News

Prof. Daniel Shek Named 2026 Highly Ranked Scholar by ScholarGPS

Prof. Daniel T.L. Shek, Associate Vice President (Undergraduate Programme) and Dean of the College of Undergraduate Studies has been named a 2026 Highly Ranked Scholar (Lifetime) by ScholarGPS in recognition of his exceptional productivity, noteworthy impact and quality of scholarly work. He was ranked top 0.05% out of 30 million scholars worldwide in different fields: all fields of scholarly endeavours, social sciences, social work, Chinese kinship, adolescence, longitudinal study, and mainland China, well-being and COVD-19. Notably, Prof. Shek’s work in social work and Chinese kinship was ranked No. 1 globally in this year’s evaluation. His achievements underscore his significant influence and leadership in academia, as well as his dedication to advancing knowledge and making a lasting impact on society.

BDSIS Personal Academic Mentors (PAMs) Welcome Gathering 2026

The Bachelor’s Degree Scheme in Interdisciplinary Studies (BDSIS) Personal Academic Mentors (PAMs) Welcome Gathering 2026, organised by the College of Undergraduate Studies (CUS), was successfully held on 29 and 30 September 2026. The gathering brought together dedicated PAMs from various academic departments to exchange insights, share mentoring experiences, and strengthen the support network for BDSIS students. Prof. Daniel T.L. SHEK, Associate Vice President (Undergraduate Programme) and Dean of CUS, kicked off the gathering by warmly welcoming the PAMs and acknowledging their pivotal role in student development. Prof. Shek also presented key programme updates, highlighted students’ progress in interdisciplinary learning, and recapped recent student milestones. Following this, Prof. Alan P.T. LAU, Associate Dean of CUS and Programme Leader of BDSIS, shared the educational philosophy underpinning the interdisciplinary programme, as well as the unique learning aspirations of the new BDSIS cohort. A special highlight of the gathering was a mentorship video showcase featuring practical mentoring stories and reflections from two PAM–student pairs: Prof. Chih-yung WEN (AAE) and student NIU Zhaoran, as well as Prof. XIAO Zhonghua (AMA) and student HUANG Shiqi. The sharing offered valuable perspectives on guiding BDSIS students through their academic exploration and personal growth. The gathering also provided a fruitful platform for networking and dynamic exchanges, where PAMs discussed effective advising practices and explored innovative ways to enrich students’ interdisciplinary learning pathways. Personal Academic Mentors play a pivotal role in guiding students along their unique learning journeys. CUS extends its sincere appreciation to all PAMs for their dedication, passion, and continuous commitment to nurturing our students into future-ready leaders, and looks forward to further collaboration in the academic year ahead.

BDSIS Mid-Autumn Festival Student Gathering 2026

The Bachelor’s Degree Scheme in Interdisciplinary Studies (BDSIS) Mid-Autumn Festival Student Gathering, organised by the College of Undergraduate Studies (CUS), was successfully held on 25 September 2026, bringing together Year 1 and Year 2 students for the sharing, networking and festive celebration. The gathering commenced with welcoming remarks by Prof. Daniel T.L. SHEK, Associate Vice President (Undergraduate Programme) and Dean of CUS, followed by an introduction of the Year 1 cohort by Prof. Alan P.T. LAU, Associate Dean of CUS and Programme Leader of BDSIS. Students from both cohorts also participated in a group photo session, fostering a stronger sense of community within the programme. During the student sharing session, Year 2 students HOU Mingtong and CAI Enguang shared their university experiences and personal learning journeys. The Undergraduate Studies Support Team also introduced the Undergraduate Research and Innovation Scheme (URIS), encouraging students to explore research and experiential learning opportunities. Students then enjoyed lunch and networking activities, followed by interactive games. These activities created a lively atmosphere and provided opportunities for students to connect and learn more about one another. The gathering concluded with a mingling session.   Through meaningful interactions and festive activities, the event strengthened connections among BDSIS students and enhanced their sense of belonging to the BDSIS community. CUS looks forward to supporting students through more engagement activities in the future.  

The P.A.T.H.S. Programme receives six awards at iCAN 2026

The P.A.T.H.S. Programme, led by Prof. Daniel SHEK, Associate Vice President (Undergraduate Programme), Dean of the College of Undergraduate Studies, Chair Professor of Applied Social Sciences, and Li and Fung Endowed Professor in Service Leadership Education at PolyU, received a Gold Medal, the Croatian Inventors Network (SHI) Special Award, and the Top 20 Best Invention Award at the International Invention and Innovation Competition (iCAN 2026) event organised by the Toronto International Society of Innovation and Advanced Skills (TISIAS). The awards were selected from 763 entries submitted by participants from 55 countries and regions. The project team from the Department of Applied Social Sciences consists of Prof. Daniel SHEK (Team Leader), Prof. Xiaoqin ZHU (Deputy Team Leader), Prof. Xiang LI, Prof. Janet LEUNG, and Prof. Diya DOU. The Indonesian version of the P.A.T.H.S. Programme also led by Prof. Shek and developed in collaboration with colleagues from Malaysia, Canada, Indonesia, and the Philippines, also achieved remarkable success at the same event. It received a Gold Medal, the Korea University Invention Association (KUIA) Special Award, and the Top 10 Best Invention Award from the same pool of international entries. These achievements underscore the growing international recognition of the P.A.T.H.S. Programme and its impact on promoting youth development across diverse cultural contexts. To date, the P.A.T.H.S. Programme has received a total of 20 international awards.

CUS Engages New Students at Orientation Showcase 2026

The College of Undergraduate Studies (CUS) took part in the Orientation Showcase 2026 on 1 September at the Shaw Sports Complex, as part of PolyU Student Orientation. With over 45 booths from administrative units, student organisations, and campus partners, the event gave freshmen a chance to explore university life and learn about the resources and support services available at PolyU.” At the CUS booth, staff members introduced students to the University's learning opportunities and undergraduate support initiatives. Highlights included the Bachelor's Degree Scheme in Interdisciplinary Studies (BDSIS), the Minor in Research and Innovation Programme, the Minor in Service-Learning for Socially Responsible Leadership, General University Requirements (GUR), National Education (NE), non-local Co-curricular Activities Requirement (CAR) learning experiences, and the support services provided by the Undergraduate Studies Support Team (USST). The booth attracted over 800 students throughout the day. Through engaging conversations with CUS staff, students learned more about the University's diverse learning opportunities, academic support services, and development pathways, gaining valuable insights into how they can make the most of their PolyU experience and achieve their academic aspirations. To further enhance student engagement, CUS organised a fun and interactive pitch-pot game, which encouraged participants to learn more about the College's programmes and services in an enjoyable and memorable way. The activity drew enthusiastic participation and contributed to a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere at the booth. Students who participated in the game also received specially prepared souvenirs, which were warmly welcomed by visitors. The event served as a valuable platform for CUS to connect with incoming students, share useful information, and support their successful transition into university life. CUS looks forward to accompanying students throughout their time at PolyU, helping them explore new possibilities, realise their potential, and make the most of the rich learning opportunities and experiences available at the University.  

BDSIS Orientation 2026: Embarking on an Interdisciplinary Journey

The College of Undergraduate Studies (CUS) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) successfully held the Bachelor's Degree Scheme in Interdisciplinary Studies (BDSIS) Orientation Session on 28 August 2026, welcoming the new cohort of students and introducing them to the programme's interdisciplinary learning opportunities, academic support, and student development resources. The session began with a welcome address by Prof. Daniel T.L. SHEK, Associate Vice President (Undergraduate Programme) and Dean of CUS, who highlighted the College's vision and the growing importance of interdisciplinary education and research in addressing complex global challenges. Through examples from different disciplinary areas and impactful research projects, he demonstrated how interdisciplinary collaboration can generate innovative solutions and make a positive impact on society. Prof. Alan P. T. LAU, Associate Dean of CUS and Programme Leader of BDSIS, then introduced the distinctive features of the programme, including its flexible and personalised curriculum, interdisciplinary learning pathways, and dedicated academic mentoring system. He also shared the wide range of learning and development opportunities available to BDSIS students throughout their studies. The orientation also featured a session by WANG Wenyi, a Year 2 BDSIS student, who shared her experiences in the programme for BDSIS students. She introduced the support she had received from her Personal Academic Mentor (PAM) and offered practical advice on subject registration and academic planning. Her sharing provided valuable insights into student life and the learning opportunities available through BDSIS. The event concluded with a networking session, allowing students to connect with faculty members, staff, and fellow classmates. The gathering provided a valuable opportunity for the new cohort to build friendships and begin their BDSIS journey within a supportive learning community. We extend a warm welcome to the 2026/27 BDSIS Cohort and look forward to supporting students throughout their academic journey.

A Summer of Interdisciplinary Exploration: BDSIS Showcased at PolyU Summer Institute 2026

The PolyU Summer Institute 2026, hosted by the Global Engagement Office, concluded successfully at the end of July, bringing together approximately 250 high school students from around the world for an enriching experience of learning, cultural exchange, and global engagement. As part of the closing session on 31 July, Prof. Alan P.T. LAU, Associate Dean of the College of Undergraduate Studies (CUS) and Programme Leader of the Bachelor's Degree Scheme in Interdisciplinary Studies (BDSIS), shared with participants the value of interdisciplinary education in addressing today's complex challenges. He encouraged students to embrace curiosity, innovation, and collaboration in their academic and professional journeys. Prof. LAU also shared his insights on the future of university education in the AI era, highlighting the growing importance of interdisciplinary learning in an increasingly interconnected world. He emphasised that students need to integrate knowledge across disciplines and develop an adaptable mindset to address future challenges.  He also introduced BDSIS, which offers a flexible and personalised curriculum, academic mentoring, and experiential learning opportunities, reflecting PolyU's commitment to student-centred and AI-enabled education. We are delighted to have been part of this inspiring summer programme and look forward to welcoming more talented students from around the world to the PolyU community in the future.  

PolyU Bachelor’s Degree Scheme in Interdisciplinary Studies (BDSIS) Featured on NowTV’s programme

With the HKDSE results release approaching, Professor Daniel T. L. SHEK, Associate Vice President (Undergraduate Programme) and Dean of College of Undergraduate Studies at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), was recently interviewed on NowTV’s programme “News Magazine” to share insights into the distinctive features and future vision of JS3000 – Bachelor’s Degree Scheme in Interdisciplinary Studies (BDSIS). BDSIS is designed for students who aspire to go beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries and create personalised learning pathways that address complex real-world challenges. Key highlights of JS3000: Flexibility to design an individualised study pathway beyond conventional faculty and departmental structures Opportunities to explore different academic disciplines in the first year before tailoring a unique academic journey Dedicated guidance from a Personal Academic Mentor (PAM), including leading scholars and researchers A curriculum that empowers students to tackle local, national, and global issues through interdisciplinary learning Online coverage: Now TV - https://polyu.me/3Td4NCp; https://polyu.me/4vW5kai

BDSIS Featured in PolyU’s Excel x Impact: Nurturing Tomorrow’s Interdisciplinary Visionaries

We are thrilled to share that the Bachelor's Degree Scheme in Interdisciplinary Studies (BDSIS) has been featured in the latest issue of PolyU's flagship magazine, Excel x Impact (Issue 18, June 2026). The cover story, "Nurturing Tomorrow's Interdisciplinary Visionaries", showcases how BDSIS equips students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to thrive in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world. The feature highlights the vision and insights of Prof. Daniel T. L. SHEK, Associate Vice President (Undergraduate Programmes) and Dean of the College of Undergraduate Studies at PolyU; Prof. Alan P. T. LAU, Associate Dean of the College and Programme Leader of BDSIS; and Ms. HE Xiaoxian, our BDSIS student. Using the beaver as a metaphor for interdisciplinary learning, the article illustrates how future leaders need to integrate knowledge across disciplines, collaborate effectively, and develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges. The story also showcases how BDSIS combines academic flexibility, experiential learning, and personalised mentorship to nurture the next generation of interdisciplinary thinkers and problem-solvers. Read the full article here: https://polyu.hk/PTeAf 

BDSIS Student Achieves Global Top 60 in the 5th China Future Financial Analyst Competition

The finals of the 5th China Future Financial Analyst Competition recently concluded in Beijing. Jointly organised by the Beijing Financial Development Centre and the CFA Institute, this year's competition focused on the theme "Driving New Quality Productive Forces with Finance: Innovation and Synergistic Development of the Real Economy". We are delighted to share that WANG Wenyi, a Year 1 student of the Bachelor's Degree Scheme in Interdisciplinary Studies (BDSIS), and her team achieved a Global Top 60 ranking. The competition attracted around 9,000 students from more than 500 universities worldwide, making this accomplishment particularly remarkable. The competition is a practice-oriented research platform that encourages students to address real-world financial and industry challenges through rigorous analysis and innovative thinking. Participating teams were required to develop in-depth research reports that demonstrated analytical insight, creativity, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This year, Wang and her teammates explored the application of AI-powered mathematical modelling for optimal resource allocation in the commercial aerospace sector, addressing the competition's focus on innovation, digital transformation, and AI integration. Wang's personalised interdisciplinary study pathway focuses on Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Analysis. Her achievement reflects the strengths of interdisciplinary learning, combining analytical expertise, innovative thinking, and effective collaboration across disciplines. Congratulations to Wenyi and her teammates on this outstanding achievement!