News

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!  

PolyU Launches Interdisciplinary Programme to Break Academic Boundaries and Empower Students to Shape Their Future

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has introduced a new Bachelor’s Degree Scheme in Interdisciplinary Studies (BDSIS) starting from the 2025/26 academic year. The programme breaks away from traditional disciplinary boundaries, enabling students to design their own major combinations based on their interests and aspirations. Supported by one-on-one guidance from leading scholars, BDSIS aims to cultivate interdisciplinary thinking and independent learning capabilities. Through flexible and personalised learning, students are encouraged to address real-world challenges, with the goal of nurturing future leaders equipped with systems thinking, strong interpersonal skills, and holistic development to meet the growing demand for versatile talent in a rapidly evolving society. A Student-Centred Educational Approach In today’s fast-evolving AI landscape, Professor Daniel T. L. SHEK, Associate Vice President (Undergraduate Programme) and Dean of College of Undergraduate Studies at PolyU, mentioned that traditional single-discipline education models are no longer sufficient to address future challenges. He emphasised that modern education must shift towards a student-centred approach, placing greater focus on personalisation, interactivity, and flexibility. By fostering interdisciplinary competencies, BDSIS prepares students to tackle complex global issues such as climate change while enhancing their long-term competitiveness. During its first year, the programme admitted 19 students, many of whom possess strengths in both humanities and sciences, demonstrating strong interdisciplinary potential. One-on-One Mentorship by Leading Scholars to Build Personalised Learning Pathways Professor Alan P. T. LAU, Associate Dean of the College of Undergraduate Studies and Programme Leader of BDSIS, explained that BDSIS is designed around each student’s aspirations, with a customised four-year study plan tailored to individual goals. In their first year, students can explore courses across different faculties before selecting and integrating subjects from various disciplines based on their interests. To support this process, each student is paired with a distinguished Personal Academic Mentor (PAM), including scholars ranked among the World’s top 2% most-cited researchers by Stanford University and Clarivate. As each student follows a unique academic pathway, the degree awarded upon graduation will reflect their chosen field of specialisation. Degree titles will follow the format: Bachelor of Arts / Business Administration / Engineering / Science (Honours) in Interdisciplinary Studies (Specialisation). For instance, a student specialising in Engineering and Artificial Intelligence will be awarded a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Interdisciplinary Studies (Engineering and Artificial Intelligence). Student Perspective on Interdisciplinary Learning He Xiaoxian, a student of the first cohort hopes to major in Educational Technology. In her first year, she has chosen electives in areas such as Applied Mathematics, Applied Physics, Data Science and AI, Applied Social Sciences, and Design. She shared that interdisciplinary learning enables her to integrate knowledge from various fields and develop multi-dimensional analytical skills, while also deepening her awareness of global educational inequality. She hopes to leverage AI to drive innovation in education and promote greater equity. She also highlighted the value of the one-on-one academic mentorship, which provides personalised guidance and timely feedback. Through cross-faculty learning, she has gained exposure to peers from diverse backgrounds, broadening her perspectives. She believes this programme’s high degree of flexibility allows her to align her studies closely with her aspirations and hopes to apply her interdisciplinary knowledge and skills to address educational inequality in the future.   Online coverage: Dot Dot News - https://polyu.me/4fFG2YH Headline Daily - https://polyu.me/43q1rhk HKCNA - https://bit.ly/4u6AN8k Sing Tao Daily - https://polyu.me/4vaEE4Z (subscription required) Hong Kong Economic Times - https://polyu.me/4nJNnbK (subscription required) Ming Pao Daily News - https://polyu.me/4uztjf1; https://polyu.me/3RKfOKJ

BDSIS Programme Seminar at PolyU JUPAS Admissions Q&A 2026

The PolyU JUPAS Admissions Q&A 2026 on campus activities were successfully held on 9 May 2026 (Saturday), designing specifically for current JUPAS applicants. The College of Undergraduate Studies (CUS) was pleased to participate in the event by organising a consultation session and programme seminar on the new elite programme – JS3000 Bachelor’s Degree Scheme in Interdisciplinary Studies (BDSIS). The sessions provided students with the latest programme information and support in refining their programme choices ahead of the mid-to-late July modification deadline. The programme seminar was conducted by Prof. Alan P. T. LAU, Associate Dean of CUS and Programme Leader of BDSIS, and attracted over 50 participants, including JUPAS applicants and parents. Prof. LAU introduced the programme’s vision, curriculum structure, and admission arrangements. He highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary studies in addressing complex real world challenges, and explained how BDSIS integrates knowledge across disciplines to develop critical thinking, creativity and adaptability. Prof. LAU also shared how PolyU leverages its academic strengths, research excellence, and close faculty mentorship to nurture future leaders through the BDSIS programme. With a highly flexible and self determined curriculum, personalised academic mentoring, and experiential learning opportunities, BDSIS empowers students to explore their interests across faculties before defining their academic and career pathways. The seminar received positive responses and active enquiries from both students and parents, who expressed strong interest in PolyU’s interdisciplinary education approach and its commitment to talent development. Participants found the session helpful in gaining a deeper understanding of how BDSIS supports PolyU’s mission of innovation, holistic education, and leadership development.  

CUS hosts the BDSIS Public Seminar on Emotional Intelligence in the Age of AI

The College of Undergraduate Studies (CUS) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) successfully hosted the BDSIS Public Seminar titled “The Human Edge: Why Emotional Intelligence Matters More in the Age of AI” on 30 March 2026. The seminar attracted over 80 participants, including Bachelor’s Degree Scheme in Interdisciplinary Studies (BDSIS) students, as well as students and staff from across the University. Marking the first public event organised by BDSIS, this seminar opened the newly launched elite programme to the wider PolyU community and fostered insightful discussion on the growing importance of emotional intelligence in a technology‑driven world. The seminar featured Dr. Ling LAM, Lecturer in Management at Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB), as the keynote speaker. Dr. LAM is widely recognised as the instructor of Stanford GSB’s acclaimed Interpersonal Dynamics course, commonly known as “Touchy Feely”, which focuses on emotional intelligence and leadership development. Moderated by Prof. Alan P. T. LAU, Associate Dean of CUS and Programme Leader of BDSIS, the seminar explored how rapid advances in artificial intelligence are reshaping the global economy while simultaneously elevating the importance of human‑centred skills. Drawing on insights from behavioural economics, neuroscience, and happiness research, Dr. Lam highlighted that success and fulfilment increasingly depend on self‑awareness, empathy, adaptability, and meaningful human relationships—capabilities that artificial intelligence cannot replicate. Following the public seminar, Dr. Lam led an exclusive workshop designed for BDSIS students. This interactive session provided students with an opportunity to engage more deeply and build stronger, more effective relationships. BDSIS students shared that the workshop offered valuable insights by integrating technical knowledge with essential human skills, helping them better prepare for an AI‑driven era. The BDSIS Public Seminar forms part of CUS’s ongoing efforts to promote interdisciplinary education and engage the wider community in discussions on pressing global and societal issues. BDSIS is a prestigious program designed for top‑performing students, offering a highly flexible, interdisciplinary, and customised learning pathway for each student. Each BDSIS student is paired with a renowned PolyU professor as a Personal Academic Mentor (PAM), enabling students to pursue their aspirations through a self‑determined curriculum aligned with their academic and career goals.