The University welcomed recognition for its teaching excellence in 2020–21 and celebrated the sporting and academic achievements of its students. ABOVE AND BEYOND: HIGH ACHIEVERS Teachers Bring the Human Touch Art historian Dr Koon Yee-wan and clinical psychologist and mental health social work academic Professor Daniel Wong Fu-keung were each recipients of the 2021 University Grants Committee Teaching Award, which honours outstanding teaching performance, leadership and scholarly contributions to teaching and learning across Hong Kong. Dr Koon, of the Faculty of Arts, was honoured under the General Faculty Members category for her ‘art history in action’ strategy and her commitment to help students appreciate the wider value of art to society and themselves. She brings students into direct contact with art objects and people in the art world, and constantly challenges herself and her students to seek the story behind objects, for instance how a broken piece of pottery can tell a history of technology, trade or tastes. “I’m often questioned about the usefulness of studying art history and my answer is simple: art teaches us empathy. This underscores my teaching philosophy, which can be summarised as a deep-seated appreciation for creativity, an excitement for active learning and a belief that art has immense social value,” she said. Professor Wong, of the Faculty of Social Sciences, was part of a cross-institutional team honoured under the Teams category for their Joint University Mental-Wellness Project, which has applied positive psychology and experiential learning to enhance student mental well-being at five universities. About 4,000 students, 1,100 staff and professionals and 1,500 members of the community have benefitted. “We employ a strength-based and process-oriented approach to maximise students’ potentials and capacity, and ultimately to facilitate them to live a flourishing life,” he said. HKU’s Olympians Three HKU students were among the athletes competing at the Summer Olympics held this year in Tokyo and their achievements have been honoured with generous scholarships. Windsurfer Hayley Chan (Arts), fencer Ryan Choi (Business) and triathlete Oscar Coggins (Engineering), were already HKU Sports Scholars when they competed and were awarded an additional HK$100,000 scholarship each to support their academic and sports career endeavours. Hayley finished a personal best of eighth in her event and will continue training half-time and return to HKU to complete her degree in English Studies. “Sport has changed my life and I am grateful for the encouragement from the University. I look forward to witnessing more fellow students strive for excellence in world stadiums,” she said. Ryan will use the award to support his career development after he retires as a full-time athlete, while Oscar will use it to fund his studies and work towards competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Two HKU alumni also competed in Tokyo – fencers Coco Lin (BA[Landscape Studies] 2017) and Moonie Chu (BSocSc 2021). To further support Hong Kong’s sporting stars, the HKU Sports Scholarship offered a total of HK$500,000 in scholarships and other support to outstanding student athletes in 2020–21, such as residential scholarships, subsidies for training and competition and academic advising. From 2022–23, the new Direct Admission Scheme for Top Athletes will offer competitive admission mainly based on sports achievements. Making the Choice to Make a Difference A passion for the environment and a desire to help Hong Kong achieve greater sustainability have inspired the path chosen by President’s Scholar Martin Chan Ho-hin. President’s Scholars are the top HKDSE scorers in their faculties. Martin is studying a Bachelor of Science in Surveying, rather than subjects like medicine and law that are often the preference of top-flight performers. His resume also includes activities such as a project to enliven Kwun Tong Promenade, being an eco-tour guide for younger schoolmates, and studying the government’s conservation policies for historic buildings. “I understand my choice of programme may sound unusual and indeed I hesitated at first. However, given my deep interest in the built environment, I would really like to learn more about land development and conservation policies and contribute to this field in the future,” he said. Martin chose HKU for the quality of its teaching and its internationalism and said he hopes in future to put his learning to work helping Hong Kong better tackle the landuse challenges it faces and achieve greater sustainability in its urban development. President’s Scholars are each awarded at least HK$100,000 in recognition of their outstanding achievements, to help cover such costs as tuition fees and overseas learning experiences. Dr Koon Yee-wan (third from right) and Professor Daniel Wong Fu-keung (fourth from left) at the 2021 UGC Teaching Award Presentation Ceremony. (Courtesy of University Grants Committee) President’s Scholar Martin Chan (second from right) is one of the executive committee members in the Hong Kong Outstanding Students’ Association. Martin (second from right) contributes to his neighbourhood by serving in the Yuen Long Volunteer Leaders Team. Three current HKU students (windsurfer Hayley Chan, fencer Ryan Choi and triathlete Oscar Coggins) and two alumni (fencers Coco Lin and Moonie Chu) represented Hong Kong in the Tokyo Olympics. Teaching and Learning HKU ANNUAL REPORT 2021 16 | 17
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