HKU ANNUAL REPORT 2025 TEACHING AND LEARNING 9 8 HKU is committed to preparing students for life in the digital age. Over the 2024–25 academic year, we introduced mandatory programmes on how to use AI effectively and ethically and provided students with opportunities to develop the leadership abilities and core human values that are essential to pursuing meaningful, impactful lives. Our approach to AI illustrates both aims. In September 2025, a micro-credential course in AI literacy was launched for all first-year undergraduates, led by the new School of Computing and Data Science (SCDS), on the fundamental concepts and principles of using AI. At the same time, students must take a Common Core course in AI to reflect on how AI is transforming society at all levels, and to consider the ethical, individual and societal implications of such rapid technological change. The Common Core is HKU’s innovative cross-disciplinary programme, bringing students from different disciplines together to explore contemporary issues in five Areas of Inquiry (Scientific and Technological Literacy; Arts and Humanities; Global Issues; China: Culture, State and Society; AI). The new AI Area of Inquiry, comprising over 30 new courses, is the biggest change since the Common Core was launched in 2012. Interdisciplinary learning is also being formalised through the establishment of new interdisciplinary schools, including the SCDS, supported by the Faculties of Engineering and Science; the School of Innovation, offering project-based learning and straddling the Engineering, Architecture, Business and Science Faculties; and the School of Biomedical Engineering, which involves the Medicine, Dentistry, Engineering and Science Faculties. A poster exhibition was held in April 2025 where projects from the new AI literacy course were showcased. A group of HKU international students organised a vibrant cultural carnival on campus. Eleven new interdisciplinary degree programmes launched this year also had a strong element of AI and data science, while the new Delta+ Tech Immersion Fellowship will allow top-performing students admitted to the Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science or Bachelor of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science to complete their final year at the new HKU-CDS Shanghai Teaching and Research Site. We also introduced HKU’s first Co-op programme (see page 15), open to students in all faculties, and a four-year Graduate-Entry MBBS for students with a first degree. Alongside formal learning, HKU continues to be a place where bright young people can develop not only their minds but also their character. Co-curricular activities organised through the Centre of Development and Resources for Students (CEDARS), Horizons Office, halls and residential colleges, as well as less formal arrangements, provide students with mentoring, career guidance, life skills such as leadership, and very much more. These activities are often where students make friends with people from other disciplines and cultures and have their most memorable and impactful experiences. The high quality of the HKU learning experience, and our willingness to innovate, were recognised with the QS and Times Higher Education awards in 2024–25 (see page 10). Most importantly, it enables us to attract accomplished students from around the world. In September 2025, HKU admitted the highest number of students ranked in the top 1% of Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSE) scorers of any local university. We also benefitted from the ‘Study in Hong Kong’ initiative by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People’s Republic of China, which increased non-local student admissions from 20% to 40% above the local intake from 2024–25 (calculated on a four-year average) and 50% from 2026–27. More than 25,000 students from over 120 countries and regions applied for about 1,600 spots. Many were top performers, helping the University enter the 2025–26 academic year on a high note. 136 MULTI-TALENTED STUDENTS ADMITTED VIA THE SCHOOL NOMINATIONS DIRECT ADMISSION SCHEME 7OUTSTANDING STUDENT-ATHLETES ADMITTED VIA THE TOP ATHLETES DIRECT ADMISSION SCHEME FROM60+ COUNTRIES ADMITTED IN THE 2025 INTAKE LOCAL TOP STUDENTS 3,300+ NON-LOCAL TOP STUDENTS 1,600+ WONG Shun-yat Fencing KWOK Chun-ting Athletics Wesley LEUNG Ching-hang Athletics JIA Wai-yin Athletics Jane Christa Ming Suet KARLSSON Athletics Tiffany MAK Hiu-tung Sailing 134 TOP SCORERS ADMITTED FROM ALL REGIONS PANG Wing-ka Para Table Tennis
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