SDG 04: Quality Education

Regular updates to courses at the Language Centre are customary, with the new focus of the course “University English II” on enhancing students’ conceptual knowledge, enabling them to apply these skills within their subject disciplines. This course served 1,400 students. Led by Dr Joshua Chan, the course development team recognises that Gen Z and Gen Alpha are immersed in a fast-paced academic world where ideas and conversations are bountiful. By integrating research on current paradigms and concepts with the assistance of Generative AI, and directly linking these insights to students’ disciplines, “University English II" enriches education provision by consistently producing materials that are both timely and adaptable to a transdisciplinary educational model.

Recognising the importance of "bringing the world to campus", the International Office organised the annual Consul-General-in-Residence Programme: "KAZ We Love it! Kazakhstan’s New Year Gala". In collaboration with the Consulate General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Hong Kong and Macao SARs, the Gala attracted 1,700 attendees, including government diplomats and officials, local and Kazakhstan’s secondary school students and representatives, along with the broader HKBU community. The event not only provided a platform for participants to immerse themselves in Kazakhstan’s new year celebration, but also underscored HKBU’s dedication to promoting cultural integration on an international level, as featured on Kazakh national television.

The General Education (GE) Office organised the "CONNECT US — University Students and the Society" GE Student Assignment Competition to recognise students’ innovative contributions to tackling global and societal challenges, attracted 90 student participants. The outstanding students' works demonstrated their creativity and professionalism in applying interdisciplinary knowledge to social engagement projects, enriching their holistic learning in GE and preparing them to become responsible global citizens. The video "Making a Difference: Students’ Transformative Experience through Social Engagement in GE" captured these distinctive learning journeys, highlighting their active community involvement and the positive impact on both personal and academic development.

Curiosity plays a vital role in lifelong learning. The event "Foodie Adventure: Dive into the Culinary World", organised by the Cultural Literacy Programme of the Office of Student Affairs, provided an engaging platform for students to explore diverse cuisines and food cultures through hands-on activities. 14 students engaged in this holistic culinary experience included ingredient selection, team cooking, and dish sharing, celebrating the richness of food culture with festival foods from various nations. Topics covered during the event included food preservation chemistry, fermentation, food trading, ’ugly’ food, food waste, expired food, and the significance of unique utensils in food tasting. Participants also shared their personal culinary stories, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse culinary traditions.

The Centre for Holistic Teaching and Learning organised an online workshop titled "Empowering Educational Transformation: Developing a Custom Gen AI Platform for Enhanced Teaching and Learning", which attracted over 150 participants. It showcased the innovative collaboration between the Department of Computer Science and the Language Centre. The session focused on their in-house Generative AI platform, designed specifically for educational use, offering unique features like extended system prompts and cost-effective customisation options. Through engaging demonstrations, the workshop highlighted the potential for AI chatbots to serve as tutors, coaches, mentors and peers, thereby fostering an AI-assisted learning environment that prepares students for future technological integration in education.

Department of Geography
Authors: D. MAH, K.P. CHUN, Q. ZHOU, K. LO, D. CHEUNG, B. CHOI, Y. GUO, K. NG, M.H. CHAN, A. SIU, S. YUN, T. LEE, B. McLELLAN, L. HUANG, L. DENG, M. LEUNG, K.H. LAM, D. HUI

The Research Impact Fund (RIF) project has offered intellectually disadvantaged children from Hong Chi Association a range of engaging workshops and activities while modelling the practical energy education curriculum for SEN students. 

Focusing on energy saving and sustainable energy, the students have participated in several DIY STEM workshops, applying crafting skills and adopting geographical techniques such as infrared cameras. They have also explored the topic through creative mediums such as dancing with energy-saving-themed lyrics and movements which have helped them to visualise energy and further understand what needs to be done to save it.

Organised by the Academy of Geography, Sociology and International Studies (GSIS) and the Asian Energy Studies Centre (AESC), the project has involved over 100 Hong Chi students and 150 HKBU students from 2022 to 2024. This collaborative and multi-faceted approach aims to build a sustainable and suitable curriculum for Hong Chi students, further equipping them to contribute positively to society.

Academy of Visual Arts
Authors: Stephanie Wai Ting CHEUNG, Kingsley Siu King NG*
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The practice-based project examines the accessibility of the arts and the theme of diversity through the co-creation process, exhibition design, and visitor experience design.

Drawing inspiration from the collections of the Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMoA), 60 youngsters from multi-cultural backgrounds and with different abilities explored the topics of biodiversity, cultural diversity and diverse abilities at the HKMoA and in their everyday life. With a group of multi-disciplinary artists, they have co-created an interactive exhibition with imaginative creatures and movable installations to encourage visitors to search for diversity and coexistence in art and life through play.

The exhibition welcomes different communities to the museum. A tactile map, a braille and tactile guidebook, simple words, audio descriptions and wheelchair-friendly access are available in the gallery.

Academy of Music
Author: Wai Chung, HO

This research examines how evolving societal dynamics impact creativity in music education, a crucial factor for ensuring quality and inclusive education in line with SDG 4. By analysing curricula and interviewing students/educators, the project sheds light on the challenges facing higher music programmes in China, including Hong Kong.

The key finding is a pressing need to reform higher music education to better prepare the next generation. Currently, rigid curricula and assessment methods stifle the creative expression essential for musical growth and development. To achieve SDG 4, these programmes must evolve to provide more learner-centred, collaborative, and interdisciplinary learning opportunities. This will empower students to cultivate the creative skills they need to thrive. 

Ultimately, this research offers valuable insights to guide reforms in higher music education across China and Hong Kong. Such changes can ensure equitable access to quality, creativity-focused training – a foundation for lifelong learning and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.