Category: Student

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!

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: