University Review

In the course “Introduction to Spatial History” designed by Dr Kwong Chi-man (Department of History), students examined the economic and social activities of Japanese communities in Hong Kong from 1868 to 1941 through spatial history research, developing unique insights into the history of Hong Kong. Students from different disciplines and years of study used digital tools, including Geographic Information Systems and interactive maps, to create their own spatial history research projects, realising the University’s transdisciplinary concepts.

The School of Business, in partnership with LinkedIn Learning and the University Library, launched “Go! BUer Learning,” a self e-learning programme designed to empower Business Administration students with self-learning skills essential for success in the dynamic business world. The launch ceremony held in September 2023 attracted nearly 200 participants. A forum titled “Unleashing the Power of Learner Autonomy” and related seminars inspired students to maximise LinkedIn Learning resources for academic and career success, fostering proactive self-learners for the future.

The Department of Humanities and Creative Writing’s Chinese Song Lyric Writing course has attracted creative minds every year to learn about lyric writing from Professor Chow Yiu-fai (Department of Humanities and Creative Writing). This Service-Learning course was supported by the Centre for Innovative Service-Learning, the Institute of Creativity and the Hung Hin Shiu Charitable Foundation, and the students’ course works were featured at the concert themed “tête-à-tête” in February 2024. The 36 original songs and lyrics were based on the students’ interviews with pairs of individuals from different generations and walks of life, highlighting the themes of unconditional support, bridging generational gaps, heritage and togetherness.

The winner of the 2023/24 General Education Teaching Award (Early Career) of HKBU, Ms Janet Fong (Academy of Visual Arts), inspired students to drive social change through visual arts and engaged them in community-based projects with organisations like the Hong Kong Museum of Art. Since 2021, the course has involved about 100 students, impacting nearly 10,000 people globally. Ms Fong also integrates immersive technologies, including Augmented Reality (AR) and the metaverse, to enhance learning and community engagement.

In collaboration with the Central Market, HKBU students’ work in “Tik-Tac-Tik-Tac: Echoes of Time” was showcased in an interactive exhibition blending history, culture, art and AR technology from May to June 2024. Sixteen students from the “Location-based Storytelling and Game Design” course crafted AR-driven exhibits inspired by interviews with traditional shopkeepers, reviving Hong Kong’s cultural heritage through immersive experiences. Projects like Tartan.walk, Mystery of the Throne, Wishes and Whiskers, and Candy Remembrance reflect students’ creative storytelling and technical skills. Guided by Ms Zoie So (Department of Interactive Media), students applied AR to bring local history to life, giving them the chance to connect to the community. 

The Cultural Literacy Programme of the Office of Student Affairs and Dr Patrick Yue (Department of Biology) co-organised the STEAM project “Toxic Tree: Sleep with Microplastics” from February to April 2024, engaging over 1,000 students from kindergarten to university. The project aimed to raise awareness of microplastics and their environmental impact through age-tailored activities. For the University community, various workshops were organised, including upcycling peach blossom trees into air-purifying art. The importance of environmental sustainability and the health risks of microplastics was emphasised through these interactive activities.

Fourteen transdisciplinary students participated in a study tour to Sydney to explore the environmental issue of the Hawkesbury River through a citizen scientist approach from May to June 2024. The event was organised by the Division of Transdisciplinary Undergraduate Programmes in partnership with the Sustainability Education and Partnerships team of the Western Sydney University and the Hawkesbury Nepean Waterkeeper Alliance in Australia. Led by Dr Glos Ho (Division of Transdisciplinary Undergraduate Programmes) and Dr Patrick Yue (Department of Biology), the students engaged in a Bioblitz to identify species and learned about issues related to microplastics, riparian health and flooding. They also created teaching videos on microplastics, marine biodiversity and water stream management for a global challenges course. 

As part of HKBU’s “Road to 2024 Paris Olympics” campaign, the Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health, together with the School of Communication, organised a seminar in October 2023 featuring iconic sports figures who shared their insights and experience on the pursuit of sporting excellence and the development of athletes’ career. A forum on “Champion Foundation and HK Elite Athletes (Olympic and Career)” was also held, featuring successful athletes and Olympic gold medallists. 

HKBU has enrolled eight elite Hong Kong athletes through the Talented Athletes Direct Admission Scheme (TADAS) and Students with Exceptional Talent Direct Admissions Scheme (SETDAS) for the undergraduate programmes in the 2023/24 academic year. The eight athletes specialised in a diverse range of sports, namely basketball, fencing, para swimming, volleyball and wushu. HKBU is committed to providing comprehensive support to Hong Kong athletes and contributing to the city’s sports development. The University established the Elite Athletes Admission Scheme (EAAS) in 2016 and TADAS in 2022. These initiatives aim to provide flexible study arrangements for outstanding athletes in Hong Kong. HKBU has also launched SETDAS to acknowledge exceptional talents that may not be fully reflected in academic performance, further enhancing the support for athletes.

HKBU hosted the Hong Kong 2023 International Collegiate Fencing Invitational in August 2023 to provide collegiate fencers with an opportunity to experience an international fencing competition and develop world-class fencing skills. The event brought together about 60 student fencers from 13 universities, including HKBU and others from Mainland China and the United States, for a two-day friendly tournament. This offered an exciting opportunity to foster exchange, collaboration and mutual understanding among the young fencers. 

To broaden students’ horizons and enhance their understanding of various industries, eight-day career exploration trips to the Greater Bay Area were organised by the Career Centre of the Office of Student Affairs, benefitting over 230 students who gained first-hand insight into the dynamic regional market. To further enrich the students’ global outlook, immersive five-day career exploration trips were organised for approximately 80 students in January 2024 to destinations including Seoul, Singapore and Tokyo, providing students with a valuable perspective on the diverse business environments in these prominent cities.

Over 210 students participated in overseas or Mainland internships arranged by the Career Centre in collaboration with external partners. The destinations of these internships included Mainland China, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea and the United States. Through these internships, students have deepened their understanding of the diverse work cultures and socio-economic contexts of different places, which is crucial to their future career development in the global market.

Launched in October 2023, BU Market is a cultural hub at HKBU designed to foster cultural integration, co-creation and global perspectives among students. It was inaugurated with a collaboration between the International Office and RTHK, featuring a special live episode of “In the Common Room” to discuss its objectives. BU Market empowers students by hosting activities like language exchanges, cultural explorations and professional development sessions. It also facilitates faculty-student collaborations across various disciplines. 

Organised by the Centre for Innovative Service-Learning, “techstars_Startup Weekend Social Innovation” was held in March 2024, attracting over 50 participants from HKBU and other universities in Hong Kong. The event provided a supportive environment for like-minded students to connect and build valuable networks to support their social innovation endeavours. With the entrepreneurship training, the teams translated their ideas into concrete projects aimed at inspiring societal change.