President and Vice-Chancellor’s message

Advancing transdisciplinary education and research

As the University advances into the second phase of its Institutional Strategic Plan 2018-2028, the notion of transdisciplinarity begins to take root in all its academic endeavours. In 2023-2024, we introduced a new research cluster, “Humanities and Cultures”. It reflects HKBU’s commitment to harnessing the strengths of diverse disciplines, from philosophy and sociology to communication and economics, to foster groundbreaking research. Together with our existing clusters in Creative Media/Practice, Health and Drug Discovery, and Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, HKBU is well positioned as an institution of global significance.

The University established the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences in July 2024, a pivotal step in fostering transdisciplinary education and research. By merging the academic excellence of the former Faculty of Arts and Faculty of Social Sciences, we are set to create a collaborative environment that expands the horizon of education, and ignites inspiring scholarly ideas and innovations.

Hardware upgrades are also taking place to support our transdisciplinary direction. A notable example is the inauguration of the Life Science Imaging Centre equipped with advanced brain imaging facilities. The Centre serves as a nexus for transdisciplinary collaboration, and is poised to break traditional barriers for knowledge creation by applying technologies in humanities research.

Nurturing future leaders and innovators

Our emphasis on transdisciplinary education to nurture future-shaping students, who can take the lead to overcome global challenges, is also taking shape. As a vivid reflection of this, we were ranked 2nd globally in “Quality Education”, one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals advocated by the United Nations, in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2024. Teaching and learning excellence at HKBU received profound recognition at the 2024 University Grants Committee (UGC) Teaching Award.  Each year, the UGC presents two individual and one team awards to outstanding teachers of the UGC-funded institutions. 2024 marks the first time for HKBU teachers to clinch both individual awards, and one teacher was represented in the team award.

We firmly believe that broad contextual exposure, cross-cultural understanding, and far-reaching global insights are essential qualities of our future leaders. During the year, we kick-started the Greater Bay Area (GBA) Extended Study Programme as a flagship initiative to broaden the horizons of both local and non-local students, offering them exposure to the education and socio-economic outlook of the GBA where the world’s most vibrant transformations are taking place, as well as an invaluable opportunity to better understand and appreciate Chinese cultures.

Innovative educators at HKBU are also building on the solid foundation of the University’s existing transdisciplinary programmes to further enrich students’ transdisciplinary learning experience inside and outside their classrooms. Going forward, new programme offerings and curriculum reforms are in the pipeline, providing the momentum to establish HKBU as the leader in transdisciplinary education in Hong Kong and the region.

Creating societal impact

HKBU remains steadfast in its mission to create meaningful social impact. Based on its unique strengths and strategic priorities, the University leverages its four strategic research clusters as vehicles to drive impact and bring about social good. I am glad that our researchers are putting in uncompromised efforts in different fields, with impressive attainments particularly in certain focused areas covering Chinese medicine, art-tech, digital humanities and sports science.

During the year, we witnessed the growing impact of our technology translation efforts. The University’s knowledge exchange and transfer activities like the “Journey to Excellence: HKBU in Paris” symposium organised at the OLY House in Paris during Paris Olympics 2024 and the inaugural FoodMed Conference; progress in technology translation such as receiving support from the Government’s Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus (RAISe+) Scheme for two HKBU projects; application of our expertise in Chinese medicine by developing a novel Chinese herbal drug which has been approved by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for clinical trial in the Mainland; and community events promoting the crossover of Chinese and Western cultures like the Annual Concert of the HKBU Symphony Orchestra demonstrated HKBU’s vigour in driving advancement in areas such as technology, culture, sports science and health. 

Looking ahead

After celebrating 30 years of achieving university status, we have exciting, new milestones to look forward to. The phased launch of the Jockey Club Campus of Creativity will substantially strengthen our education and research capacity. The phased opening of Hong Kong’s first Chinese Medicine Hospital in 2025, with HKBU designated as the service deed contractor, will foster our collaboration with local, Mainland and overseas partners in constructing a flagship in clinical service, teaching and training, scientific research, and the creation of value for health. That being said, we will not stop where we are; we will proactively look for opportunities to grow further and make even more contributions to the community at large. Guided by our Institutional Strategic Plan, we remain resolute in supporting the HKBU community and society, as we strive for a promising future together.