17 October 2023
The HKBU community has done us proud with numerous remarkable achievements when it is just one month into the new academic year. I would like to take this opportunity to celebrate and highlight some of our notable accomplishments.
The Quality Assurance Council (QAC) under the University Grants Committee (UGC) conducts the Quality Audit on UGC-funded institutions once every six years. It is one of the most critical benchmarks for assessing the quality assurance mechanisms and quality of the teaching and learning activities. QAC has just completed its third Audit on HKBU and published its report on 13 October, 2023. QAC has published positive findings about HKBU in all domains of the Audit, as highlighted by the following quotes from the Report:
“HKBU maintains effective oversight of academic standards and quality and drives enhancement through its well-defined Quality Assurance (QA) Framework.”
“HKBU has a systematic and well-structured process for programme development and approval, monitoring and review.”
“[Authentic assessment] has proven to be of great value and is already having a positive impact.”
“The Audit Panel found ample evidence of HKBU’s provision of high-quality student support to encourage whole person development.”
QAC further commended HKBU for having demonstrated six Features of Good Practice. They include (1) the systematic and effective use of benchmarking, (2) the comprehensive approach to the enhancement of teaching and learning, (3) the considered and strategic approach to the introduction and deployment of authentic assessment, (4) the non-credit bearing graduation requirement of the University Life Programme, (5) the establishment of career networking with the community to connect internal and external stakeholders, and (6) the approach of ‘inclusive admissions for diversity’, together with practical initiatives for student support.
While noting the positive remarks from the Audit Panel, the University will immediately act on the two Recommended Actions for enhancing the student academic advising system and standardising the arrangement for teaching hours for research postgraduate students.
We are very pleased with the findings of the audit exercise as they affirm HKBU’s commitment in safeguarding academic standards and in providing the “Best Student Experience” to nurture all-rounded, future-shaping young talents.
Furthermore, we have almost 30 students, an unprecedented number from HKBU, participating in the 19th Asian Games held in Hangzhou. Their determination, passion and diligence in balancing their studies and the rigorous training deserve our utmost respect. Congratulations especially go to our students from the Bachelor of Physical Education and Recreation Management programme for taking home one gold, two silver and three bronze medals.
A member of the Fencing Team of Hong Kong, China, Cheung Ka-long clinched the gold medal in the Men’s Foil Individual which is the first ever gold medal earned by the Fencing Team of Hong Kong, China at the Asian Games; Ka-long also won the bronze medal in the Men’s Foil Team; Ngai Wai-yan and Ma Kwan-ching from the Windsurfing Team of Hong Kong, China, earned silver medals in the Women’s RS:X Windsurfing event and the Women’s Windsurfing – iQFoil event respectively; Wong Tsz-to, a member of the Triathlon Team of Hong Kong, China, won the bronze medal in the Triathlon Mixed Relay while Forrest Shanna Sanman from the Rugby Team of Hong Kong, China, secured the bronze medal in Women’s Rugby Sevens.
The exceptional performances of all our HKBU student athletes serve as an inspiration for us all to aim high and persevere against all odds. Be it sports, any other academic or non-academic pursuit, HKBU will continue to provide our students with the best possible support they need to achieve their goals.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all the members of our university community. We should be proud of everyone going the extra mile to make these extraordinary milestones possible. I am confident that all HKBU members will bring the best of ourselves to the University, making it stronger and better in every aspect.