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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: Ming Pao Daily News - https://polyu.me/4uztjf1; https://polyu.me/3RKfOKJ Hong Kong Economic Times - https://polyu.me/4nJNnbK (subscription required) Sing Tao Daily - https://polyu.me/4vaEE4Z (subscription required) Headline Daily - https://polyu.me/43q1rhk Dot Dot News - https://polyu.me/4fFG2YH HKCNA - https://bit.ly/4u6AN8k  

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.

BDSIS at PolyU Counsellors Fly in Programme 2026

The College of Undergraduate Studies (CUS) was thrilled to take part for the first time in the Counsellors Fly-in Programme 2026, organised by the PolyU Global Engagement Office. This exciting event welcomed 25 counsellors from 23 schools across 14 countries and regions – including Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Georgia, Indonesia, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Russia, Serbia, Switzerland, Thailand, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan — to explore the PolyU campus.   During the panel discussion, Prof. Alan P.T. LAU, Associate Dean of CUS, introduced our new Bachelor’s Degree Scheme in Interdisciplinary Studies (BDSIS), facilitating counsellors gain insights to better support students interested in studying at PolyU.   At the mini fair, many counsellors visited the CUS booth to learn more about our BDSIS programme – an elite programme for top-performing students designed to provide interdisciplinary learning, flexible study pathways, and personalised mentorship from PolyU’s distinguished scholars.    

BDSIS Student Gathering with PolyU Central Management Team

The Bachelor’s Degree Scheme in Interdisciplinary Studies (BDSIS) Student Gathering with the Central Management Team of PolyU, organised by the College of Undergraduate Studies (CUS), was successfully held at the Alumni Atrium on the afternoon of 2 February 2026.   It was an honour for the first cohort of nineteen BDSIS students to meet members of the The Hong Kong Polytechnic University - PolyU Central Management Team, including Prof. Jin‑Guang TENG, President of PolyU, Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU, and Prof. CAO Jiannong, Vice President (Education) of PolyU. Senior representatives from College of Undergraduate Studies, PolyU also attended, including Prof. Daniel T.L. SHEK, Dean of CUS and Chair Professor(APSS), Prof. CHEN Juan, Associate Dean of CUS and Professor(APSS), Prof. Alan P.T. LAU, Associate Dean of CUS and Professor(EEE), and Prof. ZHU Xiaoqin Julie, Assistant Dean of CUS and Assistant Professor(APSS).   During the gathering, BDSIS students shared their learning experiences from the first semester. Many students expressed that the programme’s flexible study pathways provided them with greater independence and stronger self‑discipline. The session offered a valuable opportunity for students to discuss both the challenges and benefits of their studies and to engage directly with the University’s management.   The event concluded with a Chinese New Year celebration, where students and professors created a “福” character collage and enjoyed light refreshments. The BDSIS students look forward to the future gatherings and continued sharing.   The BDSIS programme offers top‑performing students an interdisciplinary learning experience with flexible study options, personalised coaching, and diverse learning opportunities to support their academic and personal growth.