7 May 2020

The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK) has recently established the Honours Academy (HA). It is the first of its kind initiated by a Hong Kong higher education institution. High-achieving year-two undergraduates, forming a cohort of no more than 20 students each academic year, will be selected for admission to the HA, a vibrant and supportive cradle of future leaders with academic excellence, caring for local and global communities, international perspectives and civic engagement. Admitted students to the HA will go through a three-year journey of extra focused training and experience a unique undergraduate life.

“As a pioneering and visionary local higher education institution, the HA is built upon HSUHK’s unique ‘Liberal + Professional’ education model, and our mission to nurture responsible global citizens with critical thinking, innovative minds, caring attitude, moral values and social responsibility,” said Professor Simon S. M. HO, the President of HSUHK. “The HA students are to be equipped with global cross-cultural competencies and civic leadership to create far-reaching impacts on society.”

The finely-selected HA students will embark on the journey of future leadership through engaging in a training programme which is innovatively and flexibly designed. “Through taking the extra customised HA modules, students’ self-awareness and interpersonal skills can be fostered. They will also have the opportunities to practise service leadership and public policy making, engage in interdisciplinary discussions in the HA Seminars, and work together with other high caliber students in independent research projects under the supervision of our experienced faculty members. The HA students will enjoy a three-year high-flying journey at HSUHK.” Professor Y. V. HUI, Vice-President (Academic and Research), mapped out the HA curriculum.

The HA will also offer students various experiential development opportunities beyond the classroom to create a transformative undergraduate experience. Dr Tom FONG, Vice-President (Organisational Development), said, “our HA students are trained to make positive impact on public policy through service leadership training, together with residential-college living and learning, internship and overseas exploration.” Dr FONG added that the HA programme stands out with the Mentorship Scheme where each HA student will be paired up with one of our Professional Fellows, all of whom are prestigious leaders in various sectors of the community.

Echoing the vision of HSUHK, the HA initiative signifies the University’s commitment to nurturing leaders for serving and advancing our society and the world.