Broadening horizons: MIT students discover innovation and culture in the GBA
Mr Lee Yat-fai, front row on the right, leads a group of mathematics majors on a visit to Nansha Minxin School for Hong Kong Children during the GBA tour between 13 and 14 March.
The Greater Bay Area (GBA) is a thriving region boasting impressive technological and economic advancements alongside its rich historical and cultural heritage. The rapid growth of the region offers numerous career opportunities in technology, finance, trade and education for young graduates. The Department of Mathematics and Information Technology (MIT) regularly organises immersive learning trips for its students, with the aspiration that they can explore the forefront of the region’s development firsthand.
In mid-March, Mr Lee Yat-fai, Dr Eric Poon Kin-keung and Dr Kell Cheng Hiu-fai led students taking Bachelor of Education (Honours) (Primary) – Mathematics and Bachelor of Education (Honours) (Secondary) - Mathematics programmes to participate in cultural and educational exchanges in Guangzhou. During the two-day tours held on 13–14 March and 19–20 March, participants visited important historical and cultural landmarks such as Shamian Island and Yongqing Fang, where they gained insights into the provincial capital’s colonial past and modern transformation.
Dr Eric Poon Kin-keung, front row centre, and students from the Bachelor of Education (Honours) (Secondary) - Mathematics programme are inspired by how Guangzhou’s Yongqing Fang urban renewal project has preserved the site’s historical heritages while incorporating modern elements.
Dr Kell Cheng Hiu-fai, right on back row, and his students from the Bachelor of Education (Honours) (Primary) - Mathematics programme attend a briefing at the Affiliated School of JNU for Hong Kong and Macau Students on 20 March.
The mathematics majors also visited the Nansha Minxin School for Hong Kong Children and Affiliated School of JNU for Hong Kong and Macau Students, where they learnt how cross-border education initiatives bridge the mainland and Hong Kong education systems. During their short stay at the schools, participants toured the library, sports facilities and laboratory, showing great interest in how these schools implement the Hong Kong curriculum.
Towards the end of March, Dr Henry So Chi-fuk, Dr David Chan Tse-tin, and Dr Li Xin led a group of students taking Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Artificial Intelligence and Educational Technology programme to visit various innovation and technology sites in Shenzhen, Dongguan, and Guangzhou. A highlight of the two-day tour on 29–30 March was a visit to the Shenzhen Museum, renowned for its diverse exhibitions and educational initiatives. At the museum, students learnt about the rich historical narrative of the city’s rise as a tech powerhouse.
Dr David Chan Tse-tin, front row on the right, and students from the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Artificial Intelligence and Educational Technology programme visit Shenzhen Museum, a prominent cultural institution in Shenzhen renowned for its diverse exhibitions and educational initiatives.
The IT majors also visited the Gao Ju Collaborative Innovation Education Base, where they gained a deeper understanding of emerging developments in educational technologies. Students further explored the Guangdong Science Center and the GAC Technology Museum, engaging with cutting-edge exhibits on automotive engineering and green technologies.
“These trips not only broadened students’ academic perspectives but also strengthened their understanding of the pivotal role of the GBA in China’s modernisation and innovation landscape. We look forward to more students joining future GBA visits and continuing to explore the dynamic interplay of culture, technology, and education in the region firsthand,” Dr Alpha Ling Man-ho, Acting Head of Department, said.
