Prof. William Shi-Yuan Wang Awarded Honorary Professorship by Macau University of Science and Technology

Prof. William Shi-Yuan Wang, Chair Professor of Language and Cognitive Sciences, received an Honorary Professorship from Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST) on 13 September 2023 for his outstanding achievements. Prof. Wang also gave an invited lecture at the Master Series Lectures of Science and Technology “Human Languages, Past, Present & Future” hosted by MUST on the occasion.

Join the FH Massive Open Online Course (MOOC): Humanities in Focus

Join the FH Massive Open Online Course (MOOC): Humanities in Focus to explore What is Humanities, Why Humanities Matter but more importantly, Why Humanities Matters to You! The questioning, humanising and connecting approach of humanities education trains all of us to think critically and creatively. In the context of humanities, thinking critically and creatively means to reflect on our personal values and experiences, and challenge what we think we know, and explore how other people may see or experience the world differently from us. Start your journey of thinking critically and creatively by joining the course in just three simple steps: https://www.edx.org/learn/humanities/the-hong-kong-polytechnic-university-Humanities-in-Focus Click Enroll Register/Sign in Join the MOOC when it launches on 25 September! Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to deepen your understanding of Humanities.

CBS PhD Student Won Championship in the 48th Hong Kong Youth Translation Competition

Ms Hui Ka-yee, a CBS PhD student, won the champion of English-Chinese translation and the second runner-up of Chinese-English translation in the Open Section of the 48th Hong Kong Youth Translation Competition, which is the highest-level translation contest in Hong Kong. The competition, held in May 2023, was jointly organised by the Hong Kong Youth Cultural and Arts Competitions, the Society of Chinese Accountants and Auditors, and the Hong Kong Translation Society. It consisted of three sections: open, senior secondary, and junior secondary. More than 50 participants joined the Open Section, making it a highly competitive arena. Details of the competition: https://www.hkts.org.hk/events/2082    

PolyU Launches Yuen Ren Chao Prize in Language Sciences Recognising Outstanding Scholars in the Field

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is proud to announce the launch of the Yuen Ren Chao Prize in Language Sciences (“the Prize”) which aims to recognise the study of language sciences and honour those who have made distinguished contributions to the field. The Prize is named in honour of the late Prof. Yuen Ren CHAO who is widely regarded as the father of modern Chinese language studies. Prof. Chao’s legacy as a distinguished linguist, poet, composer, translator and educator has left an indelible mark on scholars in China, Asia and around the world. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU and the University senior management, joined by Prof. LI Ping, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Prof. William Shi-Yuan WANG, Chair Professor of Language and Cognitive Sciences as well as distinguished guests including Dr Louis NG Chi-wa, Director of Hong Kong Palace Museum; Prof. Ovid Jyh-Lang TZENG, Academician of Academic Sinica; Dr Warren MOK, Artistic Director of Opera Hong Kong and renowned tenor; Ms Bing Bing WANG, renowned soprano; and Prof. XU Jie, Dean of Faculty of Arts and Humanities of the University of Macau, officiated at the Launch Ceremony. The Ceremony opened with welcoming remarks from Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, followed by a remembering of Prof. Yuen Ren Chao by Prof. William Wang, a sharing of Prof. Chao’s academic influences by Prof. Ovid Tzeng and other distinguished academics, and an insightful talk on Prof. Chao’s academic achievements and contributions by Dr Louis Ng. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said, “PolyU and the Faculty of Humanities are honoured to uphold and further advance the legacy of Prof. Yuen Ren Chao. The Faculty pursues excellence in education and research by adopting a multidisciplinary approach that draws upon language, history, culture, communication and technology. It aims to become a leading hub connecting world-class linguists and language scientists around the globe to advance knowledge for the benefit of society. We are confident that the Prize will serve as a crucial catalyst in fostering greater linguistic and cultural understanding in the years to come.” Dr Louis Ng described Prof. Yuen Ren Chao as a scholar whose knowledge traversed times, cultures and disciplines. He said, “Prof. Chao’s scientific knowledge enabled his use of scientific methods and means, while his musical knowledge inspired his countless linguistic studies. The cross-disciplinary combination of science, language and art prompted him to open a new world for modern Chinese linguistics research.” The programme also included captivating singing performances of How Can I Help But Think Of You and The Sea Rhyme, both composed by Prof. Chao, by renowned artists Dr Warren Mok and Ms Bing Bing Wang. Additionally, a meaningful moment was captured through the recitation of one of Prof. Chao’s essays, Lion-Eating Poet in the Stone Den, by two PolyU students, symbolising the continuation of his language sciences legacy. A book exhibition also paid tribute to Prof. Chao’s remarkable contribution to language sciences.   Prof. Ovid Tzeng and distinguished academics including Prof. CHEN Zhongmin of Fudan University, Prof. LI Jen-Kuei of Academia Sinica, Prof. SHI Feng of Nankai University, Dr Peter ZHOU of University of California, Berkeley and Dr CHEUNG Kwan-hin, Former Head of PolyU’s Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies also shared their thoughts on Prof. Chao’s influence on their own academic and personal pursuits via video. During the ceremony, Prof. Li Ping introduced the background of the Prize and announced nomination details and the selection process. Two awards, namely the Lifetime Achievement Award and Early Career Contribution Award, will be presented biennially, starting from 2024, to senior and junior scholars who have made distinguished contributions to research and education in language sciences respectively. A committee composed of world-renowned experts will select the candidates for the awards. The awardees will be featured as presenters of a distinguished lecture hosted by the Faculty of Humanities, along with the conferment of the Prize and cash awards. Nomination starts on 1 September 2023. The host of the Prize, the PolyU Faculty of Humanities, is emerging as a leader in tertiary education in Asia Pacific and the world in the field of language sciences. Capitalising on its strengths in areas such as speech therapy, health communication and language neuroscience, the Faculty is poised to become a hub of language sciences research to create and advance knowledge for the benefit of mankind. The Prize exemplifies PolyU’s commitment to advancing humanities studies and education, and will inspire new generations of students and scholars to innovate in language science research. For more information about the Prize, please visit the official website www.polyu.edu.hk/fh/chao-prize or send enquiries to chao.prize@polyu.edu.hk.

CIHK Scholar Explores Northern and Southern Dynasties Poetries on Local TV Programme

Dr Li Meng, Teaching Fellow of the Confucius Institute of Hong Kong at PolyU, co-hosted RTHK’s TV programme Dialogue with Masters and talked about the poetries and verses in the Northern and Southern dynasties in the latest episode with Prof. Nicolas Chan Wai Shun of CUHK. The TV series covers a total of 13 episodes on poetries and literatures from Pre-Qin period to 1990s. Click HERE to watch the episode.

FH Hosts Roundtable on ChatGPT and Large Language Models: Linguistic, Cognitive, and Humanistic Perspectives

The Faculty recently hosted a successful roundtable with lively discussion on ChatGPT and Large Language Models: Linguistic, Cognitive, and Humanistic Perspectives. Held on Saturday, 5 August 2023, the event brought together esteemed professors and distinguished researchers. With Dean, Prof. Ping Li, serving as the Convener and Chair, the roundtable included Prof. Hualou Liang from Drexel University, Prof. Nian-Shing Chen from National Taiwan Normal University, Prof. Ovid J-L. Tzeng from National Taiwan Normal University, Dr Samuel Nastase from Princeton University, and Dr Qihui Xu from Basque Center on Cognition, Brain, and Language. The roundtable aimed to foster valuable conversations and idea exchange surrounding the challenges and opportunities presented by ChatGPT and large language models. Engaging in thought-provoking discussions, the participants showcased their expertise and provided insights into the best strategies for using emerging technologies. The Faculty remains dedicated to organising impactful events that promote interdisciplinary dialogue and drive innovation. Stay tuned for our future initiatives that continue to enhance constructive discussions and academic-industry collaboration.

Summer Camp Empowers Students with Language and Culture Skills

More than 200 students from both local secondary and international schools participated in a three-day PolyU summer camp. The Faculty Dean Prof. Li Ping, Associate Dean (FH) Prof. Hu Guangwei and Associate Head of Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies, Prof. Li Dechao expressed their warmest welcome to participants at a welcoming dinner. Around 20 participants engaged in a diverse array of activities organised by the Faculty of Humanities and its departments. The activities were designed to convey practical skills and knowledge relating to language, culture, and communication within a university context. The experience provided a glimpse into the life of a Faculty of Humanities student, which equipped participants with the necessary insights to make decisions concerning their future academic pursuits.

Team Hong Kong Triumphs at International Linguistics Olympiad 2023

Our Hong Kong Linguistics Olympiad team has achieved excellent results at the 20th International Linguistics Olympiad held in Bulgaria this year, taking home a gold medal and two silver medals at the individual contest, as well as an honourable mention in the team contest: Absolute Gold medal (highest score in the whole Olympiad) Ian Tam (individual contest) Silver medal Henry Wong (individual contest) Zhang Yixuan (individual contest) Honourable mention Ian Tam, Henry Wong, Zhang Yixuan and Ryan Lo (team contest) Best solution award Ian Tam (problems 2, 3 and 5) The team is jointly trained by the Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies and the Department of English and Communication. Please visit the HKLO page for more information about the team.

Prof. Louise Cummings Appointed as Associate Editor of the New Journal Language and Health

The Faculty is delighted to share the news that Prof. Louise Cummings of the Department of English and Communication has been appointed as Associate Editor of the new journal Language and Health. Published by Elsevier, Language and Health aims to illustrate the complex relationship between language and health. It covers studies on human language in the field of health and medicine, and explorations of health and medicine from the perspective of language, with topics including language and physical health, language and mental health, language and social adaptability, ranging from children, adults to elder people. Click HERE to read more about the journal.

Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Faculty of Humanities 2023

Congratulations to the following award recipients on receiving the Faculty’s Outstanding Alumni Award (in alphabetical order of the last name): Outstanding Alumni Award in Community Service Achievement of PolyU Faculty of Humanities 2023 Ms Doris LEUNG Shuk Yi Founder of Diamond Tech (Hong Kong) Limited Founder and CEO, Diamond Cab (Hong Kong) Limited BA (Hons) in Language and Communication (1993) Department of English and Communication Outstanding Young Alumni Award in Professional Achievement of PolyU Faculty of Humanities 2023 Mr NIU Yi Founder of Unicow Education & Technology (International) Holdings Limited Chinese IB/MYP Language Teacher/ Advisor, Chinese International School Master of Arts in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language (2010) Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies Outstanding Young Alumni Award in Entrepreneurial Achievement of PolyU Faculty of Humanities 2023 Mr ZHANG Quan Founder and CEO of Twelve Flavors Group Master of Arts in Chinese Culture (2012) Department of Chinese Culture The Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Faculty of Humanities (website) aims to recognise the graduates of the Faculty for their contribution to University and Faculty, and their diverse accomplishments in various areas, including professional achievement, scholarly achievement, and community service achievement. Read more about the awardees: Outstanding Alumni Award in Community Service Achievement of PolyU Faculty of Humanities 2023 Ms Doris LEUNG Shuk Yi Ms Leung is an award-winning and pioneering social entrepreneur and founder of Diamond Cab, the first wheelchair-accessible taxi service company in Hong Kong. Over the past 12 years, Ms Leung’s work has inspired the taxi industry within Hong Kong to recognise the need for and to allow increased access to barrier-free taxis. Currently, with over 100 wheelchair-accessible taxis of different brands operating throughout Hong Kong, Diamond Cab has set the benchmark of running quality taxi services with empathy. Ms Leung’s work has demonstrated how commercial business can be improved by adopting a social mission, especially with the untapped need for ageing care. Ms Leung has just co-founded Diamond Tech to further scale up the impact of Diamond Cab with new technologies. The first project is to create a driving simulator to train the new barrier-free taxi drivers with the veteran Diamond Cab drivers programmed in the software. Diamond Cab will start to provide training courses with the simulator for marginalised groups e.g. ex-prisoners, low-educated youth, women, etc. Ms Leung has received numerous recognition and awards from the industry and community, including the Ira Dan Kaye Community Service Award 2022, Top 10 Business of Improving Lives at Cartier Impact Awards 2022, and JESSICA Most Successful Women 2015. Outstanding Young Alumni Award in Professional Achievement of PolyU Faculty of Humanities 2023 Mr NIU Yi During the past 13 years, Mr Niu’s teaching reputation across global IB schools has gained wide recognition. He organised and coached students to participate in the World Scholars Cup actively. His team has won the world team championship and two individual global championships for two years at Yale University. As a passionate educator, he has developed his patented product (both USA and HKSAR), Niu Xiaozi AR Chinese Flash Cards, which is used by more than 200 schools and kindergartens worldwide and won him the Asia International Innovative Invention Gold Award in 2018. He has actively contributed to academic workshops as a leader and a keynote speaker in different workshops and seminars to share his teaching experience with other educators at home and abroad from 2012 till now, which has contributed to his selection as Hong Kong Outstanding Youth Teacher Awardee in 2017. Outstanding Young Alumni Award in Entrepreneurial Achievement of PolyU Faculty of Humanities 2023 Mr ZHANG Quan Mr Zhang was born in Zhejiang province. He received the Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from the East China Normal University in Shanghai in 2011, and obtained the Master of Arts in Chinese Culture from PolyU in 2012. During his study in Hong Kong, he was the co-founder of the website “Gang Piao Quan” which is now the most influential online platform for Mainland Chinese in Hong Kong. He is the founder and CEO of the Sichuan restaurant Twelve Flavors, the largest Sichuan cuisine chain in Hong Kong. Mr Zhang has rich experience in digital upgrading of traditional enterprises, and he is also committed to deliver Chinese Culture through food and to enhancing cultural exchanges and integration between young people in Hong Kong and mainland China. In 2021, he served as Council Member of the Hong Kong Quality and Talent Migrant Association and Chairman of the Hotel and Catering Industry Committee.