College programme designed to brush up social graces

A programme designed to develop students' social skills has been launched by the Hong Kong Polytechnic's Student Affairs Office.

The programme includes videos aimed at brushing up students' social etiquette.

Students also attend dinners where speeches will be given on social situations.

Joseph Cheng Siu-liu, senior officer at the Student Affairs Office, said the speeches include tips for personal development and career success.

'We hope the programme can develop their basic knowledge in all aspects, especially social skills and critical thinking,' Mr Cheng said.

The formal dinners begin with cocktail receptions and finish with talks and a question session.

Jeremy Fan Hsin-hin, a final-year business student, and Fanny Fung Tai-wing, a second-year social work student, said the dinners compensate for the lack of training in personal and social skills in their degree courses.

'Most participants considered the programme broadened their general knowledge and would be useful for their future life and work,' said Mr Cheng.