Global Challenges - Activities
| 22 Nov 2025DTUP｜Student Projects showcased at WWF Hong Kong Walk for Nature 2025
Two groups of our Year 1 transdisciplinary students were invited by WWF Hong Kong to showcase their inspiring Global Challenges Projects (My Fish, My Fate and The Blue Heartbeat) at Walk for Nature 2025 in the Mai Po Nature Reserve on 22 Nov 2025.🚶🏻➡️ With the theme "Wetlands for Lives", this event provided an incredible opportunity for our students to share their innovative ideas on sustainable oceans with the public. |
| 11 Nov 2025DTUP｜Transdisciplinary Connections in Sustainable Ocean Student Project Showcase 「惜碳」下水禮
Funded by the Environment and Conservation Fund, the "Tide to Table" Student Project Showcase （「惜碳」下水禮） student project showcase is organised by the DTUP, and co-organised by WWF-Hong Kong. |
| 21 Oct 2025DTUP｜Innovative Measures for Sustainable Airport DevelopmentOn 21 October, Mr Martin Putnam and Ms Anita Wong from Airport Authority Hong Kong shared valuable insights on balancing development and sustainability at a guest lecture for ITS1005 Global Challenges I. 🌱✈️ Highlighting their dedication to protecting nature and biodiversity, they discussed innovative measures implemented to support the marine ecosystem around Hong Kong International Airport, in collaboration with the government, NGOs, conservation experts and local fishermen. Thank you for an informative and inspiring talk on the efforts towards a greener and more sustainable airport! |
| 14 Oct 2025DTUP｜Motivating Responsible Seafood Consumption
Do you know Hong Kong’s annual seafood consumption per capita is among the top 5 globally—around 65.8 kg? 🐟 |
| 9 Oct 2025DTUP｜Coastal Clean-Up and Microplastics Investigation : Clear Water Bay Field Trip
On 9 October, students from ITS1005 Global Challenges I visited Clear Water Bay for a coastal clean-up and microplastics investigation. 🌊🔬 Students conducted transect sampling across different zones, sorted plastic vs non-plastic debris and recorded suspected microplastics by size, colour and shape. 🏖️🔍 They collected, organised and uploaded the data to a database, thereby supporting global environmental research and local monitoring. |
| 9 Oct 2025DTUP｜Uncovering Microplastics : Wu Kai Sha Beach Field TripOn 9 October, students from ITS1005 Global Challenges I visited Wu Kai Sha Beach to investigate plastic contamination and explore the hidden world of microplastics in our local environment. 🌊🔬 Guided by Dr. Patrick Yue from Department of Biology and his team, our hands-on fieldwork included sampling sand at different tide zones, identifying plastic and non-plastic wastes, and using microscopes to observe and record the features of potential microplastics. 🏖️🔍Through this immersive experience, students discussed the possible sources of plastic pollution, the impacts of human activities, and the environmental and health consequences of microplastics. |
| 8 Oct 2025DTUP｜Exploring Local Fisheries Culture : Ap Lei Chau Field TripITS1005 Global Challenge I students took part in the “Marine Decarbonisation” activity series with an ecological field trip to Ap Lei Chau yesterday (8 October). Guided by the “Xiangdao Tuan” (the guiding team), they explored the Southern District to discover Aberdeen’s vibrant heritage as one of Hong Kong’s principal fishing ports, the traditions and lifestyles of local fisherfolk, while examining the evolving challenges faced by coastal communities — from marine debris to sustainable seafood and responsible tourism. The students also visited the historic Hung Shing Temple and nearby waterfront to learn about local beliefs and maritime safety customs, deepening their understanding of how religious practices are intertwined with the fishing industry. Through close observation of the waterfront, they gained valuable insights into the interconnectedness of community, culture, and ecology. The experience prompted thoughtful reflection on how we can reduce plastic use, protect our oceans, and help preserve the heritage of traditional fishing ports in everyday life. 🌊⚓️🌏 |
| 30 Sept 2025DTUP｜Inspiring Action Against Plastic PollutionOn 30 September, ITS1005 Global Challenges I took a deep dive into plastic pollution with an inspiring guest lecture from the co-founder of a local organisation committed to reducing plastic pollution in Hong Kong — Ms Dana Winograd, Plastics Free Seas. Students gained insights on the global impact of plastic pollution on the environment and health, heard powerful stories of initiatives dedicated to making a change, and discovered practical actions each of us can take to tackle plastic pollution and protect our oceans. 🌏♻️🌊 |
| 15 Sept 2025DTUP｜Natural Network Educational Farm Workshop
ITS2028 Global Challenge II students visited Natural Network Educational Farm to explore the methods of organic farming and experience farm life ! 🌱From weeding, composting, and seeding, to making their own herbal tea over fire, they had a true taste of a farmer’s day. |
| 13 Sept 2025DTUP｜Global Challenges - SDG GameThis week our Year 1 TD students in Global Challenges I course became “World Leaders” in the 2030 SDGs Game—within limited time balancing Economy, Environment, and Society with resource cards, trades. 🌎🔄 In the game, students could trade time for resources, strike deals, and forge cross‑team coalitions: for instance, lending ‘time’ to another team’s project in exchange for technology or funds, or setting up investments with repayment and interest—mirroring real world negotiations, aid, debt, and trade between countries. Teams monitored the World Condition Meter 📈 and completed projects, such as advanced clean energy 🔋, sustainable cities 🏙️, and responsible consumption 🛍️. Students can experience how every decision shifts the whole system. And to achieve sustainability demands data insight, communication, collaboration, and creativity. 🤝🧩 |
| 10 Sept 2025DTUP｜Wetland Farming Field Trip in Mai Po
This semester, the HKBU transdisciplinary course “ITS2028 Global Challenges II” focuses on the theme of “Sustainable Food and Agriculture.” Last Friday, our Year 2 TD students visited the Mai Po Nature Reserve to learn about the impact of farmland on biodiversity from WWF Hong Kong. They also got hands-on experience in #WetlandFarming, gained insights into the #RiceCultivation process, and contributed to the restoration of #PaddyFields! |
| 11 Nov – 12 Nov 2024DTUP｜Transdisciplinary Connections in Sustainable Ocean Student Project Showcase 海洋「非」自由約會
135 students from the ITS1005 Global Challenges course hosted an "Unconventional Ocean Date" (海洋「非」自由約會) student project showcase on campus, featuring 22 innovative ideas to promote a sustainable ocean! The event attracted over 800 participants, including 140 secondary school students and children! |
| 15 Oct 2024DTUP｜Global Challenges - Field trip
Earlier this month, our Year 1 Transdisciplinary students joined field trips in their Global Challenges class🌍. |
| 29 Sept 2024DTUP｜Transdisciplinary Students participated in Sustainable Living Festival
Invited by WWF-Hong Kong, four groups of transdisciplinary students participated in Sustainable Living Festival (好好生活節) on 29-30 Sep 2024. |
| 25-26 Sep 2024DTUP｜Transdisciplinary Students led tutorials in Global ChallengesThis week, our Year 2 and 3 transdisciplinary students acted as ‘students-as-partners’ and led 3 different tutorials for ITS1005 Global Challenges course! They created teaching videos and shared their learning experiences from Sydney and created fun and engaging activities designed to teach a citizen scientist approach to SDG #14: Life Below Water 🌊 #hkbu #hkbudtup #dtup #transdisciplinary #globalchallenge |
| 5 Sept 2024DTUP｜Global Challenges - SDG Game
Beautiful start to the first week! |
| 20 Apr – 22 Apr 2024DTUP｜HKBU x UIC Transdisciplinary Study Tour in Zhuhai 一校兩園跨學科協作項目Echoing the concept of "One University, Two Campuses," 140 Year 1 transdisciplinary students from the HKBU Global Challenges course visited Zhuhai on 20-22 April 2024. They collaborated with 40 students from Beijing Normal University & Hong Kong Baptist University United International College (UIC) to uncover the secrets of sustainable urban development! From Zhuhai's high-tech zone to eco-friendly enterprises, clean energy firms, GAC Tech Museum, Hengqin Town Planning Hall green spaces, and urban parks, these experiences offer our students a fresh learning platform that extends beyond the classroom boundaries into the Greater Bay Area. |
| 10 Apr 2024DTUP｜Field trip to the Yuen Long San Tin Flood Prevention Information Centre and Lai Chi Kok Drainage Tunnel
Dr. Kevin LO led our Global Challenges course students on an eye-opening field trip to the Yuen Long San Tin Flood Prevention Information Centre and Lai Chi Kok Drainage Tunnel. 🌍🌱 The innovative Floating Photovoltaic system with 70 photovoltaic panels in the San Tin Polder save land resources, curb algae growth, and reduce carbon emissions. The students understood more on Hong Kong’s history and causes of flooding and flood prevention strategies as well as the sustainable features in the facilities. |
| 27 Mar 2024DTUP｜Field trip to Eco ParkYear 1 transdisciplinary students embarked on an enlightening journey to Eco Park in their ITS2009 Global Challenges class. 🏙🌿 During the visit, the students were amazed by "1:1 3D Landfill Model," a standout art installation, which offers a vivid glimpse into the journey of garbage management. 🗑🌍 Witnessing the full cycle of municipal solid waste from generation to disposal, students understood more about the crucial role of recycling in our environment. 🔄 An enriching and rewarding learning experience that broadened their perspectives and fueled their passion for sustainability! 🌟🌱 |
| 20 Mar 2024DTUP｜Field trip to Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) HeadquartersEmbarking on a unique educational adventure, students of ITS2009 Global Challenges explored the sustainable solutions by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) Headquarters. 🌿🏗 Walking the Educational Path, the students discovered different outdoor energy-saving facilities, such as a grey water recycling system and a vast Building-Integrated Photovoltaic System of over 2,000 panels across 3,000 square meters. 🌞💧 What an enlightening and captivating journey into the world of mechanical and electrical engineering! |
| 24 Feb 2024DTUP｜Second Runner-Up in The RSLEIHE AwardSecond Runner-Up!!! Congratulations to our Year 2 transdisciplinary students - Nicole (Health Innovations) and Gibson (Global Entertainment) who teamed up with Dr Glos Ho and Ms Katrina Leung for the RSLEIHE Award!! 🥉 |
| 3 Feb 2024DTUP｜"Sustainable Food Futures" WorkshopLed by Dr. Daisy Tam, our Year 1 transdisciplinary students in ITS1008 Global Challenges had a fantastic opportunity to host a workshop on the theme of "Sustainable Food Futures" for local secondary schools. Our students shared insights on the connections between climate change and food consumption through various engaging game booth activities, such as designing a sustainable food diet plan. The event aimed to inspire secondary school students to embrace a sustainable foodie lifestyle. 🌱🍴 |
| 31 Jan 2024DTUP｜Global Challenges - Substainable Eating
🌱 Do you consider the environmental impact of what we eat every day? 🌿 Today, our students in Global Challenges surprised Dr Daisy Tam and her classes with a homemade planet-based breakfast creation – one that is not only delicious but also promotes our well-being and sustainability 🌎 Let's make conscious choices and enjoy yummy, healthy, and sustainable meals together! 🥦🥗 |
| 23 Jan 2024DTUP｜Guest Lecture by Dr. Tong Yung
Thank you to our wonderful guest speaker, Dr. Tony Yung from CUHK for sharing his expertise and empowering students to fuel their bodies with the right nutrients. Feeling enlightened after an incredible guest lecture on food nutrition! 🌿📚🍎 |
| 9 Jan 2024DTUP｜Guest Lecture by WWF Hong Kong
A big thank you to WWF for enlightening our minds with an eye-opening guest lecture! 🌍🍽️ Discover the fascinating connection between our food choices and the environment. Let‘s embark on a journey towards sustainable eating habits.🌱💚 |
| 7 Nov – 8 Nov 2023DTUP｜Exploring Transdisciplinary Connections in Sustainable ClothingCelebrating our Year 1 transdisciplinary students in ITS1008 Global Challenges at HKBU! They explored sustainable clothing across disciplines, interviewed 12 faculty members, and set up 22 booths on campus. Thanks to WWF Hong Kong, Tin Ka Ping Foundation, and our supportive faculty for nurturing their journey. Together, we're building a sustainable future! 💚 |
| 24 Oct 2023DTUP｜Macau Field Trip🌍 Our students had an incredible field trip to Macau yesterday! Huge thanks to CPTTM for their warm reception and the incredible opportunity to delve into Macau's sustainable initiatives 🙏🏼✨ During our visit, we had the privilege of meeting two talented Macau designers who shared their remarkable sustainable efforts.🌿The Yumi technology left our students in awe! 🌱💡 We also visited the Macao Museum of Arts and captured a snapshot in front of 大三巴! Stay tuned as we continue to share more about our field trip and the inspiring lessons we've learned along the way! 💚 |
| 11 Oct 2023DTUP｜Visit to Lenzing's Application Innovation CentreAt Lenzing's Application Innovation Centre, our students explored the incredible versatility of TENCEL™ sustainable fibers derived from renewable wood sources. 🌳 It is a shining example of how science, technology and business unite to shape a sustainable future! |
| 11 Oct 2023DTUP｜Visit to CHAT
Our students had a field trip to Centre for Heritage, Arts and Textile (CHAT) in the Mills about the relationship between Hong Kong’s textile development and the environment. 🌎 |
| 19 Sept 2023DTUP｜WWF Guest lectureA huge thank you to WWF Hong Kong for delivering an amazing talk on sustainable clothing and engaging our students in an interactive game to learn about the trade-offs involved in fabric sustainability. It was eye-opening to understand the environmental impact of different materials. Let’s take this awareness, make conscious choices and contribute to a more sustainable future. |
| 12 Sept 2023DTUP｜‘Virtual’ broken heart museumIn today’s ITS1008 Global Challenges class activity, our trans-disciplinary students put together a ‘virtual’ broken heart museum by creating videos to say goodbye to unsustainable behaviours on campus. We were truly impressed by their creativity to pave the way for a sustainable future! Let's give them a round of applause! |
| 6 Sept 2023DTUP｜SDG GameWhat kind of world do you want to see in 2030? One of the students shared an inspiring reflection after participating in the SDG simulation game -“Every action or inaction has the power to shape the world." |
| 3 Apr 2023DTUP｜Community for Urban SustainabilityDr. Ricky Spencer (Associate Professor, Western Sydney University) outlined the challenges associated with sustainability in urban environments and how urban areas could contribute significantly to addressing biodiversity issues, while Mr. Chong Chan Yau (CEO and founder of CarbonCare InnoLab) discussed how CarbonCare promotes climate change and carbon neutrality. |
| 27 Mar 2023DTUP｜Government Policy for SustainabilityMr. Alfred Sit (former Secretary for Innovation and Technology) discussed Hong Kong's environmental protection policy framework while Dr. Daphne Mah (Associate Professor, Dept of Geography) discussed how innovative technology can be used to monitor and reduce energy consumption in communities. |
| 20 Mar 2023DTUP｜When Geography meets BusinessDr. Meiyu Guo (Assistant Professor, Dept of Geography) shared her research on how much water is needed to extract shale gas in China and how to monitor methane emissions, whereas Dr. Clara Kan (Senior Lecturer, School of Business) stressed how sustainability has become mainstream in business by introducing the concepts of ESG, CSV, and CSR. |
| 14 Mar 2023DTUP｜Field Visit: Nan Lian GardenNan Lian Garden is a Chinese-Buddhist Garden jointly developed and run by the Chi Lin Nunnery and the Hong Kong Government. During the field trip, the students learned how urban parks contribute to city sustainability. |
| 7 Mar 2023DTUP｜Field Visit: Electrical and Mechanical Services Department HeadquartersIn Semester 2, AY2022-23, the second part of ITS2009 Global Challenges II focused on SDG Goal #: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Students learnt about green buildings, sustainable lifestyles, and the role of the EMSD in promoting sustainable cities in Hong Kong. |
| 31 Jan 2023DTUP｜Field Visit: LU Jockey Club Gerontech LabThe LU Jockey Club Gerontech Lab field visit allows students to meet with volunteers who provide services to the elderly and learn about the impact of Covid-19 on elderly and Gerontechnology products related to healthcare, dining, living, and transportation. |
| 9 Jan 2023DTUP｜Student Dialogue with a Medical PractitionerIn Semester 2, AY2022-23, the first part of ITS2009 Global Challenges II focused on SDG Goal #3: Good Health and Social Well-being. Dr. Chow Yat, Psychiatrist and the Executive Medical Director at Quality HealthCare Medical Services Ltd, explained how innovation in data, technology, and healthcare delivery models helped achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. |
| 2 Dec 2022DTUP｜Art and Peacemaking Student ExhibitionStudents showcased their creative work in Tddc around Family Harmony and Social Inclusion. |
| 28 Sept 2022DTUP｜Art and Peacemaking Ideation workshopMs Sally Leung, a local artist, guided students through the process of making innovative art as they explored the relationship between art and peacebuilding. |
| 24 Sept 2022DTUP｜Field Visit: Social InclusionIn addition to the field trip to Sham Shui Po District, students also interacted with ethnic minorities in the Jordan District to learn about their challenges strained by cultural and religious differences. |
| 24 Sept 2022DTUP｜Field Visit: Family HarmonyIn Semester 1, AY2022-23, ITS1008 Global Challenges I focused on SDG Goal #16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. During their interactions with local residents and social workers in Sham Shui Po District, students gained insight into family harmony, the living environment, and daily challenges. |
| 5 Sept 2022DTUP｜Introduction to the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)Mr. Andy Fung (Lead of SDG Campus, Hong Kong Institute of Education for Sustainable Development) introduced the United Nation' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to the first cohort of 115 transdisciplinary students. |