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Celebrating outstanding staff performance
30 May 2025
The diverse spectrum of expertise among this year’s President’s Award for Outstanding Performance recipients showcases once again the remarkable talent and dedication of different HKBU colleagues.
Established in 2000/01, the Award recognises the outstanding performance of academic and teaching staff across the University in the areas of teaching, scholarly work and service. Since 2014/15, HKBU also implemented the Reward and Recognition Scheme for Non-teaching Staff, which honours high-performing colleagues who have made significant contributions.
Teaching excellence
Professor Johnathan Harrington (centre) of the Academy of Language and Culture is recognised for his innovative teaching approaches which incorporate the use of digital media tools and virtual storytelling techniques in modern humanities education. He introduces students to different media, from fiction to mobile games and basic coding, stimulating their innovative thinking. He says: “Students are encouraged to present their work in transmedia formats, where they can tell their stories in unique ways.”
A veteran teacher, Professor Chen Li of the Department of Computer Science focuses on nurturing students’ creativity while promoting active learning. “My research-led learning approach motivates students to address practical problems and create something new,” she says. In her courses on human-computer interaction and recommender systems, students learn to develop computer applications aimed at improving user experience or underlying algorithms. She has also developed transdisciplinary programmes and courses that motivate students from different professions to cope with real-life challenges.
Dr Meilin Chen of Language Centre adopts an inductive and discussion-based approach which facilitates students to reflect on their real-life experiences, making gender and language theories and research more approachable and appealing. She says: “I find true joy in witnessing the pride and enthusiasm that light up the students’ eyes when they exchange newly found insights. This is achieved through their new habit of observing their surroundings and engaging in personal reflections.”
The Team Teaching Award went to the Chinese Medicine Gynaecology Team from the Clinical Division of the School of Chinese Medicine. The team, which comprises Professor Zhang Chunling (2nd left), Professor Li Xiaoguang (2nd right), Professor Wang Yurong (1st right) and Dr Chin Wing-yee (1st left), introduces student-led diagnosis and treatment activities in class, and cultivates students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a dynamic learning environment. Their focus on whole-person development and care for patients’ mental health and well-being prepares students to be socially responsible traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners.
Pioneering research
The Award also honours scholars who have made significant impact and important discoveries in their fields.
Professor Li Yupeng of the Department of Interactive Media is recognised for his transdisciplinary research in trustworthy social computing and robust AI techniques. He addresses challenges in building safe, reliable and human-centred AI systems for social media and digital communications. “I envision AI and humanity evolving together, fostering an inclusive progress. This is why I explore social issues through technology to champion a more compassionate and connected world,” he says.
Professor Xu Jun of the School of Chinese Medicine has developed a novel approach for the inspection of sulphur-treated Chinese herbal medicinal products through a new chemical marker, advancing the safety assurance of Chinese medicines. He says: “I hope my research outcome will be effectively applied in the industry. Ultimately, our goal is to optimise the quality control system of Chinese medicine to safeguard public health and enhance societal well-being."
The research led by Professor Zhu Furong of the Department of Physics has advanced the development of high-performance organic electronic devices. “Through our research in the integration of multi-mode photodetection technologies with advanced algorithms, cloud computing and big data analytics, we have developed a non-intrusive testing device that provides rapid and accurate results,” he says. This technology can precisely measure data, such as the sweetness level, acidity and moisture content of fruits.
With an outstanding track record in supervising 13 doctoral students, Professor Kimmy Chan (1st right) of the Department of Management, Marketing and Information Systems is dedicated to guiding students in knowledge acquisition and personal development. “As their supervisor, I must understand the needs of my students, step into their shoes, and be there for them whenever they need support,” she says. “Students need more than just knowledge; they need a bridge to the world around them.”
Exceptional service to the HKBU community
Throughout his 25 years at HKBU, Professor William Cheung has tirelessly served the University and the broader academic and professional community.
From taking on the role as Head of Department of Computer Science to Associate Vice President (Transdisciplinary Education), he has spearheaded numerous programme development and transformational projects, notably the introduction of transdisciplinary undergraduate programmes, the launch of the HKBU Metaverse “HKBUniverse”, and the pilot run of a new course in AI literacies for social good.
Professor Cheung says the people at HKBU make his journey even more valuable. “During times of challenge, we went the extra mile and helped each other out. I believe this selflessness in our partnership is key to creating more meaningful stories in the future,” he says.
Working dedicatedly behind the scenes are the two honourees of the Reward and Recognition Scheme for Non-teaching Staff, Mr Christopher Chan of the Office of Student Affairs and Ms Shirley Yeung of the Academy of Film.
Passionate about creating the best university experience for students, Mr Christopher Chan (centre) helped steer the preparation and operation of HKBU’s new student hostel, Village CARE (Creative Arena for Residential Education), which has a capacity for over 1,700 residents. He has also promoted hall education and fostered a sense of community among students by organising events such as high table dinners.
Ms Shirley Yeung stands out for her people skills and problem-solving abilities. From staff management to handling financial matters and event coordination, she has played a critical role in the administration of the Academy of Film. When the Academy underwent organisational changes, she went above and beyond to ensure a smooth transition.
Congratulations again to all the award recipients!
President’s Award for Outstanding Performance in Early Career Teaching
- Professor Jonathan Harrington, Assistant Professor, Academy of Language and Culture
President’s Award for Outstanding Performance in Teaching (Individual)
- Professor Chen Li, Professor, Department of Computer Science
- Dr Chen Meilin, Lecturer I, Language Centre
President’s Award for Outstanding Performance in Team Teaching
Team of School of Chinese Medicine – Clinical Division
- Professor Zhang Chunling, Professor of Practice (Team Leader)
- Professor Li Xiaoguang, Professor of Practice
- Professor Wang Yurong, Professor of Practice
- Dr Chin Wing-yee, Associate Professor of Practice
President’s Award for Outstanding Performance as Early Career Researcher
- Professor Li Yupeng, Assistant Professor, Department of Interactive Media
- Professor Xu Jun, Assistant Professor, School of Chinese Medicine – Teaching and Research Division
President’s Award for Outstanding Performance in Scholarly Work
- Professor Zhu Furong, Professor, Department of Physics
President’s Award for Outstanding Performance in Research Supervision
- Professor Kimmy Chan Wa, Professor, Department of Management, Marketing and Information Systems
President’s Award for Outstanding Performance in Service
- Professor William Cheung Kwok-wai, Professor, Department of Computer Science
Individual Award for Reward and Recognition Scheme for Non-teaching Staff
- Mr Christopher Chan, Student Housing Manager, Office of Student Affairs
- Ms Shirley Yeung, Assistant Manager, Academy of Film
