EdUHK Strengthens Partnerships with Social Welfare Sector
Fostering Education Development in Hong Kong
The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) hosted the “EdUHK–Social Service Organisations Exchange Session” on 13 July to further strengthen partnerships with local social service organisations. Representatives from these organisations were invited to discuss future collaboration and explore ways to support the sustainable development of education in Hong Kong.
Organised by the School Partnership and Field Experience Office (SPFEO), the exchange session followed the collaborative agreements signed between EdUHK and 12 local social service organisations on 21 April, marking another significant step in strengthening the University’s partnership with the social welfare sector.
In his welcoming remarks, EdUHK President Professor John Lee Chi-Kin said, “Nurturing a new generation with professional competence, proper values and virtues, a positive mindset, social responsibility and a spirit of service is crucial, and requires close collaboration between the education and social welfare sectors.” He expressed hope that the event would deepen exchanges between EdUHK and its partners, foster long-term collaboration in internships and recruitment, and expand cross-sector and multidisciplinary experiential learning opportunities for students, enabling them to gain practical experience and strengthen their capacity to serve society.
During the thematic sharing session, Professor May Cheng May-hung, Vice President (Academic), introduced the University’s latest developments and curriculum reforms. She said, “Guided by our development blueprint, Education Futures, EdUHK is committed to nurturing future-ready talent with innovative capabilities, digital literacy and a strong sense of social responsibility, while serving society through research and knowledge transfer.” She looked forward to closer collaboration with the social welfare sector in talent development, research and professional advancement, and to working together to advance innovation in social services and respond to future societal needs.
Dr Lobo Louie Hung-tak, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Health and Physical Education, delivered a presentation entitled “Health Management Across the Lifespan.” He highlighted five core values demonstrated by EdUHK students, with social care as a particularly important element. He encouraged social service organisations to provide more practical learning opportunities for students, and called for closer collaboration between the education and social welfare sectors to create a supportive environment for student growth and development.
Dr Kevin Kam Wai-keung, Director of School Partnership and Field Experience, underscored the importance of collaboration. He said, “In recent years, EdUHK has actively expanded its multidisciplinary offerings and remained committed to nurturing professionals with a strong sense of social responsibility and service. Students are keen to engage with the community through internships, understand how social services operate in practice, and gain knowledge and experience beyond the classroom.”
During the networking luncheon, participants reflected on previous collaborations with EdUHK and exchanged views on future partnership directions and expectations. The discussions covered areas such as teacher professional development, student internships and experiential learning, artificial intelligence and educational innovation, and research collaboration. Participants also shared constructive ideas, opening up broader possibilities for future cross-sector partnerships.
Representatives from social service organisations attending the event included (in alphabetical order by organisation’s English name):
- Mr Chan Wai-leung, Service Head, Youth & Community Service cum Community Development Service, Caritas Hong Kong
- Ms Louise Yip Wing-man, Senior Social Work Supervisor, Caritas Hong Kong
- Ms Carman Wong, Assistant General Secretary, Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong
- Dr Thomas Man, Chief Education Officer, Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong
- Dr Wan Lap-man, Executive Director, Hong Kong Playground Association
- Mr Edmond Yiu, Deputy Executive Director (Culture, Sports & Arts Division), Hong Kong Playground Association
- Ms Seiko Lee Wai-wah, Assistant Director, Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council
- Mr Ricky Ng Wai-kei, Chief Officer (Children and Family Service), Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian Association
- Ms Eva Mak Yi-kwan, Principal, Tai Hon Fan Nursery School, Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian Association
- Ms Chan Kai-po, Senior Education Secretary, Po Leung Kuk
- Mr Cooke Cheung Tat-cheong, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, St. James’ Settlement
- Ms Alice Chan Yim-man, Senior Manager (Education Services – Pre-school Education & Partnership), St. James’ Settlement
- Ms Wong Mei-ling, Service Director, The Boys’ & Girls’ Clubs Association of Hong Kong
- Ms Hsu Siu-man, Executive Director, The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups
- Mr Wilson Chan Man-ho, Deputy Executive Directors, The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups
- Mr Low Chen-yang, Head of Community Services Division, Tung Wah Group of Hospitals
- Mr Angus Chau, Community Services Manager (Youth & Family III), Tung Wah Group of Hospitals
- Ms Vicky Wong Wai-nga, Head (Allied Health Services – Occupational Therapy), Yan Chai Hospital
- Mr Raymond Sit Wai-man, Head (Allied Health Services – Physiotherapy), Yan Chai Hospital
- Ms Maggie Chan Mei-wa, Senior Supervisor (Children & Youth Service), Yan Oi Tong
EdUHK participants included Ms Mandy Au Yuen-yee, Associate Director of School Partnership and Field Experience; Professional Consultant Mr Langton Cheung Yung-pong; and School Partnership Advisor Mr King Cheng King-leung. They were joined by representatives from across the University, including Professor Bill Yeung Chi-ho, Dean of Students; Mr Andy Cho Hoi-on, Associate Dean of Students; Professor Chen Junjun, Dean of the Graduate School; Dr Li Wai-chin, Head of Honours College; Professor Jiang Da, Associate Head of Honours College; Dr Rebecca Cheng Wing-yi, Associate Dean (Learning and Teaching) of the Faculty of Education and Human Development; Professor Timothy Chan Wai-keung, Acting Associate Dean (International Engagement) of the Faculty of Humanities; representatives from the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences; and programme leaders from various units.
The Exchange Session further strengthened EdUHK’s partnership with the social welfare sector and laid a strong foundation for future collaboration. Looking ahead, EdUHK will continue to work closely with its partners to enhance Hong Kong students’ development, fostering social cohesion and address emerging challenges together.
—Ends—
EdUHK Strengthens Partnerships with Social Welfare Sector Fostering Education Development in Hong Kong
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