To commemorate its 55th anniversary and 20 years since attaining university status, Hong Kong Shue Yan University (HKSYU) has launched a year-long anniversary programme centred on community engagement and social impact. Guided by its motto “Cultivating virtues of benevolence; broadening horizon and knowledge,” the programme underscores the University’s Confucian heritage and enduring commitment to benevolent education. Through academic exchange, civic initiatives and community engagement, HKSYU seeks to deepen its connections with the wider public, while advancing its mission of nurturing well-rounded individuals equipped to meet evolving societal needs.
“This milestone is both a time for reflection and a defining moment to reaffirm the principles that have shaped HKSYU over the past five decades,” said Dr Hu Fai-chung, President of HKSYU. “Through this programme, the University seeks to translate its values into purposeful action. While providing rigorous intellectual training and professional competence, we remain committed to nurturing individuals of integrity and benevolence who will serve society responsibly.”
As a key pillar of the anniversary programme, HKSYU has established the “HKSYU Service Stars” Volunteer Team. Comprising faculty, students and alumni, the team aims to transform academic expertise into impactful community service, while fostering students’ moral development and sense of social responsibility. On 7 February, the team held its inaugural initiative, “HKSYU: Collective of Kindness,” in partnership with the nonprofit organisation SideBySide at the “Good Mansion” Transitional Housing Project in Hung Hom. Through curated art workshops, gift distribution and structured engagement activities, volunteers facilitated meaningful engagement among residents, helping to reinforce neighborhood cohesion.
HKSYU has also introduced a Public Lecture and Community Service Project Series to implement its academic and professional expertise to the wider community. Anchored in the theme “Leveraging Digital Humanity for Social Good,” the two series highlight how the humanities and social sciences can address contemporary societal challenges in the digital era.
Beginning in May 2026, the Public Lecture Series will feature talks organised by all 12 academic departments at HKSYU. Topics will address issues of broad public interest, including everyday conflict mediation, the psychology behind online scams, storytelling and communication strategies, Hong Kong’s cultural memory, and the impact of artificial intelligence on Chinese language learning. Selected sessions will be hosted at external venues to extend academic dialogue beyond on-campus.
The Community Service Project Series will be jointly organised by HKSYU’s 12 academic departments in collaboration with external partners. Through hands-on workshops and community initiatives, the series will harness digital tools and innovative approaches to translate insights from the humanities and social sciences into tangible community support. Featured projects include youth mediation training, developmental support programmes for children with ADHD, media literacy workshop for secondary school students, exploration of Hong Kong’s fishing communities, and the integration of artificial intelligence to enhance Chinese and English learning. Activities will be open to members of the public as well as partner primary and secondary schools.
For details of the Public Lecture Series and Community Service Project Series, please refer to the Appendix. More information about the anniversary programme is available at:
https://www.hksyu.edu/en/about/hksyu-55th-anniversary
