Re-imagining Hong Kong's Nature: A Sensory Exploration by Christie Lai ('19)

The UWC mission came to life for our Block 2 students on 10 October, where they had the unique opportunity to step outside the classroom and into a captivating sensory experience right in Central. The event, titled "Re-imagine Hong Kong's Nature - A sensory exploration". It was a deeply personal and educational journey guided by one of our own: Christie Lai from the Class of 2019.

This captivating exhibit was the result of over a year of intensive planning and creation by Christie and her dedicated team. Held under the spirit of the UWC Graduate Organisation (UWC GO), it perfectly embodied the UWC mission by addressing the critical global issue of biosustainability through innovative, community-focused action.

The core of the experience was a sensory exploration engaging all five senses. The aim was simple yet profound: to allow the public to discover Hong Kong's often-overlooked biodiversity. In our fast-paced city, it is easy to forget the natural world around us. This exhibit provided an accessible entry point to this crucial topic, encouraging us to slow down and observe.

At its heart was a powerful call to action for the conservation of Hong Kong's biodiversity. The displays raised critical awareness about issues like poaching, bringing the threats facing our local ecosystems into sharp focus.

The undisputed centrepiece was a recreated skeleton of a humpback whale—a reminder of the humpback whale seen in Hong Kong in 1955. This iconic historical sighting served as a potent symbol of the magnificent wildlife that once thrived here and the urgent need to protect what remains. Through the art and history, students connected the past to the present, understanding their role in preserving our natural heritage.

The multi-sensory journey was rich with detail. Visitors could smell distinct olfactory profiles of the sea, the city, and the forest, highlighting our region's diverse environments. To engage the sense of taste, students sampled local Winter Melon Tea, connecting them to traditional flavours and sustainable resources. Visually, the exhibit was equally compelling, featuring powerful paintings of endangered animals integrated imagery from Hong Kong currency, creating a sharp commentary on the economics of poaching. Finally, the sounds of the city—from the 'Ding Ding' tram to street chatter—reminded us to pause and appreciate our immediate surroundings.

The exhibit aimed to change the common mindset, viewing sustainability efforts, such as recycling, as something "forceful" or limiting. Christie sought to change this by presenting the topic through art and sensory immersion, shifting this narrative, showing that embracing nature and sustainability can be a beautiful, inspiring, and rich experience.

Text by Zenith Kwong