Digitally Enabled Liberal Arts Education: Enhancing Student Competitiveness

Hong Kong Shue Yan University (HKSYU) has made its debut in the QS World University Rankings 2027, achieving outstanding performance in indicators such as“Global Engagement”, “Academic Reputation,” and “Employer Reputation.” This milestone reflects widespread external recognition of the University’s teaching quality and educational outcomes. Facing rapid digital transformation and the swift development of artificial intelligence (AI), HKSYU will drive innovation in teaching and learning under the key strategic directions of “Digital Humanities” and “Knowledge Transfer,” enhancing students’ global competitiveness and sense of social responsibility.

Dr WONG Ka-ki, Associate Academic Vice President (Teaching and Learning Development), stated that HKSYU’s Strategic Plan for 2026–2030 is centred on “Enhancing global competence through a digitally enabled liberal arts education.” Aligned with the University’s future roadmap, this strategy integrates digital technology into Shue Yan’s deep-rooted foundation of liberal arts education, empowering students to master future-ready digital capabilities built upon solid disciplinary training.

In terms of teaching and learning development, HKSYU will enhance students’ digital literacy, research methodologies, and AI literacy to nurture ethical and responsible digital citizens. Dr WONG emphasised that in the era of AI, the focus is not merely on “whether to use AI,” but rather on how to harness AI effectively to elevate teaching and learning across all academic disciplines. “In recent years, tools such as VR/AR, Generative AI, and digital archives have been progressively integrated into courses from History and Sociology to Media. This enables students to acquire skills in data analytics, digital storytelling, and immersive presentation while receiving rigorous humanities training,” she noted.

She added that HKSYU will strengthen interactions with communities, industries, and professional sectors to promote collaboration across research, academia, and industry. By offering a broader array of local and global experiential learning opportunities, the University aims to connect academic curricula more closely with future career development. “HKSYU has continuously expanded overseas exchange opportunities in recent years while extending its partnership network with Chinese Mainland and overseas institutions, allowing students to apply their knowledge in cross-cultural environments and broaden their horizons.”

To respond to talent demands from society and emerging industries, HKSYU continues to develop interdisciplinary undergraduate programmes. For instance, the Department of Sociology offers the Bachelor of Social Sciences (Hons) in Arts, Culture and Technology; the Department of Data Science and Digital Innovation offers the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Digital Solutions for Entertainment and Game Applications; and the Department of Counselling and Psychology offers the Bachelor of Social Sciences (Hons) in Forensic and Investigative Psychology. These programmes incorporate elements of cultural technology, creative industries, gaming applications, justice, law enforcement, and mental health to cultivate versatile professionals tailored to various sectors. Moving forward, the University will continuously review and explore new programmes integrated with digital technology in response to societal and industrial changes.

Minor programmes are another crucial pillar in HKSYU’s push for interdisciplinary learning. Following recent curriculum enhancements, the vast majority of undergraduate programmes now feature free elective credits for minor studies enrolment. “The University currently offers 15 minor options spanning literature, history, social sciences, business and finance, data science, psychology, and journalism and communication. Students can build a multidisciplinary competitive advantage through a ‘Major + Minor’ combination aligned with their primary discipline and career aspirations—gaining depth in their major while establishing breadth and practical agility in another field.”

HKSYU has always upheld its founding motto of “Cultivating virtues of benevolence; broadening horizon and knowledge” (敦仁博物), striking a balance between liberal arts education and the digital era. It places equal emphasis on Confucian cultural values and moral character while actively embracing technological innovation and internationalisation. Evolving from a post-secondary college into a private university, Shue Yan’s growth relies on the collective support of faculty, students, alumni, and community partners.

Looking ahead to the University’s 55th anniversary, Dr WONG Ka-ki wished HKSYU continued success in steering towards digitally enabled liberal arts education. She hopes the University will elevate teaching, research, and community service while safeguarding core values of humanistic care, integrity, commitment, and social contribution—nurturing responsible citizens equipped with a global vision and local action capabilities.