Category: Event Highlights

Marking its 10th anniversary, the HSUHK Innovation Project Competition 2025 stands as a milestone celebration of a decade-long commitment to nurturing creativity, fostering innovation, and driving real-world impact. Organised by the Teaching and Learning Enhancement Section of the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL), this year’s Competition culminated on 27 February 2025, bringing together some of HSUHK’s brightest minds to pitch their groundbreaking ideas in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG).

What started in 2015 as a platform to ignite student-led innovation has now grown into one of HSUHK’s most anticipated and influential competitions, empowering students to turn ideas into action. Over the past decade, the competition has inspired hundreds of student teams to develop creative solutions across various industries, and connected young innovators with industry leaders, offering mentorship and real-world exposure.

To commemorate this remarkable journey, the “HSUHK Innovation Project Competition – A Decade of Innovation” exhibition was held at the HSUHK Library, showcasing past award-winning projects and the transformative ideas that have shaped the competition’s legacy.

ESG@HSUHK: Innovating for a Sustainable Future

This year’s theme, ESG@HSUHK, challenged students to develop pioneering solutions that integrate sustainability into campus life, business strategies, and technological innovations. From green infrastructure and carbon reduction strategies to AI-driven ESG applications and socially responsible business models, students demonstrated their ability to tackle pressing global challenges with creativity and purpose.

A Transformative Learning Experience

This year, participants embarked on an intensive innovation journey, enriched by a series of expert-led workshops, industry talks, and experiential learning opportunities:

• From Green Buildings to Scenic Routes: An Eco Tour Experience (9 Jan) – Exploring sustainable urban planning and eco-friendly infrastructure on campus and beyond
• Write Your Successful Proposal: Begin with the End in Mind (16 Jan) – A hands-on workshop on crafting impactful project proposals.
• ESG Journey Starts Here: Inspiring Sustainable Innovations at HSUHK (16 Jan) – Understanding ESG principles and their real-world applications.
• Impact Innovation: Secrets to Unlocking Your Creative Mind (23 Jan) – Cultivating creative problem-solving skills for ESG-driven solutions.
• Tour to “The Henderson” (10 Feb) – A behind-the-scenes look at one of Hong Kong’s most sustainable office buildings.
• Facilitative Questioning in ESG Consultation (13 Feb) – Strengthening critical thinking and strategic questioning skills.
• Pitch Your Pitch (20 Feb) – A final opportunity for teams to refine their presentations before the grand finale.

The Grand Finale: Showcasing a Decade of Talent

The Competition reached its peak on 27 February, when six shortlisted teams presented their ESG ideas before a panel of esteemed judges, including (presented in alphabetical order by last name): Dr Chan Chi-kit (Director of Institute for Youth Sustainability Leadership), our head judge Dr Ben Cheng (Director of Centre for Teaching and Learning), Mr Ricky Lam (Associate Dean (Enterprise and Business Engagement), School of Business), Dr Thomas Man (Director of Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship), Ms Antonia Yeung (Associate Vice-President (Development and Campus Services)), and Mr Johnny Yu (Head of Sustainability, Henderson Land). We also cordially invited Mr David Wong, Lecturer from the Department of Management, to witness the fruits of his consultation.

Before the Pitching Competition, a symbolic Kick-Off Ceremony set the stage for this landmark 10th edition, where distinguished guests illuminated the letters “TLE & IPC”, representing Teaching & Learning Enhancement Section and the Innovation Project Competition. This act of illumination was a tribute to a decade of innovation, honouring ten years of ideas that sparked change. The glowing letters stood as a visual metaphor, reminding all that innovation, when nurtured, brightens the path toward a sustainable and forward-thinking future.

Recognising Excellence & Driving Real-World Change

The Martin Ka Shing Lee Innovation Awards, made possible by a generous donation in 2023 from Dr Martin Lee Ka-shing, GBS, JP, Chairman of Henderson Land Group, were presented to the most outstanding projects. This encouraging support continues to fuel innovation, technology advancement, and youth development at HSUHK.

Celebrating a Legacy, Building the Future

As the HSUHK Innovation Project Competition 2025 comes to a close, it is evident that this 10th-anniversary edition is more than just a celebration—it is a turning point for the future. Over the past decade, the Competition has evolved into a catalyst for change, empowering students to become leaders in innovation and sustainability.

A huge congratulations to all participants for their brilliance, dedication, and creativity! The HSUHK community eagerly anticipates the transformative impact your ESG@HSUHK projects will bring to both our campus and the wider world.

As part of the HSUHK Innovation Project Competition 2025, themed “ESG@HSUHK”, the “Pitch Your Pitch” workshop was held on 20 February 2025, attracting nearly 20 enthusiastic students keen to refine their persuasive communication skills. Led by Dr Sue Yip, an experienced university English-language instructor, the interactive session provided students with practical pitching techniques that would not only benefit them in the Competition but also in their academic and professional journeys.

Dr Yip opened the session with a captivating personal travel story, illustrating how understanding an audience’s needs is fundamental to crafting a compelling pitch. She introduced key elements of persuasive communication, focusing on how to structure a pitch effectively with a clear introduction, a well-developed body, and a strong conclusion. She also underscored the significance of capturing the audience’s attention from the outset, mastering body language, maintaining eye contact, and projecting confidence. By stressing that a great pitch is not merely about content but about connection, she set the foundation for helping students refine their presentation skills.

To reinforce these key principles, students participated in a dynamic group exercise where they collaborated to craft and refine their own pitches. This interactive approach allowed them to put theory into practice and experiment with different presentation techniques. A highlight of the session was the live role-play segment, where participants took turns delivering their pitches and received real-time feedback from both their peers and Dr Yip. By focusing on personality, interaction, and body language, students gained practical insights into how small adjustments in tone, posture, and delivery style can significantly enhance audience engagement.

As the session concluded, students expressed their appreciation for the practical strategies and constructive feedback they received. The workshop left them feeling more equipped to tackle pitching challenges both within the competition and beyond. We extend our sincere gratitude to Dr Sue Yip for her expertise and engaging facilitation, which empowered students with the skills and confidence to excel in their future presentations. With a renewed understanding of effective pitching, we look forward to seeing them apply these techniques in the competition and in their future endeavours.

As part of the HSUHK Innovation Project Competition 2025 with the theme “ESG@HSUHK”, the workshop “Facilitative Questioning in ESG Consultation” was held on 13 February 2025, led by John Lee, Partner at THINK ESG. Designed to equip students with effective consultation techniques, the session introduced facilitative questioning—a structured approach that enables individuals to reflect, explore perspectives, and develop actionable solutions independently.

Organised by the Teaching and Learning Enhancement Section (TLE) of the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL), the workshop provided an interactive, hands-on learning experience, reinforcing the distinction between process-driven facilitation and content-based advising. Mr Lee emphasised that effective facilitation is not about offering direct solutions, but rather about guiding individuals through a structured process that encourages self-reflection, sparks new insights, and leads to actionable next steps—without the facilitator intervening in decision-making. This principle set the foundation for understanding how facilitative questioning can empower individuals to uncover their own solutions rather than simply receiving advice.

To put this concept into practice, students were first invited to identify and articulate their own issue statements, ranging from personal dilemmas to ESG-related challenges. This exercise encouraged them to engage with the consultation process from both the facilitator’s and issue owner’s perspectives, fostering a deeper understanding of how structured questioning can drive meaningful discussions.

To illustrate the impact of structured inquiry, Mr Lee introduced a simple yet effective scenario: choosing a restaurant when meeting a friend from another university with an aim to establish a collaborative relationship. Through this exercise, students explored various types of facilitative questioning——and how each can shape decision-making and problem-solving.

Building on these concepts, students participated in a role-playing exercise, alternating between the roles of facilitator and issue owner. This interactive practice allowed them to apply the questioning framework to real-world ESG challenges, reinforcing the importance of guiding rather than directing discussions.

A highlight of the workshop was a live demonstration, where a student volunteer stepped onto the stage to share concerns about internship opportunities and career prospects. John, acting as the facilitator, demonstrated how strategic questioning can help an issue owner break down their concerns, challenge assumptions, and identify practical next steps. This exercise showcased the transformative impact of well-structured facilitation, leaving students with a deeper appreciation of how questioning can unlock clarity, confidence, and solution-oriented thinking.

As the session concluded, students reflected on their key takeaways and provided instant feedback, with overwhelmingly positive responses on the practicality and applicability of the techniques introduced. More than just an exercise in consultation, the workshop highlighted facilitative questioning as a critical leadership skill, equipping students with the ability to support their peers, foster meaningful ESG discussions, and drive impact within the broader HSUHK community.

10 February 2025 was a remarkable day characterised by forward-thinking innovation, Henderson Land Group offered an exclusive opportunity for our students to visit The Henderson, their latest landmark at the heart of Central. Led by their Head of Sustainability, Mr Johnny Yu, alongside their key Project Manager Mr Vincent Yeung, the tour offered a unique opportunity for students to gain firsthand insight into Henderson Land’s comprehensive sustainability vision and strategy.

During the tour, the students engaged actively with the innovative architectural designs, discovering the various Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) features that position The Henderson as a trailblazer in sustainable development. Students had the privilege to better understand how their practices not only promote environmental stewardship but also enhance the quality of life for the community.

This tour was truly inspiring as we got to witness our students’ enthusiasm, keen interest, and the thoughtful questions they posed throughout the tour. Their engagement highlighted the importance of education in fostering a new generation of professionals dedicated to sustainable practices.

We believe this experience not only equips our students with valuable knowledge but also ignites a passion for sustainable architecture and urban development. Let us work together in paving the way for a greener future, one inspired mind at a time!

As part of the exciting line-up of the HSUHK Innovation Project Competition 2025, the workshop “Impact Innovation: Secrets to Unlocking Your Creative Minds” was held on 23 January 2025, led by Mr Cyron Chan, Executive Director of MakerBay Foundation. With a focus on human-centred innovation, the workshop offered our students a hands-on exploration of design thinking principles, equipping them with the tools to address complex challenges through empathetic and creative problem-solving.

Organised by the Teaching and Learning Enhancement Section (TLE) of the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL), the workshop drew HSUHK students to explore the transformative power of design thinking in driving meaningful solutions. Cyron stressed the importance of empathy as the cornerstone of innovation, urging participants to deeply understand the experiences, needs, and challenges of others before developing solutions.

Participants engaged in an interactive exercise where they paired up to share personal challenges and brainstorm solutions tailored to their partner’s needs. This activity brought design thinking principles to life, demonstrating how empathetic approaches can lead to impactful, user-centric solutions.

The workshop aligned directly with this year’s competition theme, “ESG@HSUHK”, which focuses on advancing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives.  As the workshop concluded, our students left with actionable strategies and fresh perspectives to integrate into their “ESG@HSUHK” proposals.

By embedding experiential learning opportunities like this into its academic framework, CTL empowers students and staff to make impactful contributions to sustainability and innovation on campus and beyond.

Under the guiding theme of “ESG@HSUHK”, the “The ESG Journey: Enhancing Our University’s Sustainability Practices” workshop, as one of the exciting line-up programmes of the HSUHK Innovation Project Competition 2025, held on 16 January 2025, provided an impactful platform for students to explore the transformative power of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Organised by the Teaching and Learning Enhancement Section (TLE) of the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL), this thought-provoking workshop was led by Dr Belinda Yau, Assistant Professor at the Department of Accountancy, HSUHK, and a Certified ESG Analyst.

Dr Yau shared her expertise on the importance of ESG in fostering sustainability and financial resilience, drawing on her extensive experience in auditing, forensic accounting, and academic research. She emphasised the critical role of corporate ESG disclosures, offering real-world examples to illustrate how effective ESG strategies drive transparency, long-term value, and innovation. Leveraging real-world examples, she demonstrated how adopting ESG-focused strategies not only fosters environmental and social responsibility but also strengthens financial performance.

One of the session’s key highlights was the evaluation of HSUHK’s current ESG initiatives. Dr Yau reflected on the University’s sustainability journey, exploring how existing programmes align with global ESG standards while identifying opportunities for further innovation. This inspired our students to think critically about their role in advancing the University’s sustainability efforts.

The session resonated deeply with participants, sparking meaningful conversations on how ESG principles could be applied to their own projects and professional aspirations. The workshop aligned perfectly with the objectives of the HSUHK Innovation Project Competition 2025 and also exemplified CTL’s commitment to sustainability, equipping its community with the knowledge and skills to drive meaningful change within and beyond the university.

As part of the overarching theme “ESG@HSUHK”, the “Write Your Successful Proposal: Begin with the End in Mind” workshop, as one of the exciting line-up programmes of the HSUHK Innovation Project Competition 2025, was successfully held on 16 January 2025. Organised by the Teaching and Learning Enhancement Section (TLE) of the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL), this workshop was facilitated by Ms Cloris Chan, Project Manager at Fullness Social Enterprises Society (FSES).

The workshop focused on equipping participants with essential skills in crafting effective and impactful proposals by adopting the approach of starting with a clear end goal. Cloris, leveraging her extensive experience in project management and social innovation, guided our students through the 5 Stages of Proposal Writing—pre-writing, research, drafting, revising, and finishing. She emphasised the importance of clarity, alignment with organisational goals, and persuasive communication as critical components of successful proposals.

One of the highlights of the workshop was Cloris’s use of real-world examples to illustrate how proposals can address sustainability challenges, such as creating greener campuses or fostering social innovation. She shared insights from her career journey, which includes leading impactful initiatives like SEnSE (社創校園), Innovator Farm (創新園), and SELECT (創．新路), programmes that nurture young social entrepreneurs through mentorship and experiential learning. Her practical tips and unique perspectives resonated with our students, inspiring them to approach proposal writing with confidence and purpose.

The workshop was well-received, with students praising the interactive elements and actionable takeaways. Participants were not only able to strengthen their proposal writing skills but also gained a deeper understanding of how to align their ideas with broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.

This workshop aligns seamlessly with the HSUHK Innovation Project Competition 2025 and its theme, “ESG@HSUHK”, by equipping participants with tools to develop innovative ideas that address real-world sustainability challenges. By fostering such practical skills, CTL continues to empower the HSUHK community to think critically, act creatively, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Under the overarching theme “ESG@HSUHK”, an engaging ecological tour facilitated by Dr Michael Chan, Senior Lecturer from the Department of Social Science kickstarted the HSUHK Innovation Project Competition 2025 with a burst of innovation and an upgrade in the Competition participants’ skill sets! Organised by the Teaching and Learning Enhancement Section, Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL), this experience offered a unique opportunity for them to connect with nature while learning about the rich ecological interests and biodiversity within our campus area.

The journey began with a brief yet invigorating walk uphill to the residential colleges. Students had the chance to gain hands-on exposure to the plant life in the area, which showcased its biodiversity. Throughout the journey, they observed various species of plants, gaining insight into their ecological significance and the roles they play in sustaining the environment.

As they continued their journey towards the picturesque “Hang River,” the natural beauty was breathtaking. At the river, students learned about rare and endangered nocturnal toad-like organisms that inhabit the water. After visiting the Hang River, they were directed to continue uphill to a waterway. Dr Chan invited the students to sample the water flowing down from the hillside via the waterway, helping them understand how water quality can impact the ecosystem. Students also paused to admire the trees growing on the hillside, some of which date back to World War II.

This experience not only deepened students’ appreciation for the natural habitat, fostering greater environmental consciousness, but also equipped them with knowledge to understand ESG principles. By enhancing their ecological awareness, the tour aligns perfectly with the competition’s theme, inspiring students to engage with and advocate for sustainability.

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!