Under direct supervision of the Student Union, Campus Television at Hong Kong University aims at bridging gaps between schoolmates by providing a channel for them to express opinion. "It has been established for four years," said Miss Rosamond Chan, external secretary of the Campus Television. "In fact, the Student Union had for a long time planned to develop a broadcasting medium. The June 4 Incident was the catalyst for its establishment."

Reporters for Campus Television are empowered by the Student Union to shoot anything on the campus, unless interviewing school authorities or high-level officials, where prior permission is needed.

There are three divisions to Campus Television: news, advertising and general production. "The news team is responsible for reporting news of all tertiary institutes. The advertising team helps societies and clubs to promote their activities. The general production team deals with the production of Music Television Video and drama that will be broadcast on our channels," she said.

Campus Television may be viewed on television sets at spots where most students huddle, like the entrances of canteens. With limited facilities and resources, Campus Television manages to broadcast every day during lunch hour.

"Sometimes we also hold forums for schoolmates to express their views. Usually, prominent political commentators, journalists and legislators are invited to hold the forums," said Miss Chan.

Some students think Campus Television is not very influential. Miss Rita Wong, a freshman at the university, said, "I rarely stand in front of the television to watch the programs, so I do not get much information from Campus Television."

Nevertheless, it is an opportunity for students to learn about television production.

Students not interested in television production will find a diversion in the Magic Club at the Hong Kong University. The club was founded in 1978. As the name suggests, the club aims at arousing students' interests in magic and promoting magic as a performing art.

"My interest in magic started in my teens when I first saw David Copperfield's magic show," said Mr. Henry Lam, president of the Magic Club last year. "It was so amazing that I was totally absorbed. So, I joined the club." Miss Ivy Leung, the club's present chairlady, says she derives great satisfaction from it: "At the beginning I joined the club just to look into the mystery of magic. Now, I enjoy it very much," she said.

What Mr. Lam and Miss Leung learn is "white magic", which can be explained by scientific methods. The most they are willing to admit is that the mystery lies in the use of tools and the quick hands of the magician. "Professional magicians are invited to teach and demonstrate magic to our members, and we always perform in other colleges and secondary schools, mainly on summer vacations," said Mr. Lam.

Students not interested in television production or magic may find something in the Buddhism club.

Though Buddhism seems to be a minority religion on the campus, the Buddhism Studies Society at Hong Kong University is 15 years old. It has 220 associate members. Mr. Chai Chak Lam, chairman of the Buddhist Studies Society, said, "I had organized a Buddhist association in my secondary school, but it failed to be popular then.

"When I entered the Hong Kong University, I was so surprised and happy to find a Buddhist society. I joined the society immediately as I wanted to know more about Buddhism. Our society was not very large at first, but as we welcome both Buddhists and non-Buddhists, our membership is on the rise now," he said. "As we focus mainly on the academic study of Buddhism, even Christians and Catholics or students of other religions are welcomed to study this philosophy."

To sweep away students' skepticism of Buddhism, talks are organized to give them a proper perception and understanding of the religion. However, says Mr. Chai: "We do not totally emphasize religious matters, for we do not want to push students to study about Buddhism which may be very difficult for them."

"Through social activities, like visiting the elderly, the poor, and orphans, we hope that people may understand and develop an interest in Buddhism gradually," he added.

Beyond Buddhism, there is always food. Introducing different food cultures to students is the goal of the Food Culture Club at The Chinese University. "We realize that most clubs in the university are too academic," said Miss Fornia Chan, president of the Food Culture Club. "There are virtually no clubs for students to have fun and relax." All functions of the club emphasize eating.

"Our election counter is set on the pantry and the voting ceremony is very special: Members vote while having hot-pots. All our activities are related to eating. For example, we went to Wan Chai Healthy Mess and Tsuen Wan West Temple to try vegetarian diets. "Also, we have tried Korean food, and we are planning to go to Lan Kwai Fong to try African food," she said.

While some detractors claim that university students should not think only of eating and drinking, the Food Culture Club seems to be heading away from the "student ethics". "Though it has been suggested that we cease operation, we are still welcomed by a lot of students. We have 70 members because most people like eating.

"In fact, we only have functions once a month. That surely will not accelerate the so-called 'eating and drinking atmosphere'," said Miss Chan. Another member explained why she joined: "I joined this club because I like eating very much," said Miss Joyce Chan. "I hope the club will provide more information about nutritious food."

At City Polytechnic, the popularity of comics can be measured by the size of the membership of the Cartoon Art Society, which has 300 members. All activities are comics-related, according to Miss Connie Leong, chairlady of the Cartoon Arts Society.

"Comics lovers can borrow different kinds of comics, such as Japanese comic books like Orange Road and Dragon Ball, American comic books, video tapes, cassettes and CDs free of charge. Also, we show the latest movies. Recently we have been planning to hold a comics drawing competition to provide comics-lovers an opportunity to design their own comics," said Miss Leong.

"By participating in our activities, comics-lovers will no longer read their comics alone," she added.