The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) announced its partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), covering research collaboration and a range of activities which include workshops and an exclusive traineeship program, to facilitate humanitarian work at the global arena and enhance HKUST students’ global vision through experiential learning.
Under the partnership, HKUST faculty and students will work with a new department at ICRC – set up specifically to facilitate research cooperation with external organizations like HKUST, on a research project to quantify the economic impact of humanitarian intervention in developing countries. A trainee position will also be designated exclusively to HKUST students – a popular position usually open for global competition, at ICRC’s Geneva headquarters for the first time.
The selected candidate – a highly-motivated individual with excellent communication skills and passion in humanitarian work, will be able to work for a full year with the three-time Nobel Peace Prize winning institution, assisting on its diplomatic relations issues with donors and collaborators spanning state representatives and senior management of global corporations.
To give HKUST students a taste of the every-day challenges met by humanitarian field agents, ICRC also organized a one-day simulation workshop – first one organized by ICRC in Asia, in February, containing interactive discussions, presentations and role-play exercises.
Ms Helen Wong, Associate Director (Co-curricular Programs) and Program Director of HKUST Connect of Student Affairs Office at HKUST said the arrangement offers an unprecedented opportunity to the students of the university. “It is indeed a privilege to establish this partnership with a very unique international humanitarian organization that is in a class of its own. The partnership provides a platform for impactful and global engagement not just for our students, but also for our faculty, staff and alumni.”
The partnership is the latest initiative by HKUST Connect – a community engagement program of the University aims to deepen student learning and raise civil awareness through sustainable partnership with the wider community. Faculty and staff were also engaged in these activities to facilitate their commitment to education with a public purpose.
Mr Jason Yip, Regional Head of Market from Resource Mobilization Division – Government Affairs and Donor Relations of ICRC said, “This traineeship allows students in Asia to have direct and concrete experience in the international humanitarian organization. ICRC hopes to see more young professionals in the region joining the organization.”
Rachel Huang - a final-year student in Global Business and Operations Management, who obtained the position after rounds of interviews, will commence the internship in mid-June.
About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (www.ust.hk) is a world-class research university that focuses on science, technology and business as well as humanities and social science. HKUST offers an international campus, and a holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy to nurture well-rounded graduates with global vision, a strong entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking. HKUST attained the highest proportion of internationally excellent research work in the Research Assessment Exercise 2014 of Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee, and is the world’s second in the latest QS’ Top 50 under 50 ranking. Its graduates were ranked 12th worldwide and top in Greater China in Global Employability University Survey 2017.
About ICRC
Established in 1863, the ICRC operates worldwide, helping people affected by conflict and armed violence and promoting the laws that protect victims of war. An independent and neutral organization, its mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. The organization, awarded for 3 times for the Nobel Peace Prize, are based in Geneva, Switzerland, and employ some 16,000 people in more than 80 countries. The ICRC is funded mainly by voluntary donations from governments and from national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Anita Lam
Tel : 2358 6313
Email : anitalam@ust.hk
Lindy Wong
Tel : 2358 6306
Email : lindywong@ust.hk
