Immersive Academic English Learning for Year 1 Students on CAES1001 VR Platform

HKU’s CAES1001 virtual reality (VR) platform offers interactive learning by seamlessly connecting CAES, HKUL, and TALIC materials to engage students in self-learning and build academic literacies through digital innovation.
CAES1001 VR Platform

Interactive learning on a VR platform to familiarize new students with CAES resources

CAES1001, a first-year Academic English course, is working with the University of HongKong Libraries (HKUL) and the Teaching and Learning Innovation Centre (TALIC) to launch a virtual reality (VR) self-learning platform. This innovative project aims to enhance learning for first-year undergraduates by offering engaging and interactive experiences. Through the platform, students can develop essential skills such as writing, speaking, digital, visual, and AI literacy, with resources tailored to HKU’s diverse student community.

Touring six iconic landmarks to foster six key literacies

The VR platform guides students through six iconic HKU landmarks, each featuring a vital literacy area. At the CAES Office, students explore CAES1001 as a toolkit for developing academic literacy, including needs analysis activities to identify personal learning goals. In the Classroom, they discover AI-powered visual content tools and visit the VR Lab, developed with CLEP, to rehearse presentations and receive instant feedback. The Chi Wah Learning Commons emphasizes responsible AI use through reflective activities on ethical applications. The Examination Hall supports writing literacy with guidance on academic writing and citations. HKU Libraries (HKUL) serve as a virtual resource hub, helping students navigate library facilities and upcoming workshops. Finally, University Street connects core academic skills with interdisciplinary learning, encouraging students to reflect on and integrate their literacies across contexts.

1. CAES Office

Students are introduced to CAES1001 as a toolkit for developing academic literacy. Through a needs analysis activity, students identify their learning needs and choose resources for personal development.

2. Classroom

In this area, students learn about AI-powered tools for visual content creation and features a VR Lab developed with the Chinese Language Enhancement Programme (CLEP). Students can visit the lab to rehearse presentations and receive instant feedback.

3. Chi Wah Learning Common

This area engages students in reflective activities to explore responsible AI application in academic settings, examining real-life scenarios that show both benefits and challenges.

4. Examination Hall

This virtual space supports writing literacy by providing guidance on academic writing and effective citation management.

5. Hong Kong University Libraries (HKUL)

The virtual HKUL helps students navigate library resources and informs them about upcoming training workshops.

6. University Street

This landmark bridges core academic skills and Common Core Courses. Students reflect on their learning, connecting foundational literacies to broader interdisciplinary contexts.

Empowering student success with engaging VR resources

The CAES1001 VR platform is an engaging learning environment featuring interactive quizzes, reflective activities, and impactful learning videos. It seamlessly integrates comprehensive resources from CAES, HKUL and TALIC, giving students access to the latest materials and support. This platform exemplifies HKU’s commitment to preparing students for academic excellence in a rapidly changing world. By merging digital innovation with foundational literacy, this collaborative initiative ushers in a new era in higher education, empowering first-year students to thrive from the start.

Immersive virtual reality design is employed in various student-centered activities at HKU to enhance interactive learning and help students take ownership of their learning.

Dr. Alice YAU

Programme Coordinator of
CAES1001 Academic Communication in English (ACE)
Centre for Applied English Studies (CAES)

EdTech Consultation

HKUL Learning and Research Services

Students and Staff Co-creating Curriculum: Exploring Evidence and Possibilities

Event Details

Date : 28 Nov 2025 (Fri)

Time : 2:00pm – 3:30pm

Venue : Learning Lab (RRS321, 3/F, Run Run Shaw Building, Main Campus, HKU)

Speaker : Prof. Catherine Bovill, Professor of Student Engagement in Higher Education, Institute for Academic Development, University of Edinburgh

Facilitator : Dr. Jannie Roed, Director, TALIC, HKU

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Abstract

Across the higher education sector, there is increasing recognition of the importance of involving students in curriculum design. There are many different examples of how students and staff are co-creating curriculum, and in this talk I will present a range of these examples and the benefits that can result from co-creation, and the ways in which these examples might be adapted in different settings. I will explore how we define curriculum and the influence this has on what we are inviting students to co-create. I will also question how much agency students really have in the curriculum, as well as looking at the key role of teachers in enacting curriculum through the relationships they build with students in the classroom.

You will have the opportunity to learn more about the different forms of co-creation colleagues are adopting in different universities, and to discuss the appropriateness of different approaches in your context. There will also be the opportunity to share any existing examples from your practice, to consider and discuss ideas for co-creation in your own practice, and to ask questions to help you take the next steps in enacting co-creation.

About the Speaker

Catherine Bovill is Professor of Student Engagement in Higher Education at the Institute for Academic Development, University of Edinburgh. With a background in health promotion and a PhD in international development, she has been an academic developer for 20 years supporting the enhancement of teaching and the development of teachers within numerous universities. Cathy is a National Teaching Fellow, Fulbright Scholar (2019-20), Visiting Professor at the University of Bergen, Norway, Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and Fellow of the Staff and Educational Development Association. Cathy is also External Examiner for the Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice at the University of Hong Kong. She is considered a world leader in co-created curriculum, student-staff partnership in learning and teaching, and student engagement, and has published over 60 articles and books and given over 100 keynote presentations and masterclasses in 15 countries.

Co-host

CHERA, Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong
For information, please contact:

Ms. Miffy LEUNG

Teaching and Learning Innovation Centre

Teaching Development Grant (TDG) Writing Workshop with a Walk-In Clinic

Event Details

Date : 20 Nov 2025 (Thu)

Time : 11:45am – 1:45pm

Venue : Learning Lab (RRS321, 3/F, Run Run Shaw Building, Main Campus, HKU)

Presenter : Prof. Lillian Luk, Assistant Professor, TALIC, HKU

Technology Consultant : Dr. Carson Hung, Lecturer / E-learning Technologist, TALIC, HKU

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Abstract

During the first hour of the workshop, participants will be guided through the application form and engage in brainstorming activities. The second hour will operate as a walk-in clinic, where colleagues working on their applications can drop by for personalized advice and feedback.

The TDG application deadline for the December 2025 round is Tuesday, December 23, 2025. If you have questions about eligibility, expectations for successful proposals, etc. or if you’re seeking collaborators, this workshop is an ideal opportunity to clarify your ideas, refine your application, and connect with fellow educators passionate about advancing teaching and learning innovation.

For information, please contact:

Ms. Miffy LEUNG

Teaching and Learning Innovation Centre

COIL Seminar Series November 2025

Event Details

Date : 7 Nov (Fri), 12 Nov (Wed), 28 Nov (Fri) 2025

Time :

  • 12:30pm – 1:30pm (HK / SG time)
  • 1:30pm – 2:30pm (South Korea time)

Venue : Zoom

Register Now!

Abstract

Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) is an innovative and cost-effective pedagogical approach that connects teachers and students from varied geographical regions and cultural backgrounds through virtual exchanges. COIL is useful in developing students’ intercultural competence, global citizenship, communication and digital skills. However, many educators face challenges in identifying teaching partners, designing COIL curricula, and managing time differences. In view of the challenges, Teaching and Learning Innovation Centre (TALIC) from The University of Hong Kong, Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) from Sungkyunkwan University, and Nanyang Technological University will co-organise a series of COIL events in November 2025, with the aim of supporting teacher professional development.

The seminar series consists of informative talks on COIL pedagogy and AI speech translation, a matchmaking initiative to facilitate the search for collaborators, and two sharing sessions of effective COIL practices in English literature, cultural studies, early childhood education, and nursing. With esteemed speakers from The University of Hong Kong, Sungkyunkwan University, Nanyang Technological University, and The Education University of Hong Kong, the series will enlighten participants about COIL course development and productive use of AI technologies for multilingual interaction.

Date : 7 Nov 2025 (Fri)

Time :

  • 12:30pm – 1:30pm (HK / SG time)
  • 1:30pm – 2:30pm (South Korea time)

Venue : Zoom

Speakers :

  • Dr. Hoo Hui Teng, Senior Lecturer, Nanyang Business School, Nanyang Technological University
  • Dr. Kyuhong Shim, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University
Video Recording
Presentation Slides from Dr. Jessica To

Abstract

This webinar session explores how cross-border collaboration in higher education can be enhanced through innovative pedagogy and emerging technologies. The first presentation by Dr. Hoo Hui Teng will introduce the value and challenges of COIL rollout in higher education via a scoping review. Dr. Hoo will highlight pedagogical considerations of designing and implementing meaningful collaborative online activities.

The second presentation by Dr. Kyuhong Shim will introduce AI speech translation and its implications for education. He will outline core challenges such as simultaneous translation, low-resource languages, and code-switching, while also showcasing widely used AI-powered tools like Google Live Translate and MS Teams Live Captioning. Despite their potential, these tools still face issues of accuracy, latency, and emotional nuance. Looking ahead, he will discuss how multimodal LLMs may open new possibilities for multilingual interaction in higher education.

An Anatomy of Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL)

Dr. Hoo Hui Teng is a Senior Lecturer at Nanyang Business School, Nanyang Technological University. She leads the Business School’s Assurance of Learning Innovation which looks into pedagogies, assessments and feedback for effectual teaching and learning. As a multiple teaching award educator, Dr. Hoo is a recipient of several education grants, including two NTU COIL grants in 2022 and 2024.

An Overview of AI Speech Translation: Challenges, Tools, and Future Directions

Dr. Kyuhong Shim is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Sungkyunkwan University. His research focuses on AI-based speech and language processing, extending his Ph.D. work on efficient speech recognition to broader applications such as translation and multilingual support. Before joining SKKU, he worked at Qualcomm Korea where he developed efficient speech and language models for mobile and multilingual applications. His current work emphasises building more natural and human-like speech interfaces by leveraging LLMs.

Date : 12 Nov 2025 (Wed)

Time :

  • 12:30pm – 1:30pm (HK / SG time)
  • 1:30pm – 2:30pm (South Korea time)

Venue : Zoom

Speakers :

  • Dr. Ann Ang, Assistant Professor, English Language and Literature Academic Group, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University
  • Dr. Winnie L. M. Yee, Senior Lecturer, Department of Comparative Literature, HKU
Video Recording
Presentation Slides from Prof. Fraide Ganotice
Presentation Slides from Dr. Howard Manns

Abstract

Following the workshops on November 7, we invite two experienced COIL teachers to share their practices. In the first sharing, Dr. Ann Ang will talk about the teaching and learning approaches explored in the COIL grant-funded module Literatures of Southeast Asia, co-taught with Universiti Brunei Darussalam. The three-part structure (hybrid lecture, breakout room discussions and an in-person session) allowed students to co-construct interpretations of literary texts from the region, while critiquing assumptions and sharing locational knowledge.

In the second sharing, Dr. Winnie Yee will introduce her COIL course with the Faculty of Humanities at Utrecht University (The Netherlands) in the summer of 2023. Designed as a transdisciplinary course, it aims to bring together the Master students from sciences, social sciences, and humanities who share an interest in creatively rethinking the Earth and its inhabitants, particularly urban deltas as critical zones. She will also reflect on the advantages of the COIL initiative for student learning and discuss the challenges involved in coordinating and sustaining the course.

Cultural and Material Exchanges in Literary Southeast Asia

Dr. Ann Ang is an Assistant Professor of English Literature at the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University. Her current research interests include comparative methods for anglophone Southeast Asian literatures, Singapore and Malaysian poetry, and ecocritical approaches to regional writing. Dr. Ang’s work is published in Kritika Kultura, The Journal of Postcolonial Writing, Interventions and Modernism / Modernity. She is also a writer of poetry and fiction, and has edited several literary anthologies.

Rethinking Urban Deltas: A Transdisciplinary COIL Journey Across Continents

Dr. Winnie L. M. Yee is a Senior Lecturer in Comparative Literature and the programme coordinator for the MA in Literary and Cultural Studies at the University of Hong Kong. Her research interests include ecocriticism, contemporary Chinese literature and film, Hong Kong culture, and independent cinema. She is currently a visiting research fellow at the Centre for Cross-Cultural Studies, Kyung Hee University (South Korea). She has previously been a fellow at the Rachel Carson Centre for Environment and Society at Ludwig-Maximilian University, Munich. She has published essays in journals such as Interventions, Cultural Studies, CLCWeb, Asian Cinema, PRISM, and other publications.

Date : 28 Nov 2025 (Fri)

Time :

  • 12:30pm – 1:30pm (Hong Kong / Singapore Time)
  • 1:30pm – 2:30pm (South Korea time)

Venue : Zoom

Speakers :

  • Dr. Anika Saxena, Lecturer, Department of Early Childhood Education, The Education University of Hong Kong
  • Dr. Polly Siu Ling Chan, Senior Lecturer, School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, HKU
Video Recording
Presentation Slides from Dr. Michael Rivera

Abstract

As the final event of this series, we examine COIL cases from early childhood education and nursing. In the first sharing, Dr. Anika Saxena will share her COIL collaboration with a Mexican institution, highlighting effective strategies, best practices for implementing COIL and practical solutions for overcoming common challenges. Participants will gain insights into enhancing global collaboration and fostering meaningful educational experiences.

In the second sharing, Dr. Polly Chan will present a technology-enhanced interprofessional e-learning initiative, designed to foster cross-cultural collaboration and engagement among healthcare students in Hong Kong, Mainland China, South Korea, and Thailand. Through asynchronous gamified modules and synchronous Virtual Reality 360 simulations, the students from different geographical regions worked in diverse teams to explore case-based scenarios and engage in collaborative group work.

COIL Unlocked: Effective Strategies, Best Practices, and Overcoming Challenges

Dr. Anika Saxena is a Lecturer in the Department of Early Childhood Education (ECE) at the Education University of Hong Kong. Her teaching areas include early childhood teacher education, leadership, curriculum, technology integration and computational thinking in early childhood education. Trained as a science, computer science, and ECE teacher, Dr. Saxena worked in ECE education in Hong Kong for many years, holding several senior leadership positions in international and local schools. This experience gained a broad understanding of ECE curriculum, teacher training, leadership, and technology integration in education. Dr. Saxena’s research interests include early childhood teacher education, technology integration in education, flipped classrooms, artificial intelligence & computational thinking in education, and the creative aspects of teaching and learning.

Promoting students’ intercultural capabilities via Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL)

Dr. Polly Siu Ling Chan is a Principal Lecturer in the School of Nursing at The University of Hong Kong. She is experienced in curriculum review, design and development. She is interested in educational research that focuses on internationalization, innovation and interdisciplinarity. She has received numerous related educational grants as the Principal Investigators.

In 2023, Dr. Chan has been awarded the Faculty Teaching Medal by The Faculty of Medicine, and the Teaching Innovation Award (Team Award) under the Teaching Excellence Award Scheme, The University of Hong Kong.

Co-host

Centre for Teaching and Learning, Sungkyunkwan University

Nanyang Technological University

For information, please contact:

Ms. Miffy LEUNG

Teaching and Learning Innovation Centre

HKU Teaching and Learning Fellow Sharing Seminar

Event Details

Date : 7 Nov 2025 (Fri)

Time : 12:00pm – 1:00pm

Venue : Learning Lab (RRS 321, 3/F, Run Run Shaw Building, Main Campus, HKU)

Speakers :

  • Professor Edmond Choi, Associate Professor, School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, HKU
  • Dr. H. H. Cheung, Senior Lecturer, Department of Data and Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, HKU
  • Professor Fraide Ganotice, Associate Professor, Bau Institute of Medical and Health Sciences Education, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, HKU

Facilitator : Prof. Lily Zeng, Assistant Professor, TALIC

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Abstract

Under the aegis of the University Grant’s Committee’s (UGC) Virtual Teaching and Learning (VTL) initiative, the Teaching and Learning Innovation Centre (TALIC) in collaboration with Faculty Associate Deans (Teaching and Learning) and the Director of the Common Core have been launching the HKU Teaching and Learning Fellows programme. in this seminar, three HKU Teaching and Learning Fellows will share the work carried out in the faculty as a result of the secondment to TALIC.

About the speakers

Professor Edmond Choi, PhD, RN, FHEA, FAAN, is a registered nurse and Associated Professor in the School of Nursing at The University of Hong Kong. His research primarily concentrates on sexual health, with an emphasis on sexual minorities, adolescents and young adults. He currently serves as Co‑Chair of the Teaching & Learning Committee (Undergraduate Education) and Co‑Director of the Bachelor of Nursing (Full‑Time) programme and the Advanced Leadership Track. Previously, he directed the Master of Science in Nursing programme (entry‑to‑practice) and the Doctor of Nursing programme. To foster global citizenship among nursing students, he has developed experiential learning initiatives across Africa and Asia. In 2020, he received the HKU Early Career Teaching Award and the Faculty Teaching Medal in recognition of his contributions to teaching and learning.

Professor Choi has a distinguished publication record underpinned by a high field‑weighted citation impact (FWCI). For instance, his first‑author articles published between 2020 and 2025 (articles only; excluding self‑citations) have an FWCI of 3.62 (SciVal, 16 August 2025), indicating that papers he led have been cited 262% more than the global average. He was listed among the top 2% of the world’s most‑cited scientists in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 by Stanford University. He has authored more than 150 articles in leading international, peer‑reviewed journals in nursing, medicine, sexual health, and digital health.

Dr. H.H. Cheung obtained his B.Eng., M.Phil., and Ph.D. degrees at the University of Hong Kong. Prior to joining the University of Hong Kong, he has worked in manufacturing and IT industries as an RFID consultant for a number of years. He has gained substantial experiences in developing and managing RFID-based solutions, and the provision of consultancy services to implement RFID applications to various industries/enterprises. Dr. Cheung has also participated in a number of industrial application projects of RFID and IoT technologies, including RFID-based systems for product anti-counterfeiting, food processing management, manufacturing and logistics management of a global printing enterprise, governmental project for inventory management, and baggage management of a major international airport.

His research interests include CAD/CAM, Layered Manufacturing (3D Printing), Virtual Prototyping and Virtual Manufacturing, Product Development, E-commerce, RFID, NFC and IoT applications.

Professor Fraide Ganotice is currently an Associate Professor and the Program Director of the Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice (IPECP) at the Bau Institute of Medical and Health Sciences Education, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong. His training background is in educational psychology, measurement and evaluation, and group processes in a large-scale multi-institutional collaboration in Medical Education.

Professor Ganotice’s research focuses on examining individual- and group- level variables that explain IPE outcomes among students, and the use of technology to facilitate student engagement, collaboration, and achievement. His research aims to tear down educational silos to achieve optimal patient-centered care. He is committed to contributing to science and scholarship of medical education by untangling important instructional, motivational, and psychological constructs that underpin the success of IPE.

For information, please contact:

Ms. Canice MOK

Teaching and Learning Innovation Centre

GenAI / EdTech for All – A Toolkit Series (Fall 2025)

Event Details

Date : 22 Oct 2025 (Wed) and more

Time : 12:30pm – 1:45pm

Venue : Learning Lab (RRS321, 3/F, Run Run Shaw Building, Main Campus, HKU)

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Abstract

Many tools offer exciting possibilities in the ever-evolving fields of GenAI and educational technology (EdTech). To help educators harness the power of these tools, we offer a series of workshops focused on the most commonly used GenAI and EdTech tools. Participants will better understand and integrate these tools into their teaching practices through these workshops. They will be provided with practical examples of their application in real-world scenarios. This is a unique opportunity to explore and leverage these tools to enhance the educational experience for both teachers and students.

Date : 22 Oct 2025 (Wed)

Time : 12:30pm – 1:45pm (HKT)

Venue : Learning Lab (RRS 321 Run Run Shaw Building, Main Campus, HKU)

Speakers :

  • Dr. Carson Hung, Lecturer / E-learning Technologist, TALIC, HKU
  • Ms. Ellen Seto, Senior Lecturer / Senior Instructional Designer, TALIC, HKU

Workshop coverage

  • An Overview of the HKU ChatGPT Service: Usage and Latest Updates
  • Brief Concepts of the Thinking Model and Hallucination
  • Heuristic Prompt Engineering Frameworks
  • Template Design and Reuse Tips

Date : 5 Nov 2025 (Wed)

Time : 12:30pm – 1:45pm (HKT)

Venue : Learning Lab (RRS 321 Run Run Shaw Building, Main Campus, HKU)

Speakers :

  • Dr. Carson Hung, Lecturer / E-learning Technologist, TALIC, HKU
  • Ms. Ellen Seto, Senior Lecturer / Senior Instructional Designer, TALIC, HKU

Abstract

Advance your prompt engineering skills in this hands-on session. Learn to distinguish system and user prompts, harness Markdown to structure inputs and shape outputs, and apply prompt refinement technique for better prompt. Build a minimal, customizable bot for Q&A, role‑play, and leave with practical patterns you can reuse immediately.

Date : 24 Nov 2025 (Mon)

Time : 12:30pm – 1:30pm (HKT)

Venue : Learning Lab (RRS 321 Run Run Shaw Building, Main Campus, HKU)

Speakers :

  • Dr. Carson Hung, Lecturer / E-learning Technologist, TALIC, HKU
  • Ms. Ellen Seto, Senior Lecturer / Senior Instructional Designer, TALIC, HKU

Abstract

An introduction to Doubao, one of the trending comprehensive all-in-one AI assistant. Get a quick overview of chatbot development trends in mainland, learn Doubao’s comprehensive features, and explore text, image, and video generation in one platform. Practice with guided examples and experiment them together.
For information, please contact:

Ms. Wing LIN

Teaching and Learning Innovation Centre

Maximizing GenAI for Practical Impact

Event Details

Date & Time :

  • Session 1 (Beginners Level): 13 Oct 2025 (Mon) (2:00pm – 5:00pm)
  • Session 2 (Intermediate to Advanced Level): 14 Oct 2025 (Tue) (2:00pm – 5:00pm)

Venue : LG1 – CYPP2, Chong Yuet Ming Physics Building, Main Campus, HKU

Speaker : Mr. Keith Li, Chairman of the Hong Kong Wireless Technology Industry Association (WTIA)

Watch the recordings

Event Highlights

HKU teachers and staff are invited to an exclusive Reading Week workshop led by Mr. Keith Li—renowned AI expert, acclaimed GenAI instructor, and Chairman of the Hong Kong Wireless Technology Industry Association (WTIA). Drawing on his many invited talks across universities in Hong Kong, Keith will share practical, classroom-ready strategies, tools, and case studies to help you confidently integrate AI into your teaching and tailor it to your specific context. 

Step into the world of AI, expand your EdTech toolkit, and explore the latest in educational innovation. Join us to reimagine learning, elevate student engagement, and spark fresh ideas in your classroom.

Session 1: Getting Started with Generative AI (3 hours)

AI Fundamentals:

  • Define Generative AI and distinguish it from traditional AI
  • Compare major AI models like GPT, Gemini, Claude, DeepSeek and Grok
  • Problems with AI detectors. Does it work?

Introduction to the Poe & chatgpt.hku.hk:

  • Learn to navigate Poe as the primary tool for the course
  • Understand its credit system, context limits, and available model types (text, image, voice, video)

Session 2: Advanced Topics and Content Generation (3 hours)

Core AI Mechanics:

  • Problems and hurdles for AI assessment
  • Explore how context windows and memory limitations influence AI behavior
  • Develop skills for writing structured prompts to control AI output
  • Learn how to select the best model for specific business tasks

Practical Content Creation:

  • Generate professional business documents, from emails to long-form reports
  • Create visuals using prompt-based image generation tools
  • Convert text documents into AI-assisted slide presentations

About the Speaker

Mr. Keith Li, is the Chairman of the Hong Kong Wireless Technology Industry Association (WTIA), and the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Innopage Limited. Since 2010, under Keith’s leadership, Innopage has received numerous local and international awards for its innovative products. In addition to his professional pursuits, Keith has served as a part-time lecturer at various universities since 2014. Keith currently focuses on research and development in Generative AI, as well as corporate training and business transformation consulting.
For information, please contact:

Ms. Miffy LEUNG

Teaching and Learning Innovation Centre