University Grants Committee Delegation’s Visit to EdUHK
On 4 September 2025, a delegation from the University Grants Committee (UGC), comprising over 20 members and secretariat staff and led by the UGC Chairman Mr Tim Lui Tim-leung and Secretary-General Professor James Tang Tuck-hong, visited The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK).
As Hong Kong’s premier institution for teacher education, EdUHK showcased its commitment to the vision ‘Education Futures, Diverse Talents’ and strategic directions in teaching, research, and campus development during the visit. The UGC delegation engaged in lively interactions with 49 students from diverse cultures and backgrounds, and 40 academic and teaching staff. They also exchanged views when meeting the EdUHK’s senior management, where the President Professor John Lee Chi-Kin, Vice President (Academic) Professor May Cheng May-hung, Vice President (Research and Development) Professor Chetwyn Chan Che-hin, and Vice President (Administration) Dr Tom Fong Wing-ho presented on the University’s development and strategy, curriculum-related development, research achievements, and new campus and sustainable initiatives.
The key highlights of the visit include the University’s advancement in learning and teaching, sports sciences and elite athlete support, and research achievements and knowledge transfer, along with exchanges with academic and teaching staff as well as students.
Exploring Innovations in Learning and Teaching
The UGC delegation visited the Conference Centre, which houses the Centre for Learning, Teaching and Technology (LTTC), Metaverse Education Lab and Artificial Intelligence and Digital Competency Education Centre (AIDCEC).
Professor Yeung Siu-sze, Associate Vice President (Quality Assurance), outlined the University’s 2024-27 Learning and Teaching Plan, emphasising curriculum enhancements in digital competency and Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy. Professor Xu Guandong, Assistant Vice President (Artificial Intelligence and Education Innovation), introduced key initiatives of LTTC such as the Digital Competency Curriculum (DCR) and e-badges system, designed to enhance students’ employability and prepare them for the evolving demands of the modern workforce. He also highlighted the staff-supporting programmes, including the Staff Professional Development (SPD) and AI-powered teaching tools like the Large Language Model (LLM).
Faculty members presented impactful projects, including:
• A Metaverse-based awareness project on data security and the ethical use of AI (led by Dr Cheng Kwok-shing, Director of LTTC) has been shortlisted for 13th International Educational Games Competition at the European Conference on Games Based Learning 2025.
• A student-centred adaptive learning platform (developed by Professor Yan Zi, Head of Department of Curriculum and Instruction) leverages up AI technology to personalise assessments and improve educational efficiency.
• Classroom simulation platform (led by Dr Wang Hui, Associate Professor in the Department of Special Education and Counselling) equip future teachers to support students with special educational needs (SEN) and address gaps in inclusive education strategies.
Professor Kong Siu-cheung, Director of AIDCEC, discussed AI application and integration in primary education, with initiatives to be implemented in over 50 local schools to enhance teaching and pedagogical practices in subjects such as Chinese, English, Mathematics, Science and Humanities.
Advancements in Sports Science and Elite Athlete Support
The delegation visited the Human Performance Laboratory (HPL), where Professor Amy Ha Sau-ching, Head of Department of Health and Physical Education, presented EdUHK's sports science advancements. The facility’s design enhances teaching and research in sports biomechanics and sports physiology. The demonstration showcased Hong Kong's first SmartCourt which is equipped with real-time multi-angle video recording and analytical capabilities, further supporting teacher training and enhancing student performance.
EdUHK leads in supporting elite-athletes. Through Student-Athlete Learning Support and Admission Scheme (SALSA) funding support, the EdUHK has recruited 89 elite-athletes since the 2022 academic year, offering holistic learning support that enables them to pursue dual-track development in both their academic studies and athletic career. Current and former student-athletes shared their experiences of university life and career development, exemplifying the University's dedication to nurturing well-rounded talents.
Research Achievements and Knowledge Exchange
In addition to these highlights, Professor Chetwyn Chan Che-hin, EdUHK Vice President (Research and Development), presented the delegation with an overview of the University's research developments and achievements. He highlighted EdUHK’s global rankings, expanded multidisciplinary research capacity, and enhanced knowledge exchange ecosystem and entrepreneurial initiatives. Professor Ken Yung Kin-lam, Associate Vice President (Knowledge Transfer and Sustainability), then demonstrated the University's advanced research facilities in human behavioural neuroscience and healthy aging development. Together, these initiatives underscore EdUHK's steadfast commitment to educational excellence and interdisciplinary innovation, creating impact at local, regional, and global levels.
EdUHK’s Vision and Mission
In discussions with UGC members, President Professor John Lee Chi-Kin first thanked the UGC for their valuable visit and insights. He reaffirmed EdUHK's commitment to excellence in teacher education while expanding its role in nurturing diverse talents and multidisciplinary research.
Addressing the Strategic Plan 2025-2031, he stated: ‘We are determined to do more—strengthening leadership in internationalisation, regional outreach, and institutional effectiveness. Through strategic resource management, we will integrate AI and innovative technologies while expanding our interdisciplinary impact. Our goal remains clear—to advance both education and research together.’
This vision embodies EdUHK’s unwavering commitment to shaping a future where growth and innovation converge, illuminating the path toward sustained excellence in higher education.
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