SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
Sustainability Report 2023-2024
SDG 10:
REDUCED INEQUALITIES
Reduce inequality within and among countries.
In the Language Centre course "Gender, Language, and Creativity" taught by Dr Chen Meilin, students learned to identify and critically reflect on inequality issues in everyday language use, cutting across various demographics, such as gender, age, race, and social class. This was achieved by examining true language data from daily-life communication and viewing authentic cases in documentaries, short videos, and scientific papers. Through an independent research group project, students collected and explored authentic language data from real life. This process of discovery learning enabled them to develop their own authentic and critical perspectives on inequality issues that are intimately connected to their personal lives.
Connecting through sport and translation: Empowering ethnic minority youth
The service-learning course "Introduction to Translation Technology", taught by Professor Mark Shuttleworth and Dr Clara Yu, integrated translation work with technology. Through this course, students collaborated with ethnic minority (EM) youth to create sports-related videos with multilingual subtitles to encourage and increase EM youth participation in local community sports. The course partnered with TREATS, a Hong Kong-based charity promoting social inclusion in Hong Kong, and Social S, a social enterprise that is dedicated to transforming society through sports, to organise the "Sports Play Out! Wellness Inclusion Project for Ethnic Minority Teenagers". Through this engagement, the translation students gained insights into the life experiences of EM youth and developed skills to bridge linguistic and cultural barriers, fostering a more inclusive mindset among Hong Kong’s youth.
Advocating active ageing at the Remarkable Golden Age Expo
At the BOC Life 9th Golden Age Expo & Summit from 2 to 4 August 2024, the Centre for Innovative Service-Learning showcased a vibrant selection of service-learning and social innovation projects, all emphasising the significance of active ageing. The booth, titled "From Service-Learning to Social Innovation: Bridging Generations to Promote Active Ageing," showcased student-led initiatives such as dementia care kits, Chinese medicine consultations, assistive technology prototypes and social innovation projects. During the expo, Sportcanheal852, a social enterprise nurtured by the Centre and committed to enhancing mental health and well-being through karate, conducted a workshop where elderly participants were introduced to fundamental karate techniques and challenged with board-breaking activities. These efforts embodied social inclusion and health equity, reflecting the University's dedication to encouraging intergenerational social mobility.
Cultural hub to reduce inequalities
BU Market, a vibrant cultural hub launched by the International Office, offers innovative opportunities for global partnerships, integration, co-creation, and a global outlook. The launch party celebrated diversity and inclusion, setting the tone for BU Market’s mission to connect local and non-local students through meaningful intercultural experiences. Student-led activities on various cultural themes and global issues have empowered students to foster an inclusive HKBU community. Furthermore, collaboration with different stakeholders has allowed BU Market to break down barriers and contribute to reducing inequalities within the HKBU community and beyond, promoting a more equitable society.
Cultivating an inclusive campus with Inclusion Student Ambassadors
To increase awareness of the challenges faced by individuals with visual impairments, the Unit for Students with Special Educational Needs integrated an experiential learning session into the programme briefing of the Inclusion Student Ambassador Programme. This briefing not only enabled students to gain insight into the experiences of students with diverse needs at HKBU, but also encouraged them to celebrate the variety of abilities. A highlight of this session was the opportunity for students to engage directly with a visually impaired instructor, who facilitated a hands-on Braille learning experience. Through this experience, students were motivated to support their peers with greater empathy.
Embracing diversity: Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year) at HKBU
The vibrant celebration of Bengali New Year 1431 (Pohela Boishakh) on 8 April 2024 brought together over 70 students from diverse backgrounds. The event fostered a sense of community and international camaraderie, showcasing the rich culture of Bangladesh through captivating dance performances, melodious songs, and engaging games. The Office of Student Affairs extended the invitation to all students, regardless of their cultural background. The celebration provided a platform for individuals from diverse communities to come together, exchange experiences, and forge connections. The event served as a joyous pre-exam break, uplifting spirits and promoting a positive atmosphere for the weeks ahead, demonstrating the power of cultural exchange in bridging divides and fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment.
Department of Management, Marketing and Information Systems
Department of Accountancy, Economics and Finance
Authors: Seok-Hyun HWANG, Yoon Hoo KIM*
*Corresponding author
This study examines the role of Chief Diversity Officers (CDOs) in promoting diversity initiatives in their companies before and after George Floyd's death in 2020. Unlike existing research, which mainly looks at industry-related factors influencing managerial discretion, this study explores how broader social issues impact CDOs' effectiveness in leading diversity initiatives. By conceptualising the post-2020 period as a time when CDOs gained more influence due to heightened public demand for racial justice, the team posits that the period after Floyd's death, marked by heightened public demand for racial justice, empowered CDOs to significantly enhance diversity strategies. Furthermore, using a framework that considers different types of executive power, the study highlights how different sources of power aligned with the changing social landscape. Early findings generally supported the study’s predictions.
Untold stories of Hong Kong
Academy of Visual Arts
Authors: François MOUILLOT, Emily CHOW-QUESADA*, Evelyn KWOK*, Daisy DS TAM*, Marija TODOROVA*, Clara Chuan YU*
*Corresponding author
This project documents the voices of the marginalised in Hong Kong — those who are limited by their identities to be fully seen and heard in society, and together retell the stories through a season of 10 podcasts and a comic book. The project wrapped up with an international conference with presenters from South Africa, Hong Kong to Canada. The project addresses the SDG of “Reduced Inequalities” by documenting the struggles and resilience of marginalised populations. It bridges the gap between different societal strata and advocate for a more equitable community. The project also aligns with SDG 16 of “Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions” in fostering understanding among communities. By showcasing the diverse perspectives of marginalised individuals, it promotes cognitive empathy that allows a deeper appreciation of the complexities of Hong Kong's social fabric. This project is a testament to the resilience of marginalised groups and a beacon of hope towards a more inclusive Hong Kong.
Also relevant to:
As an equal opportunities employer, HKBU is committed to fostering social integration and building a caring society for all. The University's Policy Statement on Equal Opportunities firmly establishes its stance of zero tolerance for any form of discrimination, harassment, or victimisation. Individuals are selected, appointed, promoted, developed, and treated fairly based on consistent selection criteria outlined in the University's policy documents.
To demonstrate its commitment to inclusivity, the University has participated in the Talent-Wise Employment Charter and Inclusive Organisations Recognition Scheme from the Labour and Welfare Bureau. This initiative recognises participants’ commitment in providing employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, aligning with the University's determination to create a diverse and equitable work environment.
In support of equality across campus, the University has taken proactive steps. A University-level taskforce, led by the Provost, Vice-President (Teaching and Learning), and Vice-President (Administration) and Secretary, was set up to provide guidance on matters regarding equal opportunities and diversity. The Vice-President (Administration) and Secretary also serves as the University Diversity Officer to oversee diversity-related matters.
To ensure equal opportunities in employment, staff performance management, appointment review, and promotion processes, the University has issued guidance notes to remind staff of the importance of zero discrimination, fair assessment, and respect for all candidates. The University also provides accommodation and support to candidates with disabilities to ensure a fair assessment and review of their relevant aptitudes, performance, competencies, skills, and abilities as per the job requirements and selection criteria.
HKBU Sustainability Report 2023-2024
