Service-Learning and Leadership Office

[𝐈𝐧 𝐘𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐧] 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲!

In Yunnan, PolyU students immersed themselves in the local community to learn the art of embroidery and joined hands with the locals to create a stunning new clothing line.

Under the patient guidance of local embroidery masters, they didn't just learn a skill—they absorbed generations of culture. By blending these intricate, time-honoured techniques with contemporary fashion design, they cooperated with the villagers to produce amazing pieces and contributed to the preservation and sustainable transmission of the embroidery heritage. It is a unique experience that blends learning, service, collaboration, intercultural competence and innovation.

We are continuously expanding the diversity of our non-local service-learning sites, committing to fostering impactful non-local opportunities for our student body. We conducted an exploratory visit to Mongolia some time ago to pave the way for future student cohorts. Moving quickly from planning to action, we delivered solar systems training workshops, installed a solar panel for two families living in a Mongolian ger, and met local teenagers, supporting them with skills transfer.

What an opportunity to meet and work alongside local stakeholders, and we are overwhelmed with the excitement of being able to think, research, and design a meaningful service-learning project there soon!

Preparation for impactful service goes beyond technical skills; it requires cultural humility and global awareness. We facilitated a cultural workshop for our students some time ago to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world community engagement. For many, it was their very first experience of African drumming and cuisine.

By fostering this cultural appreciation early, our students are better equipped to build genuine, mutually respectful relationships with local communities.

You are welcome to join this ZOOM workshop exploring how Generative AI (GenAI) and Game-Based Learning (GBL) approaches can support service-learning and experiential learning in higher education. The sharing will discuss how AI can move beyond simple content generation to become a learning partner that supports creativity, reflection, collaboration, and problem-solving within service-learning contexts.

Date and time: 23th June 2026 (Tuesday) 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM (UTC+8)
Format: ZOOM
Speaker: Mr. Kelvin Tsz Hin WAN (Digital Learning Specialist, SFHEA, Centre for Teaching and Learning, The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong)

Registration Link for CUHK Participants: https://webapp.itsc.cuhk.edu.hk/ras/restricted/event?id=111645
Registration Link for Non-CUHK Participants: https://forms.gle/QNzad67wmQsBSq4h7

Registration Deadline: 18th June 2026 (Thursday) 5:30 PM (UTC +8)

Organized by Centre for Learning Enhancement And Research (CLEAR), The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Co-organizers:
- HKBU Centre for Innovative Service-Learning - 創新服務學習中心
- 嶺南大學服務研習處｜Office of Service-Learning, Lingnan University
- Service-Learning and Leadership Office

[𝐈𝐧 𝐘𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐧] 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭!

In Yunnan, PolyU students in a service-learning subject offered by School of Hotel and Tourism Management, PolyU had a meaningful visit in Shijiawan Village, Malipo. They went door-to-door, assessed tourism resources, designed travel routes, and made visitor guidebooks. They led workshops teaching villagers short-video production and marketing tactics. They moved from Hong Kong’s familiar skylines and city life to the vibrant potential of border towns, bringing amazing hospitality and tourism ideas to locals while opening a new perspective on life.

[𝐈𝐧 𝐘𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐧] 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝟑 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧!

We are thrilled to share that for the third consecutive year, PolyU students have travelled to Yunnan to make a lasting impact!

PolyU students teamed up with peers from Shenzhen University to visit a local primary school. Together, they brought Chinese history and culture to life for the young children through an innovative, immersive teaching model. Students designed thematic and interactive cultural courses inspired by Chinese literacy classics and historic architecture. A few days of ‘unforgettable’ lessons sparked meaningful cultural exchange and inspired everyone to revisit and apply traditional values to their everyday life!

[𝐈𝐧 𝐘𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐧] 𝐅𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲!

PolyU students visited Yunnan Sanxin Vocational and Technical College to host experiential workshops for local youths in minority regions. Rather than typical classroom lectures, they brought financial literacy to life! Through engaging activities, they helped middle and vocational school students build a foundation in wealth and master practical money management skills. Equally important, they equipped these young minds with essential knowledge on how to identify and avoid financial fraud, empowering them to protect themselves and their families in the future.

[𝐈𝐧 𝐘𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐧] 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 '𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞' 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐘𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐧!

130+ PolyU students and staff journeyed to Yunnan to share vision screening and eye care education with close to 3,000 local school children!

PolyU students participating in the service-learning project led by School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University did much more than conduct vision screening. Stepped out of the classroom and into the community, they contributed to improving vision health and gaining practical insights into local social and healthcare challenges.

These hands-on experiences help shape compassionate, socially responsible professionals ready to make a difference in the world!

Service-learning not only empowers students to apply their knowledge to real-life challenges but also fosters civic responsibility and sharpens skills to understand community needs. Of course, behind every impactful service project are teachers—helping students develop their capacity, build trust, and turn ideas into meaningful actions.

In a recent webinar, “Service-Learning in Higher Education for a Shared Future – Best Practices in Service-Learning Part II: Focus on Teachers and Students”, hosted by the Service-Learning and Leadership Office (SLLO) and the International Association for Research on Service-Learning and Community Engagement (IARSLCE) Asia-Pacific Community of Practice (APCoP), experts Dr Luke Terra and Professor Ciqi Mei shared unique insights on the dynamic role of teachers and students in service-learning.

Visit https://polyu.hk/eqHCL for more information on IARSLCE Asia-Pacific CoP, and keep an eye on our upcoming activities!