Openlink June 2015‧Vol 24‧Issue 2

Summer has begun and every student deserves a nice break after completing the final examinations and assignments! It's time for fun with family or an overseas trip to relax and unwind. Whether staying in Hong Kong or travelling abroad, we must stay alert to the risk of MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) due to its recent outbreak in South Korea. I urge all of you to take precautionary measures.

It's not holiday time for us at the University though as preparations for the new academic year are in full swing. This September, the University will launch a Master of Nursing (Chinese Medicinal Nursing) programme, the first of its kind in Hong Kong, to meet a rising demand for practitioners due to the integration of Chinese and Western medicinal practice. We will provide nursing professionals with essential professional knowledge and clinical skills to practice Chinese medicinal nursing, thus enhancing quality of care. The University will also launch a range of postgraduate programmes on Autism Spectrum Disorders to enhance the treatment and care of children with autism. Courses on cosmetic therapy, social services and event management will also be offered through LiPACE to meet new demands in society.

It is vital to keep up with the pace of change in this fast-moving era. As a young university, the OUHK strives to explore new domains of knowledge and art. As such, a range of creative arts programmes have been launched to cater for a new digital generation geared towards a career in the creative industries. This issue of Openlink introduces these programmes and the thoughts of students, teachers and academic advisors involved in exciting courses on film, animation, new media and more.

The OUHK is constantly working to meet society's need for knowledge and talent. The words of Walt Disney encapsulate the momentum that drives us to innovate and progress: 'We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.'

Prof. Yuk-Shan Wong
President

Hong Kong has long been a hub of creativity in Asia and developing the creative industries is firmly on the SAR government's agenda. The range of full-time creative arts programmes offered by the OUHK's School of Arts and Social Sciences aptly mirrors our society's growing demand for creative talent.

Nurturing talent for the creative industries

It is in this favourable context that the OUHK's creative arts programmes were first launched. As School Dean Prof. Tam Kwok-kan explains, 'Creative industries are an important component of any economy. We have seen a keen demand for talent both locally and on the mainland. In fact the development of Hong Kong's creative arts scene is prominent in Asia and the industry is flourishing. In this fast-evolving landscape, digital technologies and visual media have outpaced text. The very visual outlook of the new generation has further galvanized the industry.'

At present the School offers four creative arts programmes. The Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Creative Writing and Film Arts started in 2008. Then, in 2013, a further three honours programmes were launched: the Bachelor of Arts in Creative Advertising and Media Design, and the Bachelors of Fine Arts in Animation and Visual Effects, and in Cinematic Design and Photographic Digital Art.

Putting creativity first, technique follows

The major characteristic of the OUHK programmes is a focus on creativity, underpinned with a strong grounding in skills and technology. The programmes are designed to nurture students' creative thinking in both visual and text-based fields. Prof. Tam sees literature as the bedrock of creation. It is therefore a firm principle of the School to provide students with a solid foundation in literature to create a springboard for creative thinking: 'Although it can be said that creativity is limitless, we focus on giving our students a solid grounding before they learn to fly. By analyzing the works of predecessors, students are laying the groundwork for their future creative development,' Prof. Tam says.

Building on this strong base, the programmes then guide students on their own creative journey. Using a story as a starting point, students might transform an initial idea into images using camera, computer and video equipment. Developing a feel for the peak of the action in a photograph or advertisement is essential. 'A fine fusion of creativity and technique becomes crucial. Jubilee College has state-of-the-art facilities and equipment which provides our students with an ideal learning environment and plentiful resources,' Prof. Tam adds.

Expert guidance and leadership

Led by faculty who have significant work experience and achievements in the industry, the creative arts programmes also from time to time invite experts from the sector to give lectures. Prof. Tam believes that a successful university today cannot be an ivory tower. He encourages his colleagues to stay connected with the industry and encourages them to participate, if time allows, in any creative work that can enrich their teaching. The faculty's industry network also creates opportunities for visits, internships and summer jobs, helping to prepare students for their future careers.

All creative arts students must complete a 30-minute final year project before graduation, summarizing what they have learned during their four years of study. The projects aim to showcase their ability and creativity and can be useful when applying for industry positions. As the four programmes are new, only Creative Writing and Film Art students have graduated so far. They are now mostly working in television, advertising companies, publishing houses, public relations firms, or as film industry freelancers, while a number are pursuing further studies. Students are also encouraged to take part in competitions. Alumni Riley Leung received a number of awards with his short film Remains and documentary film More than Ice-cream — Wong Kwong both locally and overseas during 2011 and 2013, while Cheng Tsun-ho and Wong Hin-lik won the Best Cinematography Award and received a Special Mention respectively in the Fresh Wave Short Film Festival.

Future development

Prof. Tam considers that the employment status of the graduates reflects impressive career prospects in the creative industries, and he believes that in future, animation will be at the core of creative production. 'People's desires always transcend reality. What we cannot shoot with a camera can be brought to life via animation or special visual effects, with vast application potential from video games and mobile communications to educational tools and even 3-D printing. The government's Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions covers the Animation and Visual Effects programme and this will enable more aspiring students to pursue learning opportunities.

Regarding the School's own future development, Prof. Tam reveals that a master's programme is in the pipeline for the next academic year. If the University's Sheung Shing Street project is approved, the School will consider developing educational games for children and the elderly, and plans to explore an exciting new domain that combines video with theatre and largescale stage productions.

Respected film critic and scholar of Hong Kong cinema Mr Law Kar has published numerous critical volumes on the development of Hong Kong films, and has served as the programmer of Hong Kong International Film Festival and honorary advisor of the Asian Film Awards. In the early stages of curriculum design, he was invited by the School to be a member of the Advisory Peer Group and give lectures to students. 'Creativity is built on knowledge and good education,' he says. 'The characteristic of OUHK's creative arts programmes is their literaturebased training. Students have to study Chinese poetry, classical novels and plays from both East and West.'

After years of gradual development, the School has been equipped with a range of facilities and programmes strengthened with production skills training, giving students more creative opportunities. Mr Law Kar is delighted that OUHK students are being recognised in film festivals and competitions. Yet he emphasizes that it is not easy to make a significant contribution to the local film industry. He encourages students to work hard, saying, 'teachers can only give you guidance. You need to make every effort to gather the ingredients of creativity through reading and studying more great works. There's no creativity without a foundation of good education and knowledge.

Prof. Kurt Chan Yuk-keung from the Department of Fine Arts of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is now an external examiner of our creative arts programmes, responsible for the courses on drawing and life drawing. He says the original curriculum design included a wide array of topics reflecting complex needs in today's society. With the continuous enhancements made by the faculty, the curriculum has become a more sophisticated and effective vector for students to absorb knowledge. Prof. Chan is particularly impressed by the faculty's passion. 'They are in regular contact with me and even come to visit my office at CUHK. They really take their teaching to heart and their devotion moves me,' he says. He also praises the assessment mechanisms and the responsive attitude of the teaching staff who consistently take on board the views of external examiners to further enhance the quality of the programmes.

Prof. Chan has some words of encouragement for students. 'The creative industry is developing rapidly and designers are facing global challenges,' he stresses. 'Put more stringent requirements on yourself, study hard, work hard, and do your utmost to demonstrate your talents.'

After he graduated from the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Amos Wong (aka Amos Why) taught part-time and worked freelance in various audiovisual production projects including advertising, government commercials, Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) shows as well as film productions. Last year, he joined the OUHK in a full-time teaching post. In the same year, Dot 2 Dot, his screenwriting and directing debut, was presented in Hong Kong. With this film, Amos was later nominated for the Best New Director Award in the Hong Kong Film Awards. 'This is a new step in my career and my life,' he says.

While devoted to his teaching work, Amos also appreciates the open-minded attitude of School Dean Prof. Tam Kwok-kan for supporting him and his colleagues in their participation in other creative work outside of the University. 'This summer, I will be filming an RTHK programme and some of the scenes will be shot at the University studios. Students will be welcome to sit in and observe. Some of them have also asked whether they can follow the film crew overseas and experience on-site filmmaking. I am so pleased to share these opportunities with my students as it is highly beneficial to their learning,' he adds. He is also happy about the students' proactive attitude as he believes that by taking the initiative to ask and learn, they will get chances to participate and exercise their talents. Regarding the future of the industry, he hopes that the government will open up the television market, allowing more production companies to flourish, thus creating more job opportunities and room for creativity.

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With their collaborative animation piece entitled Jenga in nature, five Year 2 students from the Bachelors of Fine Arts with Honours in Animation and Visual Effects programme, Cheng Kam-wai, Cheung Hoi-ting, Chu Man-ho, Lau Chun-kit and So Chung-kwan, received a merit award in a stop-motion animation competition sponsored by the Quality Education Fund.

The winners admit that they were not particularly enthusiastic about animation before joining the OUHK. But what they have learned so far in their studies has opened their eyes, and they have all developed a passion for the subject. In the past two years, they have spent a number of all-night sessions at the University studio with their teammates. 'We are so lucky to have found our interest, been given the opportunity to learn about it, and identified a clear goal and direction to aim for,' they all agree.

The group love the University as they are touched by the lecturers' enthusiasm both for animation and teaching, and have built close relationships with them. The students also hugely enjoy the countless hours they spend in the studio where they devote themselves to their coursework with their like-minded classmates.

The students have big plans for the future. Man-ho hopes work overseas in animation pre-production and broaden his horizons, Chun-kit looks forward to becoming a true animation designer, and Kam-wai, as a lover of manga, wishes to create a popular Japanese-style comic and then transform it into animation. As for Chung-kwan, her goal and greatest satisfaction would simply be to join the industry, turning her interest into a career and applying what she has learned in a professional context.

Walter Wong was nominated for the Best Visual Effects Award in both Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival and Hong Kong Film Awards last year for his work As the Light Goes Out. The fire and explosion scenes he designed for the film were critically acclaimed for their intensity and shock value. After some ten years in the film industry, Walter decided to take up a teaching position at the OUHK. As he explains, 'I see it as a way for me to explore more possibilities for myself'.

During his many years with Post Production Office Group, Walter's department produced a number of outstanding works under his leadership. However, working around the clock meant he never had a chance to relax, let alone make time to learn and develop. In contrast, he says, 'regular working hours allow me to spend more time on computer graphics research and program testing, and to keep myself up to date with the latest software technologies. But more importantly, the students' passion for animation and visual effects moves and inspires me.' He is always happy to share with the students, and his rich and authentic industry knowledge helps students to better equip themselves. Through his professional network he can also arrange visits, internships and other opportunities for them. He encourages the students to get creatively involved with work so as to build better portfolios to demonstrate their abilities and seek out more opportunities in the industry.

New Dean fosters entrepreneurship

Prof. Alan Au Kai-ming was recently appointed Dean of the Lee Shau Kee School of Business and Administration, after 20 years of service in the School. Having worked in wide-ranging roles, from teaching and course development to management and administration, Prof. Au was first promoted to Associate Dean and Acting Dean of the School before taking up the full position.

'Every role has revealed new insights and inspirations which enable me to see wider and go further,' Prof. Au says. During his time in the role of Associate Dean and Acting Dean, he was able to develop some innovative ideas which he plans to roll out.

At work, Prof. Au aims for more opportunities to be given to younger colleagues to unlock their potential in research or administration work. For students, programmes and courses will be strengthened with elements of entrepreneurship incorporated. Courses on setting up a business will be offered in future. Prof. Au hopes that students can leverage the business intelligence and knowledge gained during their studies to run social enterprises and thus give back to the community.

Indeed, Prof. Au is always keen to encourage young people to start up their own businesses. Even if they fail, the experience is a valuable one, and it can create an impetus to succeed in the future. 'We are in the process of setting up a centre for social entrepreneurship. This will serve as a knowledge platform for our students from diverse backgrounds who have plans for business start-ups. We will align with the other Schools to facilitate cross-School collaboration and solicit community support to turn viable ideas into feasible projects,' he says.

While teaching in New Zealand, Prof. Au also started his own business — a Chinese restaurant — with a friend. The partnership lasted for two years and business was good. Now he devotes himself to education and is always on the lookout for opportunities for students whenever he participates in academic or community activities. In his spare time, he enjoys family life and usually reads and plays games with his sons.

Cherish the opportunity to learn

Mr Leung obtained his Bachelor of Education with Honours in Primary Education from the OUHK in 1998. When he was young, university places were so limited that he didn't get admitted though he did well in the public examinations. He therefore cherished his second opportunity to pursue his university dream in the middle stage of his life. 'I remember I got very high marks in my first assignment which gave me confidence to carry on with my studies. What I learned in the following years was very useful to my education career,' he says. He truly enjoys the learning process and urges students to treasure every hour in classroom.

Knowledge changes lives

Having started his career as a primary school teacher, Mr Leung later became an inspector in the government's Education Department where he served for 21 years. Giving up a stable and well-paid job, he volunteered to take the helm of the 'marginal' Fresh Fish Trader's School in 2002. The run-down school was twice ordered to close due to low enrolment in 2004 and 2007. Mr Leung led the school's teachers and pupils to present petitions and organize street fundraising, and battled successfully to save the school. His educational philosophy is firstly to not mislead the younger generation, and secondly, to help students to change their lives with knowledge.

'Say good words and do good deeds with good intentions.'

In addition to imparting knowledge, Mr Leung persists in teaching students to have a positive attitude towards life in the letters he writes them once a week. 'Say good words and do good deeds with good intentions,' are his words of wisdom. 'Children here are from poor families and lack material support, so we launched an incentive programme, helping them to build self-confidence and self-esteem through recognition and commendation,' he explains. 'For instance, those who complete all their homework in the week are awarded with food, and those who score 90 in Chinese and English dictations are awarded with toys.' Money for prizes, stationery and activity sponsorships comes from donations from all sectors of the community. Over the years, Mr Leung has raised over $20 million for the school, including bequests and wedding gifts — proof that his educational philosophy is supported by many warm-hearted people.

Looking forward to more university places

Mr Leung is going to retire this summer and will be able to spend more time with family and grandson. As for the future of education, he hopes that the numbers of university places will be increased to relieve the intense competition among students and thereby reduce the number of 'monster parents'.

Council Appointments

Dr Eddy C Fong has been re-appointed as Chairman of the OUHK Council for one year. Current members Mr Paul Chong Kin-lit, Dr Anna Yip and Prof. Helen Meng Mei-ling have been re-appointed for three years, while Mrs Sandra Mak Wong Siu-chun, Prof. Paul Lam Kwan-sing and Dr Samson Tam Wai-ho have been re-appointed for two years. All the re-appointments take effect in June. New members Ms Yvonne Choi Ying-pik and Mr Silas Yang Siu-shun will join the Council and serve for three years starting from June and July respectively. The University also bid farewell to Ms Virginia Choi and Dr Samuel Yung who retired this summer.

Can Hong Kong develop innovation, science and technology for economic growth? President Prof. Yuk-Shan Wong shared his views on this topic at a seminar organized by the School of Science and Technology's newly-established Institute for Research in Innovative Technology & Sustainability on 22 May.

Prof. Wong pointed out that the teaching and research achievements of Hong Kong's tertiary institutions have been well recognized in recent years. This has not always been the case: in the 80s, science and technology was underdeveloped at a time when society was oriented towards property and business development, and government support was rare. Consequently, Hong Kong lagged behind the other three Asian Tigers in this aspect.

Prof. Wong emphasized that Hong Kong remains competitive and greater achievements can be expected with the wealth of talent available, the platforms established by institutions and increased collaboration with mainland partners. He urged the government to provide long-term strategic support to the development of innovation, science and technology. He believes that the University Grants Committee and Research Grants Council may increase their funding for both academic and applied research. This will help transform research results into production and thus boost economic development.

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Vice President Prof. Lee Wing-on gave a talk on the topic of preparing students to become 21st century citizens on 24 April at Jubilee College. As an internationally-renowned expert in education, Prof. Lee is well-acquainted with the educational systems of Hong Kong and Singapore. In his speech, he compared these to the USA, Australian and European systems and highlighted their similarities. He pointed out that to cater for the information and communication technology needs of the 21st century, interactive teaching and learning has become the emphasis of education development in many countries for enhancing learning effectiveness. Prof. Lee also introduced Singapore's tripartite strategy that integrates policy, research and practice.

Seminar series on modern Chinese language studies

The School of Education and Languages organized a talk series and invited Mr Wang Dacheng, Associate Professor of the School of Literature of the Capital Normal University of Beijing, to speak on modern Chinese language studies.

The three-day series was sponsored by the Tin Ka Ping Foundation and started on 17 March. Mr Wang first analyzed historical and cultural elements as well as the evolution of modern Chinese vocabularies from the perspective of cultural exchange between China and foreign countries. He also examined modern Chinese linguistic theories in comparison to those of ancient times, and discussed modern-day teaching of Chinese language on the mainland.

Stronger ties with STOU

Head of International Affairs of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) Ms Rattip Pukkeson visited the OUHK on 19 May and met with Dr Li Kam-cheong, Director of the OUHK's University Research Centre. A memorandum of understanding was signed between the two universities afterwards to strengthen ties and develop more collaboration opportunities.

Academic exchange with Brazilian nursing colleagues

A research paper on infection control published by the Division of Nursing and Health Studies caught the attention of its Brazilian counterparts. As a result, a nursing PhD student of the University of São Paulo, Brazil visited the OUHK from October to November 2014 for an academic exchange. The OUHK-Brazil collaboration moved a step forward as two further journal articles were jointly developed by the Division and the Brazilian scholars, with one of the articles already accepted by the American Journal of Infection Control.

Microalgae research project selected for best paper award

Researchers from the School of Science and Technology were awarded a certificate of merit of the HKIE Outstanding Paper Award for Young Engineers/Researchers 2015. Entitled 'Optimisation for cultivation of microalgae chlorella vulgaris and lipid production in photobioreactor', the research project was led by Dean of the School Prof. Ho Kin-chung and Assistant Lecturer Mr Wong Yee-keung.

Most Memorable Moment @OUHK photo competition

The 'Most Memorable Moment @OUHK' Photo Competition jointly organized by the Public Affairs Unit and the Student Affairs Office came to a successful conclusion with more than 100 entries from students, alumni and full-time staff.

Visual artist Ms Rachel Ip was invited to be the judge. Joining the judging panel were also Director of Public Affairs Mr Yeung Chee-kong and Director of Student Affairs Mrs Dorinda Fung. Ms Ip commended the quality of the entries and three photos showing joyful and memorable campus life were selected, based on the judging criteria of interpretation of theme, creativity and photographic techniques. In addition, the 35 finalist entries from the preliminary selection were uploaded to Facebook for public voting. The prizewinners received shopping vouchers ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. All 35 finalist entries can be viewed on the OUHK's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/theouhk.

Champion

Student Lau Tsz-kin • Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours in Cinematic Design and Photographic Digital Art (Full-time programme)

First Runner-up

Student Yau Wing-sze
Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours in Cinematic Design and Photographic Digital Art (Full-time programme)

Second Runner-up

Student Wun Tsz-kin
Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing (Distance learning programme)

The Most Liked Entry

Student Cheng Ka-ling • Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Language Studies and Translation (Full-time programme)

Singapore education delegation visits OUHK

On 20 March, a delegation composed of members from the Lifelong Learning Council of Singapore, Singapore Workforce Development Agency, the Ministry of Education, SIM University and Singapore Polytechnic made a visit to the OUHK aiming to learn from Hong Kong's experiences and practices of promoting lifelong learning. The meeting was fruitful with ideas and experiences exchanged between the delegation and OUHK representatives including President Prof. Yuk-Shan Wong and other senior staff members. The delegation also toured the Ho Man Tin campus, Jubilee College and the Kwai Hing Learning Centre.

OUHK takes part in education expos in Singapore and Korea

In March, to promote full-time postgraduate and undergraduate OUHK programmes to prospective students overseas, the Centre for eLearning participated in the 2015 'Careers & Education' expo and the 'Korea Study Abroad Fair', held in Singapore and Seoul respectively.

Strengthening overseas exchanges

The OUHK is committed to strengthening overseas exchange experiences and always stays up to date with students' needs. Recently, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Turkey's Bahçeşehir University (BAU) and the OUHK to strengthen cooperation in teaching and research through the organization of different exchange programmes. Prof. Dr Süheyla Schroeder, President of BAU International Berlin and Ms Busra Karacadag, Asia-Pacific Region Representative of BAU attended the ceremony. In June and July, the first collaborative exchange programme will be rolled out. Some students will do internships at the Istanbul Branch of BAU, and others will study courses in urban planning, and German language and culture at the Berlin branch of the university. Meanwhile, two students from BAU will be coming to the OUHK campus as interns.

In addition, the Student Affairs Office has launched a range of overseas student exchange programmes. Five students have been shortlisted for internship opportunities in New York to work in business or US Government organizations, and a further 15 students have been selected for an internship programme jointly organized by the Commission on Youth and Friends of Sichuan Association (Hong Kong) to work in business organizations in Sichuan, China.

Students awarded record-high Government scholarships

A total of 307 OUHK students received scholarships from the Self-financing Post-secondary Scholarship Scheme totalling more than HK$7.09 million. Both the number of awardees and the total amount hit a record high this year. A presentation ceremony officiated by Secretary for Education Mr Eddie Ng was held on 15 April.

Furthermore, 14 graduates from LiPACE's Yi Jin Diploma programmes were awarded Sir Robert Black Trust Fund Scholarships, the highest number of awardees from a single programme among all programme providers.

Student project invited for expo

A group of students in Computing and Web Technologies were invited to showcase their final year project on mobile applications at the International ICT Expo organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. The expo was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 13–16 April.

Computing students win best paper award

Led by Dr Oliver Au, eight Computing and Web Technologies studentsparticipated in the ASEAN Undergraduate Conference in Computing heldin May in Chachoengsao Province, Thailand. They had the opportunity topresent their research work at the conference and Lee Sung-hei, Lau Onkiand Cheong Chi-yin were selected for the Best Paper Award (Englishcategory) while the other students also received recognitions of merit.

Student innovation recognised in open competition

Full-time Electronic and Computer Engineering student Hugo Leung Wai-yin won the Best Paper Award with his 'low-cost intelligent pillbox' design at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers International Conference on Computer Electronics — China 2015. The pillbox is a portable device designed for the elderly and chronically ill to help them take the correct dose of medicine on time. It can receive data via SMS and be remotely controlled by doctors or the patient's family.

New ice-cream flavours designed for Milk Top

An event to collect ideas for new ice-cream flavours was arranged by LiPACE and Japanese ice-cream manufacturer Milk Top. Students of the Higher Diploma in Japanese Studies of LiPACE were invited to submit proposals on new ice-cream flavours. Three of their submissions — sweet potato with ginger, Japanese plum wine and Hokkaido corn — were selected, produced and made available for sale from March to December. The winning team was also offered the opportunity to work on-site as branch managers on 3 March.

Student-run social enterprise wins award

A group of five full-time students, Fung Kwong-chiu, Mak Lai-ching, Mak Wai-shan, Tang Ka-man and Ching Chung-wai, all from different Schools, joined hands to set up the social enterprise 'Fruit Peels Family'. By using food waste to develop and produce green cleaning products, and working with NGOs to hire workers from disadvantaged groups for the manufacturing process, they aim to promote public awareness of environmental issues and the employment of the disadvantaged. The team recently competed on behalf of the OUHK student society Enactus in the Hong Kong Social Enterprise Challenge organized by the Center for Entrepreneurship of the Chinese University of Hong Kong. They won the Best Presentation Award.

First runners-up in tax debate competition

A group of four full-time Accounting students Au Yung-fan, Lam Oiyan, Lee Wai-sum and Wong Oi-lam teamed up to compete in the Tax Debate Competition organized by the Taxation Institute of Hong Kong. They came second place among many other participating teams from local tertiary institutions.

Rugby team tops public tournaments

The Student Rugby Society has shone in recent tournaments,winning Shield Champion in the mixed division and Cupfirst runner-up in the Hong Kong Tertiary Touch Championshiporganized by the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union. They alsowon the championship of the ladies' division and second runnerupof men's division in the T24 Tai Po Dragon Tertiary Warm-upTournament organized by Tai Po Rugby Football Club.

Clinical psychologist talks about emotion management

Over 200 alumni attended a talk on 'Emotion and Psychology in Modern Management' by clinical psychologist Dr Sam Ng jointly organized by the MBA Association of the OUHK and the Alumni Affairs Office of the Public Affairs Unit on 27 February.

Quoting from a Harvard Business Review article, Dr Ng pointed out that an awareness of our inner experiences and emotions should be developed. He added that in the process of developing emotional agility, we can master our emotions in a productive way which is essential for improving job performance. Moreover, he advised that breathing exercises can aid relaxation, reduce stress and improve the quality of sleep.

Alumnus shares tips on crisis management and negotiation skills

The Alumni Affairs Office organized another talk on 5 March and invited Mr Ho Ming-sun, alumnus and former Senior Superintendent of Police, to share his experiences on crisis management and negotiation skills. The talk was attended by over 300 alumni and students.

During his 38-year service in the Force, Mr Ho encountered and handled numerous crisis situations. He pointed out that keeping calm and acting fast was a must in tackling emergencies, and that we should learn from past experiences and be well-prepared. 'It is important to think and plan ahead as well,' he added.

Possessing extensive experience gained from the Police Negotiation Cadre, Mr Ho also talked about negotiation skills. He pointed out that a quick mind and rich life experiences are the attributes of a good negotiator.

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Competition entries of Putonghua recitation contest hit record high

This year marks the third recitation contest organized by the Putonghua Association (Alumni) and it had an enthusiastic response. The number of entries hit a record high this year with more than 200 entries divided into kindergarten, primary school and university groups. The competition was conducted on 8 March.

AGM of the Alumni Association of OUHK

The Annual General Meeting of the Alumni Association of the Open University of Hong Kong was held on 15 March. Board members and conveners of the interest groups reviewed the yearly report and presented their plans for this year.

Enhanced collaboration with Southern University of Science and Technology

Led by President Prof. Yuk-Shan Wong, an OUHK delegation visited the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUST) in Shenzhen on 8 April. The two parties discussed future cooperation plans in corporate training, continuing education and undergraduate programmes. The collaboration plans developed at a fast pace. On 27 May, Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party Committee of SUST Mr Li Ming and President of SUST Mr Chen Shiyi led a 12-member delegation to visit the OUHK and sign a memorandum of understanding, establishing a strategic cooperative partnership. Both universities will embark on enhancing collaboration in such areas as professional programmes, exchange activities for students and staff, educational technology and IT infrastructure, and will explore the possibility of forming a joint venture to offer professional education at tertiary level in Shenzhen. It is hoped that this greater collaboration will help nurture the talent needed in the process of economic transformation in Shenzhen and the Pearl River Delta area.

Collaboration with OU China

A memorandum of understanding was signed between the OUHK and the Open University of China in March to develop distance and online learning postgraduate programmes on the mainland. Collaboration plans include development of new courses and course materials, staff exchanges and training opportunities for university presidents from China.

Visit to Huashang College of the Guangdong University of Finance and Economics

Associate Vice President Prof. Ip Yiu-keung and Mainland China Projects Coordinator Ms Shi Xuemei met with Deputy Dean Prof. Guo Yinhua and Registrar Prof. Li Jianxun of Huashang College of Guangdong University of Finance and Economics on 5 March. The two parties discussed plans for future collaboration, with a focus on student exchange programmes and top-up courses.

OUHK participates in education exhibition tour in Beijing and Hangzhou

To promote OUHK programmes in mainland China, OUHK representatives participated in the China International Education Exhibition Tour held in both Beijing and Hangzhou in March. During the exhibition tour, the representatives answered local students' and parents' questions and handed out brochures. They also conducted a survey to assess the needs of mainland students planning to pursue higher education in Hong Kong.

MPF Investment Education Seminar 2015

For five consecutive years, LiPACE has been collaborating with the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority (MPFA) in organizing the MPF Investment Education Seminar. This year, the seminar took place on 14 March and veteran investment advisor Dr Eddie Lam, Manager of External Affairs of MPFA Mr Lei Chioc San, together with Associate Publisher and Head of Research of Hong Kong Economic Times Mr Arthur Shek, were invited to share their views and intelligence, attracting an audience of over 500 people.

First-ever BPS accredited programmes in Hong Kong

The BSc (Hons) Psychology and BSc (Hons) Psychology and Counselling offered in collaboration with the University of Salford have recently been accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and are the first-ever accredited degree programmes in Hong Kong. On 11 February, BPS accreditation panel members visited LiPACE and met with the student representatives and academic staff.

LiPACE new programmes

Professional Certificate Series in Cosmetic Light Therapy: Certificate in Intense Pulsed Light Equipment Operation

FThis programme is the first to be offered in the professional certificate series in cosmetic light therapy, and is the only one of its kind rated level 4 in the qualification framework. It is suitable for newcomers as well as current practitioners who wish to enhance their qualifications.

Higher Diploma in Social Services

The programme equips students with knowledge in social work and related social sciences disciplines such as sociology, psychology and counselling. Through course-based learning and a summer placement in a non-government organization, students are able to reflect on personal values, and ethical and legal issues in social work practice.

Higher Diploma in MICE and Event Management

This programme includes 400-hour internship training and special sharing sessions to be offered by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). Students will receive certificates issued by HKTDC upon successful completion of the internship.

Higher Diploma in Business Administration and Management (Professional Accounting / Banking and Finance / Marketing)

Students will receive general training in business in their first year of studies, and will choose one of the specialized streams in the second year. Work-integrated learning modules require students to work at least 90 hours in a business setting. Graduates will be recognized by professional bodies such as the Institute of Financial Planners of Hong Kong.

Higher Diploma in Health Care

The curriculum of this programme is designed in accordance with the recommendations of medical and nursing practitioners. With a 396-hour clinical placement, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in healthcare services and management.

Bachelor of Education (Hons) in Early Childhood Education: Leadership and Special Education Needs

The programme is jointly offered with the School of Education and Languages. From 2015 onwards, graduates of LiPACE's 'Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education' may apply for Year 3 entry.

Hong Kong's first Master's Degree in Chinese Medicinal Nursing

The first of its kind in Hong Kong, the Master of Nursing (Chinese Medicinal Nursing) programme will equip nursing professionals with theory and skills in Chinese medicinal nursing to meet an anticipated rise in demand as a result of the integration of Chinese and Western medicinal practice.

The two-year part-time face-to-face programme will launch in September and covers knowledge of the human body, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment from the perspective of Chinese medicine, theories and clinical applications of Chinese materia medica and Chinese medicinal formulas, as well as the concepts of Chinese medicinal nursing and related clinical practices. Clinical practicum will also be arranged in partnership with Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Zhejiang Chinese Medical University.

To enhance the learning experience, the OUHK's Division of Nursing and Health Studies will adopt virtual reality technology in education. By wearing stereoscopic goggles, students will be able to see 3D medical images, such as the structure of an organ, and even practise how to take care of virtual patients with different diseases. The Division will also launch a number of mobile apps providing clinical nursing practice videos and educational materials to support flexible learning for students.

Postgraduate programmes on Autism Spectrum Disorders

These programmes aim at providing students with more advanced and up-to-date knowledge of research, theories, interventions, and therapies for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). There are three programme levels: Master of Social Sciences, Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate, all of which are taught by professional clinical, counselling, and educational psychologists and other related mental health practitioners. The programmes are suitable for healthcare professionals, occupational therapists, nurses, social workers, teachers and parents who are interested in enriching and deepening their knowledge of ASD or improving their academic and professional credentials.

Student Support and Activities

Learning outside the classroom

Full-time students got a taste of of Singapore and Osaka with the support of the Hong Kong Chiuchow Chamber of Commerce Ltd — Winnie Ko Study Exchange Fund and the Fourth Matching Grant Scheme. From March to May, students joined sponsored study tours and enjoyed learning opportunities outside the classroom at conferences, site visits and training sessions.

Accounting students selected for Boston delegation

Full-time Accounting students Lau Sze-ting and Tseng Yen-ting were selected for a visit to Boston led by the HKSAR Government on 4–7 May. The delegation comprised government officials, innovation and technology industry leaders and about 20 university students. They visited Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, and attended a luncheon in honour of Chief Executive C Y Leung.

Conference on career prospects in computing and engineering

More than 150 students and alumni attended the 'SetSail 2015: Career and Alumni Conference in Computing and Engineering' organized by the School of Science and Technology on 25 February. Chief Technology Officer of Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited Dr David Chung, as well as employer representatives and alumni were invited to speak about career prospects and working experiences in this field.

MPhil student sponsored for conference in Japan

Supported by the CASH Education Fund, School of Science and Technology MPhil student Leung Man-fai attended the 2015 IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) Congress on Evolutionary Computation in Sendai, Japan on 24–28 May. Man-fai enjoyed meeting and exchanging with other researchers during the biggest conference of this field of research and his paper was accepted for publication in the proceedings.

Job Fair 2015

The Student Affairs Office organized a job fair on 19 March to provide students with the latest job market information. The fair showcased more than 1200 job and internship vacancies and offered on-site interview opportunities with reputable companies from various industries.

ICAC Ambassadors promote integrity

Nine full-time students selected in the ICAC Ambassador Programme 2015 organized two activities on 30 March to 2 April. Entitled 'Think in the dark' and 'If Hong Kong had no ICAC', the activities, which aimed to promote a message of integrity, were well-attended with more than 300 students and staff members taking part.

Motivational activities before examinations

A range of motivational activities were organized in April in the run up to the examination period by the Student Affairs Office. President Prof. Yuk-Shan Wong shared study skills and exam preparation tips in a video broadcast on campus, students were invited to write words of encouragement and energy drinks were handed out.

Lunch gathering with the President

Two lunch gatherings with President Prof. Yuk-Shan Wong and the senior management were arranged on 20 and 24 April respectively. Representatives from the Students' Union and other student societies, as well as 30 students from various programmes were invited. The students enjoyed this opportunity to share their learning experiences and views on the University's future development.

Top awards for green campus

The OUHK's Jubilee College on the Jockey Club Campus has won two top environmental awards for its green campus design — the BEAM Plus Platinum Project award from the Hong Kong Green Building Council and a Merit Award in the institutional category of the FuturArc Green Leadership Award 2015 organized by BCI Asia.

OUHK website and SAS win IT awards

Recently the OUHK has won two prestigious awards in information technology jointly presented by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, professional bodies and other organizations. The 'Best Business Solution (Application) Special Award, Hong Kong ICT Award 2015' was presented to the OUHK for its Student Administration System (SAS) which is a comprehensive, automated, and web-based solution to support multiple modes of study for students, tutors, and staff.

In addition, the OUHK's efforts in facilitating unobstructed access to online information and services for people with disabilities have been recognized for three consecutive years. The 'Triple Gold Award' of the Web Accessibility Recognition Scheme was presented to the OUHK.

Book published by OUHK staff

English-Chinese
Dictionary of Law
by Dr Emily Poon Wai-yee
(Associate Professor of the School of Arts and Social Sciences)
Published by the Commercial
Press (HK) Ltd

International Conference on Open and Flexible Education (ICOFE) 2015

Webpage:
http://icofe2015.ouhk.edu.hk