Message from Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning)

Dear colleagues and students

I’m writing to share with you the exciting news that two of our colleagues, Dr. Koon Yee Wan of the Faculty of Arts and Professor Daniel Wong Fu Keung of the Faculty of Social Sciences, have received awards under the 2021 UGC Teaching Award scheme. The UGC Teaching Award was established to honour teachers who excel across the entire UGC sector.

Dr. Koon Yee Wan has been honoured with the UGC Teaching Award under the General Faculty Members category. Dr. Koon joined the University in 2006 and is currently Chair of the Department of Art History. Dr. Koon’s teaching excellence has been recognised in Faculty and University teaching awards. Her vision is to transform students’ curiosity into a deeper commitment to the arts. Her ‘art history in action’ strategy underpins her innovative and effective redesign of HKU’s art history programme. She leverages her vast networks for student learning to illustrate the role of art in society and highlight the myriad career opportunities in the arts ecosystem. Dr. Koon is an exceptional educator who epitomizes all that is best about teaching and learning in academia: her disciplinary expertise, passion, energy and genuine care for her students are an inspiration to all. Her immense contributions have lifted the profile of arts education within Hong Kong and across the globe.

Professor Daniel Wong Fu Keung is a member of a cross-institutional team that received the UGC Teaching Award (Teams). The Award recognizes the “Joint University Mental-Wellness Project (JUMP)”, which is a collaborative initiative among five local universities led by City University of Hong Kong. Professor Wong is a leader in cognitive behavioral therapy, with a specialism in adapting western frameworks to eastern contexts. His commitment to teaching has previously been recognised at both Faculty and University levels.

The University’s press release can be accessed at: https://www.hku.hk/press/news_detail_23301.html

Please join me in extending our warmest congratulations to Dr. Koon and Professor Wong!

Best wishes, Ian

Professor Ian Holliday
Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor
(Teaching and Learning)