Celebrating Lunar New Year

On Monday 16th February at 12pm, the ARC Hub came alive with colour, conversation and celebration as staff and students gathered to welcome the Lunar New Year and usher in the Year of the Horse. 

The lunchtime event was a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together, reflect on the past year and look ahead with optimism. The ARC Hub was filled with a festive atmosphere as attendees shared stories, laughter and hopes for the year ahead. 

A highlight of the celebration was the series of speeches delivered by A/Prof Hang-wei Hu and fellow staff and students. A/Prof Hu spoke about the significance of the Year of the Horse in the lunar zodiac, noting that the horse symbolises energy, perseverance and progress. His reflections resonated strongly with the audience, particularly in the context of academic life, where determination and resilience are key to success. 

Other staff members and students also took to the floor, sharing their own perspectives on what the Year of the Horse represents to them. Themes of ambition, collaboration and forward momentum featured prominently, with many expressing excitement about new research projects, learning opportunities and community initiatives in the months ahead. 

In keeping with tradition, the celebration would not have been complete without food. This year, we decided to order in yum cha for everyone to enjoy. Sharing dumplings added a warm and authentic touch to the occasion, giving attendees the chance to connect over a delicious meal while honouring a staple of Lunar New Year festivities.