Over a few weeks, YK Pao School hosted four distinguished visits and lectures: a seminar in which Stanford faculty and students explored Sir YK Pao's entrepreneurial legacy with Pao students; a cross-regional educational dialogue with a delegation from St. Paul's Co-educational College, Hong Kong; a Princeton sociologist's incisive analysis of elite education; and an address by the UK Poet Laureate.
Notably, two of these international engagements, the visit by the Stanford Centre at Peking University and the visit by St. Paul's delegation, were made possible by Philip Sohmen, Executive Deputy Chairman of YK Pao School. His dedication has strengthened the school's global network and reinforces the school's mission to cultivate future leaders with a global outlook and a strong commitment to their homeland.
On April 10, YK Pao High School welcomed a delegation from Stanford University's China Studies in Beijing (CSIB) program, based at the Stanford Centre at Peking University (SCPKU). The half‑day visit included 28 Stanford undergraduates and faculty, among them Professor Jean C. Oi, founding director of SCPKU, and Professors Andrew Walder, Scott Rozelle and Chaofen Sun. President Xu Yongchu, Deputy Principal Zang Na and High School Director of University and Career Counselling Ben Leung, joined by student representatives, warmly received the delegation.
Guided by student hosts, the group toured the Songjiang Campus, learning about the school's educational philosophy, campus culture and distinctive features. Afterwards, participants held in‑depth discussions at the Brain and watched the documentary on Sir Y.K. Pao, the internationally renowned entrepreneur, highlighted his business acumen, entrepreneurial resilience and commitment to making contribution to the society. For YK Pao High School students, direct engagement with Stanford undergraduates and faculty from fields such as international relations, economics, computer science and physics broadened horizons and offered insights into the perspectives and academic experiences of American undergraduates.
On March 29, YK Pao Middle School welcomed a special visit from St. Paul's Co‑educational College (SPCC). Founded in 1910 as a boys' college, SPCC opened a girls' college in 1915 and became Hong Kong's first co‑educational school in 1945. Like YK Pao School, St. Paul's Co‑educational College encourages students to be lifelong learners, global citizens, and committed to service.
On the day of the visit, President Xu Yongchu, Middle School Principal Ada Wang, and High School Deputy Principal Zang Na warmly welcomed a 19-member delegation from St. Paul's Co-educational College (SPCC). The delegation was led by Principal Poon Siu Chi and included Vice-Principal Koay Seng Yee Christopher and Vice-Principal Dr. Liang Christy Wen-yi, and other senior leaders and heads of subject departments. After a tour of the Hongqiao Campus, representatives from both schools presented their educational approaches and distinctive programs, then engaged in a constructive dialogue on educational philosophy and practice.
On 12th March, High School 'PaoVision' Lecture Series featuring Professor Shamus Khan from Princeton University attracted over 100 students and parents in attendance. Professor Khan, a sociologist, captivated the audience with his lecture, "Understanding Elites and How Elite Education Is Constructed." Drawing on his award-winning book Privilege: The Making of an Adolescent Elite at St. Paul's School, Professor Khan offered an insightful account of the inner workings of prestigious institutions, challenging assumptions about merit, opportunity, and the hidden rules that shape success.
YK Pao School students were especially engaged during the Q&A session, asking thoughtful questions about what the trend of increasing cultural diversity might mean for the future of elite education. Professor Khan commended their curiosity and offered valuable advice on navigating an ever-changing world.
Simon Armitage, a renowned English poet, playwright and novelist who has served as the United Kingdom's Poet Laureate, arrived at YK Pao Middle School on April 7th with a quiet energy that transformed a routine day into an encounter with language. In a workshop with twenty Year 8 students, they explored poetry's possibilities.
Later, the gym filled as Simon Armitage read two poems at different paces—one soft, one urgent—followed by a lively Q&A. Students asked what drew him to poetry and how he builds a poem. The day ended with gratitude for intergenerational dialogue and the reminder that language grows through practice and listening.
