- 14 March - 3 June 2025
The International Classroom Series on Climate, Wellbeing, and Sustainability, jointly organised by the School of Transdisciplinary Studies (STS) and the Graduate School (GS) of The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK), served as a platform for fostering global dialogue and knowledge exchange on pressing sustainability challenges. Running from 14 March to 3 June 2025, the series featured seven insightful sessions led by renowned scholars and advocates. Please find the event highlights of each session outlined below.
Fostering Global Dialogue on Climate, Wellbeing, and Sustainability: International Classroom Kicks Off at HSUHK
On 14 March 2025, School of Transdisciplinary Studies (STS), in collaboration with Graduate School (GS) of The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK), successfully launched a series of International Classroom for Climate, Wellbeing, and Sustainability (International Classroom Series). The first seminar, titled "Internationalisation of Higher Education: Help or Hindrance to Climate Action?", was delivered by Professor Tristan McCowan, Professor of International Education at the Institute of Education, University College London (UCL), who is also the Director of the Climate-U network. This seminar series aims to foster meaningful discussions and facilitates global knowledge exchange on critical sustainability challenges. The inaugural session of International Classroom Series brought together faculty members, scholars, students, and sustainability advocates to explore the role of higher education in addressing climate change.
For more details, please visit the feature story of this session: Fostering Global Dialogue on Climate, Wellbeing, and Sustainability: International Classroom Kicks Off at HSUHK
Professor Angela Hou Shares Insights on University Sustainability and Global Rankings
Professor Angela Yung Chi Hou of National Chengchi University delivered an inspirational seminar on March 27, 2025, titled "Sustainability and University Governance in Asia and Taiwan: How do Global Rankings and Quality Assurance Measure Universities’ SDGs?" as part of the second session in the International Classroom series.
Drawing from her extensive expertise in higher education policy and quality assurance, Professor Hou examined the challenges and opportunities Asian universities face in integrating sustainable practices and strengthening institutional governance. She provided a critical analysis of global ranking systems and quality assurance frameworks, discussing how these tools assess and influence universities' efforts to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The seminar was well received by participants, with students appreciating the clarity of the presentation and the relevance of the issues discussed. The session helped broaden their understanding of sustainability in the context of university governance and global evaluation systems.
Dr Li Man Kong Explores Welfare, Well-being, and Alternative Economic Measures
On 2 April 2025, Dr Li Man Kong of The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong presented "Welfare, Well-being, and Economic Measurement: The Limitation of GDP from a Historical Perspective".
In this insightful session, Dr Li traced the historical development of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as a dominant economic indicator, critically examining its inadequacy in reflecting the actual welfare and well-being of societies. He introduced alternative frameworks that incorporate social and environmental dimensions, advocating for a more comprehensive approach to understanding economic progress beyond traditional metrics.
The seminar gave students a new lens for evaluating how data steers policy and public priorities. The discussion also sparked ideas for coursework and research projects on topics ranging from sustainable development planning to data-informed social policy. In short, the session encouraged participants to look beyond traditional growth figures and consider metrics that better capture quality of life.
Dr Kristof Fenyvesi Explores STEAM Education, Responsible AI, and Planetary Wellbeing
On 7 April 2025, the seminar titled "From Sustainability to Planetary Wellbeing: Raising Action Competence with STEAM Education and Responsible AI" was held, featuring Dr Kristof Fenyvesi from the University of Jyväskylä.
Dr Fenyvesi emphasised the critical role of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education in fostering sustainability and promoting planetary well-being. He discussed how integrating responsible artificial intelligence (AI) into STEAM curricula can enhance students’'action competence, equipping them with the skills needed to address complex global challenges. Dr Fenyvesi highlighted various educational strategies and initiatives aimed at empowering learners to think critically and innovate sustainably.
The seminar was well received, with participants engaging actively in the discussion and raising thoughtful questions. Many found the session intellectually stimulating and appreciated the opportunity to explore how interdisciplinary approaches and emerging technologies like AI can be harnessed to advance sustainability goals in education.
Dr Zhuang Huijuan Shares Understanding and Practices of Global Competence in Sino-foreign Cooperative Universities
On 13 May 2025, Dr Zhuang Huijuan from South China Normal University delivered a seminar titled "Understanding and Practices of Global Competence in Sino-foreign Cooperative Universities." This event was the fifth session in the International Classroom series.
Dr Zhuang emphasised the importance of global competence in today's interconnected world, particularly within the context of Sino-foreign cooperative universities. She shared valuable insights on effective practices that can enhance global learning experiences for students.
Dr Zhuang's presentation sparked significant interest and highlighted the need for further exploration of international collaboration and understanding in future discussions.
Dr William Yat Wai Lo Explores International Aid to Education in a Global Context
On 19 May 2025, Dr William Yat Wai Lo from Durham University delivered a seminar titled "International Aid to Education in a Global Context." This event was the sixth session in the International Classroom series.
Dr Lo explored the critical role of education in international development and addressed the power struggles surrounding international aid, focusing on the conflicts and competition involved in aid distribution.
The seminar inspired attendees to actively engage in creating a more equitable educational landscape, providing valuable perspectives on the future of international education aid.
Professor Amoah Padmore Adusei Discusses Psychological Well-being of Forced Migrants in Hong Kong: Cross-Generational Perspectives
On 3 June 2025, Professor Amoah Padmore Adusei from Lingnan University delivered a seminar titled "Psychological Well-being of Forced Migrants in Hong Kong: Cross-Generational Perspectives." This event was the seventh session in the International Classroom series.
In this presentation, Professor Amoah explores the psychological well-being of African asylum seekers and refugees (ASRs) in Hong Kong, particularly focusing on their acculturation experiences and the implications for their mental health across different demographics.
The seminar sparked engaging discussions among attendees, facilitating debates on the well-being of ASRs not only in Hong Kong but also in other contexts. Participants shared personal insights and experiences related to migration and mental health, enriching the overall dialogue.
With the conclusion of this seminar, all sessions of the International Classroom series from March to June 2025 have successfully concluded, showcasing the importance of interdisciplinary dialogue in addressing complex societal issues.