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A cross-institutional team led by professors from The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has been recognised in the “Collaborative Teams” category of the 2024 UGC Teaching Award for their exceptional contributions to teaching and learning.

The team, known as Holistic Competency and Virtues Education (HAVE), was led by Professor Cecilia Chan, Founding Director of the Teaching and Learning Innovation Centre and Professor in the Faculty of Education, with Professor Samson Tse, Dean of Student Affairs and Professor in Mental Health, HKU, Professor Albert Ko Wing-yin, Director of Service-Learning, Lingnan University, Professor Ben Chan Yui-bun, Associate Dean of Students and Associate Director, Center for Engineering Education Innovation, the Hong Kong University Science and Technology, and Dr Theresa Kwong Fuk-ning, Director, Centre for Holistic Teaching and Learning, Hong Kong Baptist University as team members.

The goal of HAVE is to cultivate visible competencies in students, enabling them to thrive in an ever-changing world beyond their disciplines. Key competencies include leadership, teamwork, communication, lifelong learning, creativity, problem-solving, critical thinking, professional ethics, resilience, and self-awareness. Despite their significance, higher education remains largely focused on disciplinary or professional knowledge, leaving a critical gap in students' overall development. The HAVE project tackles this pressing issue head-on.

Professor Cecilia Chan feels honoured to be bestowed with the award. She said: “I am delighted to receive this prestigious award. This award acknowledges that our work is important and helps us establish a strong foundation to encourage more students and teachers to recognise the importance of holistic competencies. It would be great if we can create a ripple effect through this award. As a mother of three, I would be disappointed if my children grew up without developing and embodying these humane competencies—particularly integrity, appreciation, and resilience.”

Professor Samson Tse highlights the importance of the project, stating, “In this new era of artificial intelligence and an increasingly volatile world, university education must transcend the mere transfer of knowledge. We urgently need to focus on developing competencies for everyday life and the workplace, while also fostering essential virtues. As the Dean of Student Affairs and a University Professor, I sincerely hope that the elements covered in the HAVE programme — such as critical thinking, effective communication skills, civic-mindedness, virtue and mental resilience — are deeply embedded in our educational policies, curricula, and campus experiences, rather than being confined to narrow, isolated learning opportunities.”

The UGC Teaching Award recognises outstanding teaching performance, achievements, leadership, and scholarly contributions to teaching and learning within and across universities at UGC-funded institutions.