanding that global challenges are closely interconnected. Addressing them effectively requires empathy, critical thinking and the determination to turn ideas into action, as well as cross-regional collaboration to develop solutions.
Expanding Global Perspectives and Building Cross-Cultural Connections
Reflecting on the symposium, the three students agreed that learning from international speakers, engaging in meaningful exchanges with young people from diverse cultural backgrounds and putting their ideas into practice through community service had been highly rewarding. The experience not only broadened their global perspectives, but also strengthened their cross-cultural communication skills, empathy and sense of social responsibility.
As future business leaders, the experience gave them a deeper understanding of global citizenship, cross-cultural collaboration and social impact. It also reflected the MBM programme’s commitment to nurturing future management professionals with a global outlook, a strong sense of social responsibility and leadership capabilities, encouraging students to look beyond borders and take an active role in addressing global challenges.