Author: Cherry Yeung

On 24 October 2024, the Centre for Teaching and Learning’s (CTL) Teaching and Learning Enhancement Section hosted an engaging taster workshop on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices, centred around the upcoming HSUHK Innovation Project Competition 2025, themed ESG@HSUHK. With over 15 enthusiastic participants, this workshop was a vibrant hub of creativity and collaboration. Led by Ms Kati Ng, an officer from CTL, the workshop sparked dynamic discussions that encouraged attendees to delve into and explore the potential ESG issues at the HSUHK campus.

This workshop was far more than just another event on the calendar; it represented a pivotal moment in our journey towards a sustainable future. Participants engaged in various hands-on activities designed to stimulate innovative thinking and foster a sense of community. Ideas flowed freely as the attendees formed small groups and brainstormed solutions to enhance sustainability on campus.

The atmosphere was encouraging as participants shared their insights, revealing a collective passion for making a difference. Everyone left inspired, armed with new knowledge and a renewed commitment to ESG principles.

As we move forward, the enthusiasm generated in this workshop will undoubtedly ripple through the HSUHK community. Together, we are paving the way for a greener and more socially responsible HSUHK, where sustainability is not just a goal but a shared value. We hope the seeds of innovation planted during this workshop will grow into impactful initiatives that embody our commitment to environmental stewardship, social equity, and strong governance. Let us continue this momentum and make HSUHK a beacon of sustainability!

As the new semester began, the Teaching and Learning Enhancement Section introduced a series of seminars aimed at inviting our colleagues to rethink traditional assessment methods. The “Authentic Assessment: Global Perspectives” series brought together insights from two distinguished international scholars, offering fresh perspectives on authentic assessment practices.

The series commenced on 12 September 2024 with Dr Elaine Huber, Associate Professor from the University of Sydney Business School. Dr Huber, an expert in co-design, evaluation, and online assessment, presented two significant projects related to authentic assessment, and outlined a comprehensive framework for quality online assessment in business education that has been validated by students, educational policymakers and industry representatives. Dr Huber also discussed her team’s work on developing and integrating educational design principles for large-scale, connected learning, with a particular focus on embedding authentic assessment practices.  

The final seminar, held on 26 September 2024, featured Professor Jan McArthur, Professor of Higher Education and Social Justice at Lancaster University.  Professor McArthur’s presentation examined the philosophical underpinnings of assessment in higher education, particularly the concepts of “authenticity” and “artificiality”. She encouraged participants to critically reflect on the purpose of assessment, stressing the importance of understanding why we assess in order to make informed and meaningful choices. Professor McArthur also explored the potential role of generative AI (Gen-AI) in assessment, emphasising the need to thoughtfully integrate AI in ways that enhance learning and promote socially responsible graduates.

Together, these two seminars attracted over 40 participants, who engaged in productive discussions with both speakers during the question-and-answer sessions. The series provided valuable insights into the evolving landscape of assessment in higher education, encouraging educators to adopt more authentic and impactful assessment practices. 

TEDxHSUHK embarked on its sixth introspective expedition, themed “Unmoor”, on 7 June 2024. Anchored in the belief that life’s boldest journeys begin with a single act of release, the event invited participants to explore the essence of letting go. Our speakers shared their pivotal moments of cutting ties with the old—be it a job, a belief, an identity, or a personal connection—and embracing the uncertainty and potential of what lies ahead.

Organised by the Teaching and Learning Enhancement Section of the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL), and the Common Core Curriculum Office (CCCO), HSUHK’s TEDxHSUHK 2024 event featured an impressive lineup of speakers who captivated over 100 live attendees and 1,000 online viewers.

At TEDxHSUHK 2024, our speakers shared transformative stories of letting go and embracing new paths. Mr Innocent Mutanga, Founder of Africa Center Hong Kong and investment banking professional, inspired with “Reclaiming Your Narrative: The Power of Owning Your Story”, recounting his journey from refugee to social enterprise founder. Mr Nick Cheuk, director and scriptwriter, discussed fresh starts in “Brand New Days”, while Mr Kevin Tong, writer, counselor, and founder of Wounded Healer Counseling, explored the balance of picking up and letting go. Mr Oshima Den, YouTuber and coach of the Hong Kong Women’s Softball Team, reflected on perseverance in “How Softball and Persistence Made Myself Today”. Ms Kong Wan-ki, tutor and co-founder of the Hong Kong Sign Language Association, tackled decision-making in “Resolving Doubts”, and Orange Tam, first professional organiser in Hong Kong and founder of the Hong Kong Association of Professional Organizing (HAPO), shared insights on transformation through decluttering. Ms Christy Yiu, athlete, running Coach, and insurance financial adviser, highlighted her journey from nurse to record-breaking runner, illustrating the power of determination. Mr Lai Chi-wai, former Hong Kong climbing team delegate, wheelchair climbing coach, and co-Founder of Ignite Community Services, concluded with “Persistence and Letting Go”, sharing his remarkable story of resilience as a paraplegic rock climber.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the TEDxHSUHK student co-organisers and the whole team of dedicated student volunteers for their invaluable contributions. Their efforts in various capacities, such as speaker coordination, multimedia production, promotion, souvenir design, stage and site management, and more, were instrumental in making the event a resounding success.

Now celebrating its 9th year, the HSUHK Innovation Project Competition 2024, organised by the Teaching and Learning Enhancement Section of the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL), has once again elevated its mission to instill a spirit of innovation among our students. The Competition concluded triumphantly on 21 March 2024, with the Pitching Competition and Awards Presentation Ceremony.

The theme for 2024, FinTech x ChatGPT, invited the brightest minds of HSUHK to delve into the realm of AI and develop innovative FinTech solutions that harness the power of OpenAI’s ChatGPT. From personalising financial advice to revolutionising payment systems, students were challenged to envision the future of finance and take the first step in turning that vision into reality.

The Competition has always been more than a mere showcase—it is a comprehensive learning journey. As September 2023 ushered in the beginning of the Competition, teams of aspirant innovators across the university began to take shape. As the calendar pages turned, the ensuing months were a period of intense creativity and focus: the InnoXplore series, designed to equip participants with the knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of the field of FinTech. From mastering the art of persuasive proposal writing to exploring the transformative potential of AI in insurance, each event was carefully crafted to provide the participants with an edge for their upcoming pitches. Industry leaders contributed their wisdom through a series of workshops, talks and visits, setting the stage for participants to engage with the latest FinTech trends and practices.

As the Competition entered its final stages, consultation sessions conducted by Dr Joyce Chan, Lecturer, Common Core Curriculum Office (CCCO) in February and March 2024 offered a golden opportunity for teams to receive tailored advice, helping to polish their proposals into their final, competition-ready form.

The spotlight then turned to 21 March, where teams gathered for the Pitching Competition and Award Presentation Ceremony. It was the day that the teams laid bare the fruits of their labour before a panel of esteemed judges, including the head judge Ms Elaine Chan, (Data Science and Management Director of AXA Hong Kong), Dr Chi Kit Chan (Director of Institute for Youth Sustainability Leadership, HSUHK), Mr Frazer Lam (Chief Information Officer of China CITIC Bank International), Ms Rebecca Lim (Founding partner of AutoML Capital and Automated Machine Learning Limited), and Dr Thomas Man (Director of Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, HSUHK).

True to the spirit of innovation, the presentation format pushed the boundaries of traditional pitching. Participants were tasked with crafting multimedia presentations, and then delivering their pitches on stage. This format tested not only their technical and creative skills but also their ability to articulate complex ideas succinctly and powerfully.

Winners were presented with the Martin Ka Shing Lee Innovation Awards, which were funded through a HK$20 million donation in 2023 from Dr Martin Lee Ka-shing, GBS, JP, Chairman of Henderson Land Group, through the Lee Shau Kee Foundation to promote innovation and technology, as well as youth development.

As this CTL’s annual Competition drew to a close and the awards were distributed, it was clear that the event was more than just a contest; it was a catalyst for change. The winners, with their certificates shining and their wisdom accumulated, had etched their names into the narrative of HSUHK’s culture of innovation. A resounding round of applause for all the participants who have demonstrated exceptional talent and creativity. The HSUHK community looks forward to the impactful contributions your FinTech x ChatGPT projects will make in the real world, as you continue to shape the financial technologies of tomorrow.

Awardees of the Competition are as follows: