'Humanities in the Digital Age' Competition

1. Competition Categories 

Participants may submit to any one of the following categories. Previous work is permissible, provided that the current submission includes substantial new elements. 

Category One: Creative Writing 

Content:

• Participants are encouraged to explore cultural and humanistic themes of global or local relevance through fiction or poetry. 

Submission Requirements:

1. Type and Specification: 

• Micro-fiction: A Word or PDF file of 750–1,500 words in English, or 1,200–2,000 characters in Chinese. Images may be included. 

• Short Story: A Word or PDF file of 2,000–4,000 words in English, or 3,000–6,000 characters in Chinese. Images may be included. 

• Poem: A Word or PDF file. There is no word limit; innovative layouts and visual elements are encouraged. 

2. Citation Format: 

• If references are cited, they must conform to APA Style (7th ed.) guidelines. 

3. Manuscript Format for Fiction: 

• Editing Software: Please use Microsoft Office or compatible software. 

• Page Layout: A4 size with 2.54 cm margins on all sides. 

• Font: PMingLiU for Traditional Chinese text; Times New Roman for English text and numerals. 

• Formatting: 11-point font size with 1.5 line spacing. 

• Arrangement: Text should be horizontal, left-to-right, and justified. The first line of each paragraph should be indented by two Chinese character spaces.

• Page Numbers: Centred at the bottom of the page. 

Category Two: Creative Arts & Media 

Content: 

• Participants are encouraged to create short films, musical compositions, digital art, or animations to convey humanistic themes. This category emphasises cross-media narrative and creative expression. 

Submission Requirements: 

• Short Film: An MP4 file, no longer than 3 minutes, with a minimum resolution of 720p. An optional artist's statement may be included (no word limit). 

• Music Composition: A JPG or PNG file with a minimum resolution of 300dpi. An optional artist's statement may be included (no word limit). 

• Digital Graphic Work: Submit a JPG or PNG file, with resolution no lower than 300dpi, may include a creation concept statement. 

• Animation: An MP4 or GIF file. There is no length restriction, and the use of various animation techniques is encouraged. An optional artist's statement may be included (no word limit). 

Category Three: ​Language and Society​​     ​ 

Content: 

• This category invites participants to submit a three-minute video that explores linguistic phenomena or language-related social issues using a data-driven approach. The video should describe, analyse, or visualise the chosen topic, offering new insights through exploratory research. 

Submission Requirements: 

• Participants can use subtitles if necessary. 

• Participants may supplement their video with a document or website to provide further details or an enhanced experience. Examples of supplementary materials include: 

1. Further elaboration on the chosen topic; 

2. A dataset created by the participant’s team; 

3. An interactive page featuring graphs and charts; 

4. Web-based Language-learning tools. 

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   All three categories’ requirement and additional supplements:

   Theme References: Explore topics such as the impact of technology on human relationships, identity in the online world, identity construction in multilingual contexts, AI and ethics, social media and public discussion, the evolution of internet slang, the impact of algorithms on information consumption, etc.  The work can be in English or Traditional Chinese.  For each category and submission type, each individual participant or team can only submit one entry. If you wish to enter different categories or different submission types within the same category, please fill out and submit a new registration form for each entry separately.  Participants are required to declare their use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

2. Why Should You Participate? 

Generous Prizes and Honours: 

Each competition theme (Creative Writing, Creative Arts and Media, Language and Society) will have one Gold Prize. The remaining awards need not be divided according to the three themes; a single participant or team cannot win both the Gold Prize, Silver Prize, or Bronze Prize. However, individuals or teams who have already received the Gold, Silver, or Bronze Prize can also qualify for any one of the Special Awards if their work is exceptional: 

Enhance Your Profile for Further Studies: 

• This is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your academic passion and practical skills. 

• The award-winning experience will enrich your personal portfolio and help you stand out in university admission interviews, showcasing your initial exploration and achievements in the field of digital humanities. 

•  Winners can highlight their participation and award experience during admission interviews, which may increase admission opportunities. 

Gain a Platform for Your Work: 

Outstanding entries will have the chance to be featured on the official website and social media channels (e.g., Facebook, Instagram) of the Faculty of Humanities, EdUHK, allowing your creativity to reach a wider audience. 

3. Eligibility 

• Current students enrolled in any Associate Degree or Higher Diploma programme at a post-secondary institution in Hong Kong. 

• Participation can be on an individual basis or in a team of up to five members. 

4. Application and Submission Process 

1. Prepare Your Work 

Prepare your final submission file according to the requirements of your chosen category.
 

2. Online Application and Submission

Click the link below to access the Online Application Form. You will be required to complete the following in a single session: 

• Fill in your personal/team details. 
• Make a declaration regarding your use of AI. 
• Upload your submission file. 

Please ensure you complete and submit the form before the deadline. 

3. Confirmation and Follow-up

The organiser will confirm receipt of your registration via email within five working days. There is no need to make an enquiry during this time. The organiser will contact you directly should any supplementary information or documents be required. Please do not submit the same entry more than once, and kindly check your email regularly for the latest event notifications. 

5. Judging Criteria 

The judging panel will be composed of academics from the Faculty of Humanities at The Education University of Hong Kong. The panel will assess submissions based on their creativity, expression of humanistic values, and their ability to advocate for or respond to social issues in a meaningful way. The judging criteria will be adjusted for different categories. For instance, the "Creative Writing" category will emphasise literary expression and depth of content; the "Creative Arts and Media" category will focus on creativity and technical application; and the "Language and Society" category will prioritise research methodology and social significance. 

6. Marking Scheme 

• Creativity (25%): Originality of concept, innovative use of digital tools, unique perspective. 

• Content Depth (25%): Thoroughness of research, insightful analysis, meaningful exploration of humanities themes. 

• Technical Execution (25%): Skilful application of digital tools, effective use of media, overall quality of presentation. 

• Impact & Relevance (25%): Ability to engage the audience, potential for social impact, relevance to contemporary issues. 

7. Key Dates 

• Application and Submission Deadline: October 20, 2025 (Monday) 23:59 

• Announcement of Results: Mid-December 2025 

• Award Distribution /Ceremony: To be confirmed 

8. Enquiry

For any enquiries, please feel free to email us at fhm-dhcompetition@eduhk.hk. 

Application Form

[Browse the APA 7th edition citation reference format guide]

Declaration by the Organiser  

The Education University of Hong Kong, as the organiser, reserves the right of final interpretation of these terms and conditions. The organiser's decision in all matters relating to this event shall be final and conclusive.