FLASS kicks off with cheers and champions

FLASS sprang into life as it hosted its annual Faculty Assembly cum Awards Presentation Ceremony on 22 July 2025. Dean Professor Li Wai-keung opened the event with a heartfelt welcome to all new students, who are just beginning their university journey. The venue was buzzing with excitement as awards were presented to lecturers for their devotion to teaching and their unwavering support for students. Research postgraduate students were also recognised for the outstanding calibre of their research and teaching contributions.

Professor Li addressed the new students, reminding them that their journeys of discovery about the world, society, and themselves begin as they join the wide FLASS family. He emphasised that while the faculty is committed to fostering an education that nurtures students’ passion for their dreams, builds character, and leave a lasting mark on their lives, students themselves must adopt a proactive attitude. “The more you embrace your adventurous journey at EdUHK, the more you’ll be rewarded with new skills, insights, experiences, and friendships that last a lifetime,” he remarked.

Aside from welcoming new students, Professor Li also honoured outstanding teaching staff and research postgraduate students. This year, the Faculty Teaching Award was presented to Dr Carman Leung Ka-man from the Department of Health and Physical Education (HPE) while Dr Ray Lee Kwok-wai from the Department of Social Sciences and Policy Studies (SSPS) received the Certificate of Merit. The awards acknowledge staff members who display outstanding commitment to teaching excellence, make meaningful efforts to improve student learning, foster innovative teaching practices, and lead in sharing exemplary teaching methods.

Dr Leung expressed her appreciation to all her nominators from HPE, sharing that the award strengthens her dedication to her students. She believes that the true art of teaching lies in awakening students’ eagerness to learn. “Learning should be an active process where students recognise the importance of asking questions when something isn’t clear. Whether in the classroom or on the sports ground, I always promote a supportive atmosphere where my students feel free to share ideas and ask questions. I encourage them to reach out even after classes for clarification and to explore their subjects more deeply,” Dr Leung said.

The Faculty Caring Teacher Award is presented to staff who go the extra mile in promoting and delivering Life, Positive, and Values Education (LPVE) through classroom teaching, project and field supervision, and by providing holistic care to students. This year, Dr Anita Chan Kit-wa from SSPS received the award, with Dr Claudia Wong Ming-yu from HPE earning the Certificate of Merit.

Dr Chan expressed her belief that a university lecturer’s role goes far beyond transmitting knowledge and skills. It is also about nurturing students’ analytical and critical thinking, social awareness, and ethical reflection. “I strive to create a safe and welcoming classroom where students question assumptions, engage meaningfully, and connect their experiences to broader social issues. It’s an honour to have a group of research students nominate me for the Faculty Caring Teacher Award. My greatest satisfaction is knowing my students feel cared for, inspired, and empowered, and that they want to make a positive impact in their communities,” Dr Chan said.

Professor Li also congratulated research postgraduate students who achieved a high standard in research, assessed by their GPA, study progress, and publications. Recipients of the Outstanding Research Postgraduate Student Award 2024/25 included Ms Tao Lei from the Department of Mathematics and Information Technology (MIT), Mr Richard Yeung Chung-yiu from the Department of Science and Environmental Studies (SES), Ms Skylar Sun Yuanke from SES and Ms Vivien Tang Foong-yee from SSPS.

The Best Research Postgraduate Student Teaching Award 2024/25 went to Mr Kong Yu-hin from HPE, Ms Tao Lei from MIT, and Mr Richard Yeung Chung-yiu from SES. The award was based on multiple dimensions of effective teaching, such as lesson preparation, clarity of delivery, use of learning resources, interaction skills, responsiveness to student needs, mastery of teaching progression, flexible assessment strategies, constructive feedback, and achievement of defined learning outcomes.

FLASS is committed to building a lively research culture among postgraduate students. In addition to offering research student awards, the Faculty hosts the Postgraduate Seminar (FPS) twice every year, on 7 November 2024 for the first semester, and 16 April 2025 for the second semester for the 2024/25 academic year. FPS serves as a key platform for postgraduates to exchange research insights, hone their presentation skills, receive constructive feedback, and broaden their academic networks. Social and cultural activities are also organized to enrich students’ experience beyond their academic pursuits.

During the ceremony, Professor Li presented the Best Poster Presenter Award of the Faculty Postgraduate Seminar 2024/25 to Ms Tu Jiaxin and Mr Chen Jun, both supervised by faculty from SSPS. The Best Speaker Award went to Ms Tao Lei and Ms Xu Simin, both from MIT, and Mr Lo Shing-him from SES. The Dean also awarded the Most Active Student Award of the FLASS Research Postgraduate Student Enrichment and Social Activities 2024/25 to Ms Zhang Haiqin from HPE and Mr Khan Qasim from MIT, acknowledging their enthusiasm and participation.

Senior management, Chair Professors, department heads, and supervisors of award-winning students were also present at the event. “Today’s event is a huge success. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who nominated and was nominated, and my special thanks go to the Faculty Selection Panel chaired by Dr Dennis Hui Lai-hang, with members Mr Roy Chan Ching-yat, Dr Henry So Chi-fuk, and student representatives Ms Chu Yin-tung and Ms Wang Yunqi, for choosing the winners of the two Faculty Teaching Awards. The contributions of staff on various judging panels for the research postgraduate student awards are greatly appreciated as well,” Professor Li concluded.

The Faculty Assembly and Awards Presentation Ceremony was recorded and will be available on the faculty website and during the upcoming 2025 orientation activities and assemblies.

List of awardees: