Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond environmental considerations to encompass the establishment of a robust ethical foundation that underpins all university activities. As a distinguished research-led liberal arts institution in Asia, HKBU regards institutional ethics as fundamental to cultivating global citizens who excel academically whilst demonstrating unwavering integrity. Our ethical principles inform our decision-making processes, shape our educational offerings, and uphold responsible conduct across the university community.
HKBU’s ethical values—diversity, honesty, respect, and fairness—constitute the core of our institutional identity and operational ethos. These values are enshrined within key strategic documents that guide our community:
Mission Statement: Our mission articulates our dedication to whole-person development within a caring, creative, and globally oriented culture, with ethics forming an essential pillar.
Student Charter: This charter delineates students’ obligations to maintain the highest ethical standards, including honesty, respect, and responsibility, serving as a cornerstone for campus life.
Far from being merely aspirational, these documents actively influence our practices, ensuring that integrity remains a central tenet of HKBU’s operations.
Ethics is deeply embedded within HKBU’s educational philosophy and is seamlessly integrated into our academic and professional development programmes:
Curriculum Integration: Our pioneering Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Religion, Philosophy, and Ethics – the first programme of its kind in Asia – offers students a rigorous exploration of ethical theories and their practical applications to societal challenges, such as social justice. This programme equips graduates with the moral reasoning skills required to address complex global issues.
Research and Engagement: Established in 1992, the Centre for Applied Ethics is a trailblazer in Asia. It advances research in applied ethics, encompassing fields such as bioethics and artificial intelligence, and organises impactful events, including the workshop “Social and Ethical Issues in AI from an East Asian Perspective”. These efforts extend ethical discourse beyond the confines of the university.
Staff Training and Activities: Through the Human Resources Office, we provide compliance training for staff, complemented by events and workshops, which reinforce our values across all levels of the university.
From students to staff, we are united in cultivating a culture where ethical conduct is paramount.
HKBU reinforces its ethical commitments through robust governance frameworks.
Research Ethics Committee (REC): The REC oversees the ethical integrity of research activities, with specialised panels addressing clinical, human, and animal studies, ensuring compliance with the highest standards.
Broader Governance: Our institutional policies encompass regulatory compliance and social responsibility, providing a comprehensive framework that embeds ethics into our operational practices.
These mechanisms ensure that HKBU not only promotes ethical principles but also maintains accountability to them.