HKU ANNUAL REPORT 2025 TEACHING AND LEARNING 15 14 NEW HORIZONS HKU’s Horizons Office works with community partners to develop experiential learning opportunities for students, both within Hong Kong and beyond. One programme it supports is the Laidlaw Scholars Programme for research and leadership. John Lo, a fourth-year MBBS student, completed the programme in 2025. Over two summers at both HKU and King’s College London, he conducted research on Alzheimer’s disease and machine-learning-based digital blood twins for cancer screening. He presented his initial research on Alzheimer’s disease at the Asia-Pacific Neuroscience Student Congress and the North American Laidlaw Scholars Conference 2024. “It was inspiring to exchange ideas with aspiring peers from around the world. I learned the importance of ethical, collaborative leadership in science and how research can drive tangible change in healthcare,” he said. Zahra Lotfifard, a 2025 Bachelor of Science graduate, joined The Hong Kong Project, a six-credit course on social issues open to high-performing students in their final year. Zahra was placed with Agewhale, which supports families and businesses facing challenges in eldercare, where she and teammates developed materials for two hands-on workshops. “I had done research on ageing before in a scientific context and it was interesting for me to look at it in a social context as well, to bridge the two,” she said, adding she learned much from teammates in social sciences and global health, who offered new perspectives to her. Participating students at the Lead for Life Cohort 2025 Orientation Weekend Launch. MBBS student John Lo (first from left) during his first summer research project at HKU. Zahra Lotfifard at the Poster Session of the HKU Laidlaw Scholars Programme. Bachelor of Economics and Finance student Eason Chow had the internship in the audit and technology advisory units of KPMG. Ashely Li (left) had her placement at CLP Power. CO-OP OPPORTUNITIES The University piloted a Co-op programme in early 2025, ahead of its formal launch in September for students from all faculties (except in their first and final years), that places students in a workplace for six months or more to apply their knowledge and skills, and learn about working life. Students receive precourse preparation from CEDARS, such as interview and career coaching, and support from an HKU teacher throughout their placement. The 18-credit course also requires them to produce reflective journals, an industry report and a final report on their responsibilities and personal growth during the placement. Pilot participant Ashely Li Kwun-lam, a third-year Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering student, was placed with CLP Power and given tasks such as developing a distribution network analysis platform. “Being involved in real engineering projects gave me confidence and made me realise the challenges in adapting to the pace and expectations of working in industry. Before the Co-op, I mainly prioritised job security in large companies, but I now realise that staying curious, learning continuously and having passion and responsibility are much more essential for a meaningful career.” Eason Chow Yee-shun, a fourth-year Bachelor of Economics and Finance student, was placed with accountants KPMG, working in the audit and technology advisory units. She was similarly struck by the differences between the workplace and classroom. “While university provides structured learning, the real world presents complex, ambiguous challenges that require adaptability, communication and critical thinking. This has motivated me to continue seeking opportunities to bridge theory and practice” – an outcome that responds to one of HKU’s Teaching and Learning Educational Aims to enable students to tackle novel situations and ill-defined problems. Students have a variety of opportunities to test their character and develop in different ways, as the following highlights from 2024–25 demonstrate. Enriching Experiences Bibi HARIJAH Bachelor of Economics and Finance Sabrina CHEUNG Bachelor of Social Sciences Learn more about Lead for Life My perception of leadership changed. I had thought only successful and confident people were capable of becoming leaders, but I was encouraged to see there are different leadership styles that exist everywhere. Even as a shy person, I can still become a capable leader in my own style. This allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace my strengths and weaknesses. I want to contribute meaningfully to society while pursuing a fulfilling career in finance. I’ve learned that good leadership starts within. It’s not just about being competent or strategic; it’s about leading with integrity, empathy and purpose. If you want to inspire others, you first need to cultivate the kind of character that earns trust and respect. LEAD FOR LIFE Lead for Life was launched in 2021 to help students develop their character as a foundation for effective leadership, through interactive teaching, engagement with industry mentors and students across faculties, and serving the community. From 2025–26, the programme will be a two-year, six-credit, free elective course based in the Faculty of Arts, in collaboration with CEDARS. Two third-year students, Sabrina Cheung and Bibi Harijah, completed the programme in 2025 and reflected on what they learned. Learn more about the HKU Co-op Programme
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