Celebrating the first day of Ramadan - a month of fasting for Muslims worldwide, Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) student Wang Yunan on Monday revealed his frustrations in living in one of Asia’s most diverse campuses.
“I know the Muslim community is small,” Wang wrote in the letter. “But CUHK is known for its diversity and respect for minorities, and I believe the university can do better.”
Growing up a “pious” Muslim in Beijing, Wang has spent the past year pursuing a graduate degree in intercultural studies at CUHK. With no Muslim cafes available on campus and the nearest halal food eatery 30 minutes’ train ride away, Wang said he had stuck to a daily diet of chicken and vegetables in the past year.
Wang said he was not particularly proud of his diet because it was not strictly halal. Besides pork, Muslims are prohibited from eating animals that are "dead prior to slaughtering", or "not slaughtered in the name of Allah", according to the Koran.
The fact that Hong Kong University, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Hong Kong Polytechnic University all have Muslim canteens or halal food sections also encouraged Wang to press his alma mater to upgrade its facilities.