At the 2025 UGC Teaching Award, PolyU academics scooped two awards in the Individual Faculty Members category and the Early Career Faculty Members category respectively. Click on this link for more information about this year’s UGC Teaching Award.
Professor Shirley Ngai received the 2025 UGC Teaching Award in the Individual Faculty Members category
Professor Shirley Ngai, Associate Head and Associate Professor of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences
Professor Ngai’s pioneering initiatives have revolutionised competency-based clinical training. She was the first to introduce medication simulation into physiotherapy education in Hong Kong, elevating the authenticity and effectiveness of clinical learning. Her groundbreaking structured programme of “SIMulation & Standardised Programme for Advancing Clinical Education” (SIM S.P.A.C.E.) and the innovative “Mobile Apps for CARdiorespiratory Placement Survival (MoCARPs)” have empowered students to excel in real-world clinical environments, resulting in a marked increase in clinical placement outcomes.
A champion of holistic education, Professor Ngai has bridged the gap between technical expertise and essential soft skills. Her development of online modules and a globally recognised MOOC has fostered cultural competence, empathy, and interprofessional collaboration among thousands of learners from over 130 regions. Her leadership in faculty development and the launch of the Teaching and Learning Innovations in Rehabilitation Sciences Conference have cultivated a vibrant and forward-thinking academic community.
Professor Ngai’s research-informed, technology-enhanced pedagogy—spanning mobile apps, e-books, VR, and AR—has set new benchmarks for student engagement and self-directed learning. Her decisive leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic led to the rapid creation of blended clinical education solutions, ensuring uninterrupted, high-quality training and earning accolades from professional bodies.
Professor Jeffrey Leung received the 2025 UGC Teaching Award in the Early Career Faculty Members category
Professor Jeffrey Leung, Assistant Professor of the School of Optometry
Professor Leung’s teaching philosophy is grounded in experiential and transformative learning. He engages students through immersive, real-world projects that foster critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication. Notable innovations include transforming traditional assignments into dynamic group projects and initiating interdisciplinary collaborations with education students to address paediatric eye care for children with special educational needs (SEN). These initiatives have significantly enhanced students’ empathy, social responsibility, and understanding of diverse patient needs.
Harnessing the power of cutting-edge technology, Professor Leung has developed an AI-assisted clinical skill assessment system that delivers instant and objective feedback and elevates diagnostic training. His ability to bridge theory and practice has resulted in tangible student achievements, including clinical product prototypes and recognition in prestigious competitions.
Professor Leung’s influence extends far beyond the classroom. He has secured substantial funding for teaching innovation, led projects recognised at the highest level, and consistently earned positive student feedback. His unwavering commitment to professional growth is reflected in his active research, engagement in teaching development initiatives, and dissemination of his innovations on international platforms.
