‘Experiential learning’ is a new and distinctive feature of the University’s new curriculum. To help with the implementation of this form of learning, the Gallant Ho Experiential Learning Centre has been set up thanks to a donation by Dr Gallant Ho, also an HKU alumnus. A ceremony to launch the Centre was held on March 19, 2012, which was attended by Dr Ho and officiated by Vice-Chancellor Professor Lap-Chee Tsui. Work done by faculties was also showcased at the event, and staff and students sharing their experiences described how future participants would benefit from experiential learning.

With the aim of developing an integrated and holistic understanding of different issues and putting textbook knowledge into practice, the idea of experiential learning is to take students into workplaces and other settings where they will directly encounter the phenomena being studied.

At a time when experiential learning is being incorporated in the curriculum of all faculties, the Gallant Ho Experiential Learning Centre will work with community partners, both within and beyond the territory, to identify projects for HKU students of different disciplines. Financial means and other forms of support will be provided to 1,000 students to complete their experiential learning projects each year.