Celebrating champions: FLASS staff bag big wins at EdUHK Awards!
Two FLASS awardees of the President’s Award Outstanding Performance in Teaching 2024/25: Dr Tiffany Bai Shurui from MIT, left, and Dr Chong Yee Ling from SES.
Dr Tiffany Bai Shurui, third from right, and Dr Chong Yee Ling, second from left, receive the award certificates for the outstanding performance in teaching at the ceremony held on 20 May from President Professor John Lee Chi-Kin, far right, and Professor May Cheng May-hung, Vice President (Academic), far left.
EdUHK held a ceremony on 20 May for the President’s Awards for Outstanding Performance in Teaching, Research, Knowledge Transfer, and Administrative Services 2024/25, recognising and encouraging staff members who have demonstrated exceptional achievements and contributions in these four areas. This year, two distinguished faculty members from FLASS received Teaching Awards, while a team from the Department of Health and Physical Education was awarded the Certificate of Merit in the Administrative Services category. A team that includes two teaching staff from FLASS won the Knowledge Transfer Team Award.
President Professor John Lee Chi-Kin congratulated the individuals and teams on their extraordinary performances. “I am grateful for the dedication and hard work of all the awardees. Your passion for education and professional attitude have successfully propelled our university forward in the realms of education, innovation, and development. With your outstanding performance in various fields, the University will continue to pursue excellence, embracing every opportunity to reach new heights,” he said.
Dr Tiffany Bai Shurui, Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Information Technology received the Teaching Award (Individual award – Early Career Faculty Member Category). Since joining EdUHK in July 2022, Dr Bai has focused on developing effective strategies to help students tackle complex real-world problems and adapt to an ever-changing world. Her primary aim is to nurture students to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and become future global leaders. Her research aligns closely with her commitment to teaching excellence.
Over nearly three years of evaluation, Dr Bai developed the “DIGA” teaching model (Diversity, Innovation, Gamification and Authenticity) to broaden students’ global perspectives and holistically enhance their problem-solving abilities through an evidence-based approach. Since joining EdUHK, she has published ten articles on DIGA-related topics, delivered thirteen international presentations, and secured over HK$3 million in funding for ten projects she has led, demonstrating her dedication to advancing students' problem-solving skills.
Dr Chong Yee Ling from the Department of Science and Environmental Studies also received the Teaching Award (Individual award – General Faculty Member Category). A passionate educator, Dr Chong is committed to transforming science education through innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity. Recognising the challenges faced by today’s learners, she addresses their difficulties in analysing complex scientific concepts, thinking critically, and maintaining motivation despite obstacles. This dedication aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) – Quality Education, which emphasises inclusive, equitable learning and lifelong opportunities for all.
Central to Dr Chong’s work is the SPARK framework, an integrated model based on Self-efficacy, Peer-mentorship, Adaptability, Reflective Practice, and Kinaesthetic Learning. Designed to empower students as proactive learners and changemakers, SPARK embodies her vision: “SPARK one, uplift many.” Dr Chong’s influence extends beyond the classroom through community-driven initiatives. She collaborates with schools to design STEM projects, partners with NGOs to mentor young leaders in SDG-focused projects and sustainability action, and guides students in organising public science workshops.
The HPE team wins the Certificate of Merit in the administrative services category for their outstanding performance in supporting elite athletes. Members of the team, from left to right: Mr To Long-yin, Ms Samantha Liu Siu-man, Mr Tom Siu Ka-man, Mr Roy Chan Ching-yat, and Miss Elsa Chan Tsz-tung.
The HPE’s winning team receive the Certificates of Merit in the administrative services category from President Professor John Lee Chi-Kin, far right, and Dr Tom Fong Wing-ho, Vice President (Administration), far left. Members of the team are, from second from left to second from right: Mr Roy Chan Ching-yat, Mr Tom Siu Ka-man, Ms Samantha Liu Siu-man, Miss Elsa Chan Tsz-tung, and Mr To Long-yin.
An administrative team from the Department of Health and Physical Education comprising Mr Roy Chan Ching-yat, Mr Tom Siu Ka-man, Ms Samantha Liu Siu-man, Miss Elsa Chan Tsz-tung, and Mr To Long-yin received the Certificate of Merit in the Administrative Services Category. The team was recognized for its outstanding support for the University’s elite athlete-friendly initiative. Since the inception of the Elite Athlete Career Development Internship Programme in 2018, EdUHK has supported 180 athletes in their holistic development, both academically and athletically. These athletes represent Hong Kong in international competitions across sports such as table tennis, badminton, rowing, cycling, squash, and wushu, among others.
Dr Sarah Lee Hoi-man from the Department of Science and Environmental Studies, and Mr Mike Chui Hin-leung from the Department of Mathematics and Information Technology received the Team Award in the Knowledge Transfer category (Achievements in Creating Social Impacts and Sustainability in the Community). They are members of the award-winning “The Early Childhood STEM and Maker (ECE STEM)” team, led by President Professor John Lee Chi-kin and Dr Annie Hu Xinyun, Assistant Professor in the Department of Early Childhood Education and Assistant Director of the Global Research Institute for Finnish Education.
The team was honoured for developing the LDMS: Lived experiences, Discovery of STEM concepts through exploratory activities, the Making of tools or solutions, and the Sharing framework to address key challenges in STEM education for young children, and created the Make-Play Station, resolving spatial and resource limitations in kindergartens. The Make-Play Station won a Bronze Medal at the Geneva Invention Exhibition 2024 and two silver medals at other global invention festivals.
For details of the awards, please refer to the dedicated website for President’s Awards for Outstanding Performance.
