SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
SDG 10:
REDUCED INEQUALITIES
Reduce inequality within and among countries.
Engaging with the elderly through the Tree of Life therapy
The goal of the service-learning course, “Matters of Life and Death”, is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding life and death by exploring various disciplines such as philosophy, religion, and psychology. As part of this course, students had the opportunity to engage with elderly people through the Asbury Methodist Social Service. The students implemented the Tree of Life narrative therapy, and facilitated meaningful discussions about the life stories, dreams, and hopes of the elderly individuals. As a gesture of gratitude and appreciation for their participation, students presented the completed Tree of Life diagrams to the elderly at the conclusion of the session.
Raising awareness about social issues through translation services
Under the guidance of Dr Janice Pan of the Department of Translation, Interpreting and Intercultural Studies, students who enrolled in the “Translation Workshop” and “Community Interpreting“ service-learning courses had the opportunity to translate materials and provide interpretation for workshops organised by institutions such as The Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation, Mind HK, SLCO Community Resources, and the Children’s Cancer Foundation. The experience allowed students to gain practical insights into the translation industry while actively contributing to the promotion of these organisations’ services and raising awareness about the social issues they address. As a culmination of their efforts, the students unveiled Enterlink, a digital platform that offers free language services to those in need.
Connecting with the community through cinema
In the General Education capstone course “Hong Kong Cinema, Culture, and Society”, students explored the sociocultural significance of Hong Kong cinemas, while also forging connections with the local community. By conducting interviews with disadvantaged, grassroots, and marginalised individuals in Yau Ma Tei, students were able to capture their stories and produce meaningful documentaries. This unique service-learning experience nurtured students’ compassion and empathy towards the local community, while also fostering communication and understanding among individuals from diverse backgrounds. Through the act of sharing cinematic experiences with the underprivileged, students not only developed media literacy skills but also gained critical awareness of the pressing issues surrounding inequality.
Innovative project fostering a more inclusive society
“The Essence of Sundays” was a student-led social innovation project under the Centre for Innovative Service-Learning, with the goal of fostering a stronger connection between the local and migrant domestic worker community in Hong Kong. Led by a Filipina HKBU student who recognised the marginalisation faced by the large “Foreign Domestic Helper” (FDH) community, the project aimed to create a positive impact on public perception and interaction with migrant domestic workers. To achieve this, the student organised a series of six community art events held every other Sunday from March to May 2023. During these events, students cooked, performed, and actively engaged with migrant domestic workers through various activities and interviews that focused on self-expression. Through these events, the project provided an opportunity for FDHs to showcase their talents to the wider community, while also fostering connections and engagement between migrant domestic workers and locals.
Strengthening the awareness of academic integrity and ethics
To enhance the understanding of academic integrity and ethics among educators and students in the digital learning and teaching environment, the Centre for Holistic Teaching and Learning held two scenario development competitions in August and October 2022. Participants from local and overseas institutions designed various scenarios about the integrity and ethics of their chosen disciplines. The winning designs were showcased at a ceremony and featured as the learning trails on the “AR Trails” mobile application. A representative from the United Board was invited to discuss the significance of digital ethics in teaching and learning.
The paradox of digital participation in postdigital participatory art
Academy of Visual Arts
Author: SHIN Gyung Jin
This study examines the concept of postdigital participatory art (PPA) in relation to the role of contemporary technology in shaping the participatory aspects of art. The initial promise of the Internet as a platform for autonomous and active participation has been overshadowed by the dominance of cognitive capitalism and consumer culture within online networks. The architecture of participation, originally designed to foster constructive engagement, has now become a means for online enterprises to maximise profits by converting participants’ time, preferences, and consciousness as labour.
The study reveals the paradox of digital participation under these circumstances, using it as a lens to evaluate postdigital participatory art. Key issues explored include the parameters of democracy in network-based collaboration, the distribution of authority, and hierarchies among participants, and the ownership of co-authored artwork accessed through online platforms. Drawing on the philosophy of technology, Critical Theory, contemporary art criticism, digital art, and social science research, the study provides a multifaceted analysis that extends to the broader topics of digital participation and digital labour.
By shedding light on these issues, the study aims to lay the groundwork for a more comprehensive assessment of experimental forms of digital art. It emphasises the potential of critical discussions surrounding contemporary digitality to diversify or dismantle the traditional concept of participation.
Self-determination and immigration control
Department of Government and International Studies
Author: IP Ka-Wai
For many individuals living in poor societies, migration may be their best hope to improve their prospect. However, the current international system allows states to unilaterally and arbitrarily restrict immigration without providing potential migrants with any alternatives to challenge these decisions. The study focuses on contemporary theories that defend the right of immigration control as a component of self-determination. It argues that migrants have an interest in being adequately represented in the decision-making process. The research proposes a procedural regime that does not advocate for open borders but instead places constraints on a state’s right to restrict immigration, ensuring compatibility with the collective determination of migrants in a context of non-domination.
Measures against discrimination
The University emphasises the importance of maintaining a respectful and dignified environment for both students and staff. Any form of harassment or victimisation is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. The University takes relevant complaints seriously and handles them in a timely manner with strict confidentiality, following the established procedures. In cases where mediation is not preferred or unsuccessful, an Equal Opportunity Panel, composed of an odd number of members from the pool of Equal Opportunities Advisers, will be convened to handle the complaint. The list of Equal Opportunities Advisers is publicly accessible.
Furthermore, a Task Force led by the Provost, Vice-President (Teaching and Learning), and Vice-President (Administration) and Secretary was established to provide guidance on matters concerning equal opportunities and diversity within the University. Additionally, the Vice-President (Administration) and Secretary has been designated as the University Diversity Officer to oversee diversity-related matters.
Barrier-free facilities, such as accessible toilets, braille signage at staircase railings, lifting platform, ramp, automatic entrance door and accessible parking space for wheelchair users, play a crucial role in diminishing disparities by ensuring equal access and opportunities for individuals with disabilities, fostering inclusivity and upholding the principles of equal rights.
HKBU Sustainability Report 2023
