PolyU Hosts Inaugural International Symposium Series on Service-Learning in Higher Education for a Shared Future | The Hong Kong
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:14
PolyU Hosts Inaugural International Symposium Series on Service-Learning in Higher Education for a Shared Future | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
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Participating delegates and guests posed for a group photo.
Prof. CAO Jiannong, PolyU Vice President (Education), welcomed all symposium participants at the opening.
Prof. Grace NGAI, Head, Service-Learning and Leadership Office, delivered the introductory remarks at the beginning of the symposium.
Plenary Discussion at the symposium, chaired by Prof. Andrew FURCO.
At The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), we view ourselves as active contributors dedicated to integrating service-learning into every facet of institutional identity and campus life, and committed to advancing service-learning worldwide. Jointly organised by PolyU’s Service-Learning and Leadership Office (SLLO) and the University Social Responsibility Network (USRN), with support from the Department of Computing, the inaugural symposium of
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University International Symposium Series on Service-Learning in Higher Education for a Shared Future
was held on 13–14 November 2025 at the Wong Man and Tang Kit Wah Global Student Hub. It kicked off a five-year series designed to encourage dialogue, collaboration, and a richer understanding of service-learning and community engagement (SLCE) across diverse global landscapes.
The 2025 inaugural symposium was held under the theme:
“Shared Challenges and Opportunities in Institutionalization of Service-Learning and Fostering Civic Engagement”
, and it welcomed over 40 participants—including prominent speakers, discussants, special guests, and attendees—from universities, institutes, and associations across China and North America, fostering valuable exchanges and shared perspectives on service-learning. The symposium commenced with an inspiring opening speech by Prof. CAO Jiannong, PolyU Vice President (Education), who emphasised that service-learning is one of the most meaningful expressions of the University’s mission, which is to cultivate professional competence and promote civic responsibility and global awareness. PolyU has set an ambitious target to enable 50% of its undergraduate students to engage in service-learning beyond Hong Kong. This goal is about to be achieved.
The event was designed as a dialogue cum workshop, providing a unique platform for participants to engage in rich discussions about how different cultural and institutional ecosystems shape service-learning and civic engagement practices. Throughout the two-day programme, the symposium featured a variety of interactive guided discussions and working sessions. Participants were divided into four groups, each corresponding to one of the key “players” in the service-learning ecosystem: teachers, students, institutions, and the community. Each plenary discussion and sharing session offered participants the opportunity to share their insights and experiences, further enriching the collective understanding of service-learning practices across different contexts.
The enthusiastic participation and meaningful dialogue at this inaugural symposium fostered a collaborative exploration of the ecosystem of service-learning and community engagement. Throughout the symposium, participants exchanged ideas about good practices, challenges, and opportunities. Participants left the symposium inspired and equipped with new insights, practical strategies, and strengthened connections, laying a strong foundation for ongoing collaboration and future symposia in the five-year series.
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繁體
简体
Education
Education
Teaching and Learning
Broad-based Curriculum for Holistic Academic Development
Work-Integrated Education
Service-Learning
Student Exchange
Leadership Programme
Faculties, Schools and College
Graduate School
College of Undergraduate Studies
Admissions
Admissions
Why PolyU
Study@PolyU
University Ranking
Student Stories
Programmes, Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Research
Research
PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR)
Mainland Translational Research Institutes
State Key Laboratories and Chinese National Engineering Research Centres (HK Branches)
State Key Laboratory of Climate Resilience for Coastal Cities
State Key Laboratory of Ultra-precision Machining Technology
Hong Kong Branch of National Engineering Research Centre for Steel Construction
Hong Kong Branch of National Rail Transit Electrification and Automation Engineering Technology Research Centre
University-level Research Centres and Facilities
Faculty/School/Department-level Research Centres
University Research Facilities
Centralised Animal Facilities
University Research Facility in 3D Printing
University Research Facility in Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience
University Research Facility in Big Data Analytics
University Research Facility in Chemical and Environmental Analysis
University Research Facility in Life Sciences
University Research Facility in Materials Characterization and Device Fabrication
InnoHK
Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR)
Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence in Design (AiDLab)
Research Centre for Intelligent GRID and Energy Technologies (I-GET)
Graduate School
Research and Innovation Office
PolyU Scholars
Academicians and Distinguished Scholars
PolyU Scholars Hub
Knowledge Transfer
Knowledge Transfer
Innovation and Technology Development
Technology Transfer and Commercialisation
Entrepreneurship
Success Stories
Global
Global
International Community
Global Perspectives in Academic Programmes
International Collaborations and Partnerships
Eyes on China
Campus Life
Campus Life
Athletics and Recreation
Art and Culture
Living on Campus
Counselling and Wellness
Clinics and Centres
Housing
Dining
About PolyU
About PolyU
PolyU at a Glance
Motto, Vision and Mission
Key Facts
University Identity
History
University Committee Structure
Leadership
Governance
Organisations
Campus Map
Photo Gallery
Video Channel
Publications
Alumni
Current Students
Staff
Start main content
Participating delegates and guests posed for a group photo.
Prof. CAO Jiannong, PolyU Vice President (Education), welcomed all symposium participants at the opening.
Prof. Grace NGAI, Head, Service-Learning and Leadership Office, delivered the introductory remarks at the beginning of the symposium.
Plenary Discussion at the symposium, chaired by Prof. Andrew FURCO.
At The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), we view ourselves as active contributors dedicated to integrating service-learning into every facet of institutional identity and campus life, and committed to advancing service-learning worldwide. Jointly organised by PolyU’s Service-Learning and Leadership Office (SLLO) and the University Social Responsibility Network (USRN), with support from the Department of Computing, the inaugural symposium of
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University International Symposium Series on Service-Learning in Higher Education for a Shared Future
was held on 13–14 November 2025 at the Wong Man and Tang Kit Wah Global Student Hub. It kicked off a five-year series designed to encourage dialogue, collaboration, and a richer understanding of service-learning and community engagement (SLCE) across diverse global landscapes.
The 2025 inaugural symposium was held under the theme:
“Shared Challenges and Opportunities in Institutionalization of Service-Learning and Fostering Civic Engagement”
, and it welcomed over 40 participants—including prominent speakers, discussants, special guests, and attendees—from universities, institutes, and associations across China and North America, fostering valuable exchanges and shared perspectives on service-learning. The symposium commenced with an inspiring opening speech by Prof. CAO Jiannong, PolyU Vice President (Education), who emphasised that service-learning is one of the most meaningful expressions of the University’s mission, which is to cultivate professional competence and promote civic responsibility and global awareness. PolyU has set an ambitious target to enable 50% of its undergraduate students to engage in service-learning beyond Hong Kong. This goal is about to be achieved.
The event was designed as a dialogue cum workshop, providing a unique platform for participants to engage in rich discussions about how different cultural and institutional ecosystems shape service-learning and civic engagement practices. Throughout the two-day programme, the symposium featured a variety of interactive guided discussions and working sessions. Participants were divided into four groups, each corresponding to one of the key “players” in the service-learning ecosystem: teachers, students, institutions, and the community. Each plenary discussion and sharing session offered participants the opportunity to share their insights and experiences, further enriching the collective understanding of service-learning practices across different contexts.
The enthusiastic participation and meaningful dialogue at this inaugural symposium fostered a collaborative exploration of the ecosystem of service-learning and community engagement. Throughout the symposium, participants exchanged ideas about good practices, challenges, and opportunities. Participants left the symposium inspired and equipped with new insights, practical strategies, and strengthened connections, laying a strong foundation for ongoing collaboration and future symposia in the five-year series.
We use Cookies to give you a better experience on our website. By continuing to browse the site without changing your privacy settings, you are consenting to our use of Cookies. For more information, please see our
Privacy Policy Statement
.
Your browser is not the latest version. If you continue to browse our website, Some pages may not function properly.
You are recommended to upgrade to a newer version or switch to a different browser. A list of the web browsers that we support can be found
here
What are you looking for?
Internal Document Search
Popular Search
Undergraduate Admission
Postgraduate Admission
Scholarships
Financial Assistance
Service-Learning
Rankings
Internship
Entrepreneurship
Greater Bay Area
MOOCs
Clinics
Campus Map
Finance Office
Human Resources Office
Library