Hong Kong Shue Yan University (HKSYU) has welcomed a growing number of non-Chinese speaking students from diverse religious backgrounds, including Muslim students, in recent years. When Dr Philip LEE Tin-yun, Associate Head of the Department of Economics and Finance, learned that Muslim students were finding it difficult to access halal food in Hong Kong, he partnered with Mr Bosco TSIN Hingyan, Lecturer in the same department, to develop Islamic Compass HK. The mobile application helps users locate halal restaurants, prayer rooms, and hotels across the city, supporting Muslim students as they adapt to local life.

Dr LEE explained that the idea arose after conversations with Muslim students who shared their challenges in finding halal options. With the International Foundation Year Programme (IFYP) now attracting a significant number of Muslim students, the team saw value in creating a platform that consolidates information on Muslim-friendly facilities.

Mr TSIN, who led the design and coding of the application, took about six months to complete the project development with support from student assistants. He noted that creating a mobile app posed different challenges compared with website design, as apps must be deployed to Google Play or the App Store, requiring familiarity with both Android and iOS systems and their limitations. Mapping halal facilities also required the manual entry of GPS coordinates for each location, a process supported by student helpers. Dr LEE added that most of the data, including addresses and facility details, was sourced from the Hong Kong Tourism Board.

With the new academic year underway, Dr LEE plans to introduce the app first to Muslim students in the IFYP, whose feedback will serve to improve the app’s functionality. If well received, the team hopes to extend its promotion to other institutions and explore collaboration with the Tourism Board. Mr TSIN also noted the potential for future partnerships with restaurants, enabling the app to feature individual dining options.

Dr LEE and Mr TSIN are both committed to using technology to advance liberal arts education, aligning with HKSYU’s broader vision in digital humanities. Using a mobile app and GPS function, the project reflects the University’s dedication to cultural diversity and inclusion.“ If students struggle to adjust to life in Hong Kong, this app provides an easy and effective way to support them,” Dr LEE said.

Cover photo: Dr Philip LEE (left) and Lecturer Mr Bosco TSIN.

Source: October 2025 Issue