The Staff Mentoring Program (SMP) held its Luncheon Gathering on 18 March 2026, bringing together over 20 mentors and mentees from both the Semester 1 and Semester 2 cohorts. The gathering took place at a local restaurant in Huitong Village, offering participants an opportunity to connect outside the usual campus setting.

Participants sharing their insights at the SMP Luncheon Gathering

Designed to support the professional development of new academic staff at the Lecturer and Assistant Professor levels, the SMP newly hired teachers with experienced colleagues from their respective departments. Through structured mentoring relationships, the program aims to establish meaningful mentoring connections and foster continuous professional growth.

The gathering provided a relaxed atmosphere for mentors and mentees to engage in informal dialogue while enjoying authentic Lingnan cuisine. The setting encouraged authentic conversation and helped strengthen the professional bonds within the growing SMP community.

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Dr. Vivien Wai Wan CHAN, delivering her opening address

The event began with a warm welcome from Dr. Vivien Wai Wan CHAN, Director of the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL). She highlighted the significance of gathering in a local community space, a setting that reflects higher education's increasing emphasis on community engagement. The mentoring relationship, she noted, serves as a dual pathway for professional growth, benefiting both mentor and mentee while fostering a shared commitment to higher standards of teaching excellence.

Dr. Milen JISSOV sharing his reflections on teaching

Adding a reflective dimension to the gathering, Dr. Milen JISSOV, Associate Director of CTL, shared his thoughts on the nature of teaching itself. He described it as a craft honed over time, one that requires constant reflection to truly resonate with learners. His message emphasized patience and perspective: pedagogical mastery is not achieved overnight but is built through experience and continuous adaptation. He encouraged colleagues to view their careers as an ongoing journey, where every classroom interaction contributes to a larger story of academic excellence.

Prof. Edith Mei-Yee YAN addressing the mentors

Lastly, Prof. Edith Mei-Yee YAN, Educational Developer at CTL, took the floor to acknowledge the cornerstone of the program: the mentoring partnership. She expressed sincere gratitude to the mentors for their time and wisdom, while also recognizing the mentees, whose fresh perspectives enrich this reciprocal journey. Prof. YAN articulated the vision behind the SMP, framing it as more than just professional development. By pairing new teachers with experienced colleagues, the program cultivates mutual growth through personalized guidance, fostering an exchange that enhances teaching quality and builds relationships rooted in trust and belonging for both parties.

Group photo of participants

The SMP continues to support new faculty through meaningful mentoring relationships and professional learning activities throughout the academic year.