Christmas Gathering X Nonviolent Communication Workshop

A Christmas gathering was held for Fung Scholars (Hong Kong Chapter) on 10 December 2022 at LiFung Tower. It has been some time since Fung Scholars last met in-person.

With great support from several Fung Scholars, the party venue was decorated with Christmas baubles and LED light strings, creating a cosy and Christmassy ambience. Special mocktails and snacks were prepared and special headbands in different styles (e.g., reindeer, elf hat) for everyone. These would not be possible without the love and creativity of contributing Fung Scholars.

A workshop on non-violent communication was held as part of the gathering. The workshop was hosted by Noel Lam, founder of Third Sector Connect Ltd., a non-profit promoting awareness and skills of “non-violent communication”. The speaker shared the four key components for effective management of interpersonal conflicts. They are Observation (observation of happenings without judgement), Feelings (acknowledging your emotions—positive, neutral, or negative—during the incident), Needs (identifying what you are seeking based on your feelings), and Requests (telling others your needs to feel better). To put theories into practice, Noel introduced an educational board game called “No Fault Zone”, in which players are to share interpersonal conflicts they encountered and provide feedback on how to better manage so.

After the game, we all felt strongly about realising the needs and negative emotions which we had unconsciously neglected, as well as the importance of proper communication which we had overlooked. Learning to observe without prejudice and expressing our feelings, needs and requests when we are affected by negative emotions is challenging. Still, it is always worth trying. Effective emotional regulation is a lifelong learning task.

Following this fruitful workshop was the most exciting part of the gathering— Christmas gifts exchange! Each of us prepared a gift and played games to figure out the recipient of the gift. The gathering was successful and fun. We are grateful to JennyAnn and Tracy, for coordinating the event, and Noel for delivering an inspiring workshop! Nonviolent communication is truly a life-changer for everyone, so do learn about it! Wishing you all a Happy New Year and Chinese New Year!

The gathering in June 2022 was the first physical Fung Scholars event based in Singapore since the pandemic, bringing current and new Fung Scholars together to learn about each other’s exchange experience. Unlike previous typical pre-departure gatherings, this event happened after Fung Scholars’ return from their exchange programme. It was also the first time that the event was joined by incoming students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) who came to Singapore for a research attachment programme.

At the meeting, Fung Scholars discussed and shared the vastly different pandemic management between home country and programme countries. The MIT students shared their immersive experience in Singapore, e.g., visiting attraction spots featured in films, trying out transports to get around Singapore, etc. The MIT students were inspired to initiate organising similar social events for Fung Scholars in other countries they visit. Participants also got to learn about each other better via an exhilarating quiz. The gathering was very fruitful and the Singapore Chapter anticipates having more events (online / virtual) under the new normal.