- 1 March 2025
On 1 March 2025, Graduate School of The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, in collaboration with Child Development Initiative Alliance (CDIA) and the Department of Social Work and Social Administration at The University of Hong Kong, held the 10th Anniversary Conference of Child Development Initiative Alliance, titled "Nurturing Talent – Co-creating New Values, New Models, and New Directions." The event was successfully held at the Rayson Huang Theatre at The University of Hong Kong.. This landmark event drew over 300 participants, featuring Dr the Hon Moses Cheng Mo-chi, Chairman of the University Council of HSUHK, as the distinguished guest of honor, lending prestige and gravitas to the occasion.
The forum showcased an impressive lineup of speakers, including a keynote address by Professor Edward Chen Kwan-yiu, former President of Lingnan University and a renowned economist. Professor Mok Ka-ho, Provost and Vice-President (Academic and Research) at HSUHK, also delivered a compelling presentation, alongside esteemed guests from various sectors, including business, charity, and academia. Notable attendees included Mr Chris SUN Yuk-han, JP, Secretary for Labour and Welfare; Ms Joy Lo Cheung, Chairman and Trustee of Lo Kwee Seong Foundation; Professor Amy Cheung, Assistant Professor of the Department of Social Work and Social Administration at The University of Hong Kong; Professor Chen Yu-chin, Assistant Professor of Department of Sociology, Southeast University, Nanjing; Mr Victor KWOK, Deputy Research Director of Our Hong Kong Foundation, Mrs. Chan Gong Wai-ying, Chairperson of the CDIA.
The forum's theme focused on the urgent need to re-evaluate traditional youth career planning policies in the context of a rapidly evolving global landscape and technological advancements. The goal was to establish a sustainable talent pool through empirical models to cultivate new generations of leaders for national development. The CDIA's "Y-WE Programme" has already empowered over 3,000 young people to gain valuable workplace experience, facilitating job matching that allows them to engage with real work environments. Through these initiatives, CDIA is dedicated to supporting youth development and enhancing young people's capacity to tackle future challenges.
The Significance of Liberal Arts Education in Today's Context
In his thought-provoking speech titled "Promoting Intergenerational Integration: The New Role of the Liberal Arts Era," Professor Mok Ka-ho elaborated on the university's distinctive educational model of "Liberal Arts + Professional" He emphasised that today's university students must not only strive for academic excellence but also cultivate a deep sense of social responsibility and humanitarian concern. Professor Mok argued that education should extend beyond textbook knowledge; it should encourage students to actively participate in society and forge connections across generations, thereby promoting intergenerational integration and fostering social harmony.
Professor Mok shared compelling examples demonstrating that while technology significantly enhances the daily lives of the elderly, studies reveal that older adults still crave personal interaction. This underscores the notion that technology cannot replace the emotional support and care provided by human relationships. His insights reinforce the idea that modern education must not only focus on professional skills but also inspire students to engage with the world around them. In an era characterised by globalisation and rapid technological change, true education should nurture citizens who are not only skilled but also socially conscious and empathetic.
Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration to Drive Educational Reform
During the forum, Professor Edward highlighted the pressing global challenges we face today, including geopolitical tensions, technological disruptions, and demographic shifts. He emphasised the urgent need to enhance the resilience and creativity of young people in response to these challenges. The consensus among participants was clear: educational reform is imperative. The academic community advocates for strengthening applied education in secondary schools to better connect with the newly established universities of applied sciences.
A Call to Action for Government Support
Mrs. Chan, Chairperson of CDIA, passionately asserted that promoting youth development requires more than mere rhetoric; it necessitates a solid foundation to help young people gain workplace experience and connect with society. She called for a re-examination of existing youth career planning policies in light of the rapid global changes we face, advocating for the establishment of a sustainable talent pool through empirical models. Professor Cecilia Chan Lai Wan, Emeritus Professor from The University of Hong Kong concluded the forum with a powerful call to action, urging the government to act as a bridge, creating platforms to integrate social resources and drive reforms in youth development to meet the challenges of our rapidly changing world.
Media Report:
星島頭條 | Y-WE計劃助青少年職場開竅 港大研究證成效顯著 孫玉菡籲各界支持 | 01/03/25
