Star Cruises plans another educational Taiwan trip for Hong Kong students

Genting Hong Kong, along with organisers the Taiwan Tourism Bureau Hong Kong Office and Partners Education Foundation, outlined the cruise at an event starring Taiwanese singer and actor Richie Jen, who recently made his directorial debut with the film 'All You Need Is Love.'

Jen shared recollections of his childhood dream of breaking into the entertainment industry and encouraged students to pursue their goals and develop their strengths. Twenty students from 20 secondary schools were also chosen to participate in an question and answer session on stage with Jen.

The project supports the Hong Kong Education Bureau’s life planning and career guidance for students initiative and is further co-organised by the Hong Kong and Macau Taiwanese Charity Fund and Maywood Travel.

'Good corporate citizenship has always been an integral part of Genting Hong Kong’s values and we hold education and youth development close to our heart,' said Mona Lai, general counsel and svp legal and corporate communications.

'While tourism in [Hong Kong] has long been an essential part of the local economy, the cruise industry is still a relatively new and under-represented sector but with enormous growth potential,' Lai continued. 'Our goal is to provide an opportunity for the next generation of professionals to experience the business first hand through a tailor-made program of useful information sessions and behind the scenes tours to give students a glimpse into a possible career in the cruise industry.'

The second annual Dream Voyage to Taiwan educational cruise will carry 60 students from across Hong Kong who showed the best improvement in their academic results or in their comportment this year.

While at sea, the students will be able to hear speakers talk about career planning and skills development. Star Cruises hotel manager Michael Seet will lead a discussion about cruise operations and career opportunities and development, highlighted by a tour including backstage access to the Lido theatre and the galley.

Also on board will be Hong Kong-based lead singer of the band Sugar Club and TV and film actress, Kandy Wong, who will act as mentor to the students during the voyage.

In Kaohsiung the students will meet with their Taiwanese school peers from the National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism and take part in a fruit picking excursion. In Taichung they will tour the National Museum of Natural Science and test their culinary skills with a do-it-yourself bubble tea-making session hosted by Chun Shui Tang, a famous Taiwan teahouse.