news & events | Department of English, HSUHK

(ENG) Exploration on Alternative International Benchmarking: An Introduction to LanguageCert

September 11, 2025

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The Department of English cordially invites you to join the upcoming presentation, Exploration on Alternative International Benchmarking: An Introduction to LanguageCert, organized by the English Language Centre, on 25 September 2025 (Thursday).

Date: 25 September 2025 (Thursday)

Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm

Venue: Lecture Hall CR002, Creative Humanities Hub

Guest Speaker: Fraser Cargill, PeopleCert’s Director of Global Partnerships and Recognition

Registration: Complete this online form to reserve a seat. Available on a first-come-first-served basis.

Remarks: 1 iGPS unit will be awarded to undergraduate students who attend the presentation

Introduction

LanguageCert is an Awarding Organisation recognised by Ofqual. It spearheads innovations in language assessment and certiﬁcation, providing high-quality services to the global learners’ community. It is a UK-based member of the PeopleCert Group, a global leader in the certiﬁcation industry, that delivers millions of exams in over 200 countries.

Bio

Fraser Cargill has more than 25 years of management experience in education across Europe, Asia and Australia. His expertise is in educational outcomes audits, high-stakes language assessments, stakeholder engagement, strategic planning and transnational education. He has worked as an international education consultant with numerous university, government and corporate clients, including Austrade, The British Council, Pearson, and University of Liverpool amongst others. He also spent more than a decade at Pearson, in a number of senior executive roles, including VP roles for VUE and for Pearson Language Tests (PTE), contributing to the development and launch of the PTE Academic and Government Relations – focusing on relationships with multi-lateral donors and Ministries of Education in APAC.

ENG Departmental Seminar – Teaching English with Drama Conventions for School Students

September 10, 2025

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The Department of English cordially invited to join our departmental seminar, Teaching English with Drama Conventions for School Students, to be organized by the Department of English on 18 September 2025 (Thursday). Date: 18 September 2025 (Thursday) Time: 2:00pm – 3:30pm Venue: Martin Ka Shing Lee Innovation Lab (XR Lab), G/F, Creative Humanities Hub (CR) Guest Speaker: Professor Barry Bai, Associate Professor, the Department of Curriculum, CUHK…

Revisiting Yi Yi with Dr. Paul Fung: A Post-Screening Dialogue

August 28, 2025

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The Department of English is pleased to share an upcoming event featuring our Associate Professor and Associate Dean, Dr. Paul Fung, in conversation with Edward Lam, Artistic Director of Edward Lam Dance Theatre and director of The Yi Yi Trilogy.

Following the screening of Edward Yang’s acclaimed film Yi Yi, Dr. Fung—who has published research on the film—will offer his insights into its themes of childhood, imitation, and emotional purity, focusing on the character Yang Yang. What does it mean to love purely? How does a child’s way of seeing the world contrast with the adult experience?

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Yi Yi or discovering it for the first time, this conversation promises to spark meaningful reflections and new perspectives.

For more details, please visit broadwaycinematheque.

曾撰寫論文研究電影《一一》的馮啟陽，與受《一一》啟發而創作出《一一三部曲》映畫作品的林奕華，於放映後展開對談，分享對心愛電影《一一》的個人見解與欣賞角度。

馮啟陽：「洋洋和成年人的世界觀不同。他喜歡了學校的一位女班長。她喜歡游泳，於是他在浴缸模仿游泳的感覺。他又跳進泳池，希望感受她的世界。洋洋透過模仿來表達愛，相比起成年人談戀愛來得純粹。孩子喜歡模仿，而這種模仿力隨着我們成為大人而漸漸消失。電影中的大人缺少了孩子的純粹，需經歷回憶、遺憾、罪疚感所帶來的傷痛。另一方面，電影中呈現的商業社會充斥着大量生產的複製文化。雖然過程中涉及模仿，但這種模仿傾向把對方的獨特性破壞，最終目的是降低成本，擴大收益。NJ的公司和他的同事便是最好例子。洋洋的模仿力和商業掛帥的台北所帶來的複製文化形成有趣的反差。洋洋的行為令人覺得他頑皮，但他可能是電影中唯一得到快樂的人。他和成年人的『複製觀』有甚麼分別？他的『愛情觀』和婷婷、敏敏和NJ又有什麼不同？他對怠倦的都市人又帶來什麼啟示？當他說他真的老了，意思是他再也不能純粹地愛嗎？」

《一一》映後談
日期：2025年9月6日
時間：7:30pm
地點：油麻地百老匯電影中心1樓
分享嘉賓：馮啟陽博士 (⾹港恒⽣⼤學英⽂系副教授及⼈⽂社會科學學院副院⻑)
主持：林奕華 (「非常林奕華」藝術總監、《一一三部曲》導演)

主題：從孩子的角度閱讀《一一》的世界

Dr. Anna Tso Co-Publishes Volume on Educational Technology and AI-Assisted Academic Writing

August 4, 2025

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Dr. Anna Tso, Head and Associate Professor of the Department of English, recently co-published an edited volume titled Transcending Boundaries in the Digital Age with Steven Ng, Tiffany Bai, Noble Lo, and Wendy Chan. This book volume explores educational technology in the digital era, covering hybrid and online learning, equity, emerging technologies, assessment, collaboration, and skills development. It offers research, strategies,…

Dr Holly Chung Receives Prestigious Award for Innovative Language Learning Book

July 21, 2025

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The Department of English at The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK) is pleased to share that Dr Holly Chung, Senior Lecturer, has been recognised at the 5th Hong Kong Publishing Biennial Awards, receiving a Publishing Award in the “Language Learning” category for her co-authored book Learning Phrasal Verbs through Comics: An Adventure in the Village of Shapes. The book was published by Crown Publishing (Hong Kong) Co. Ltd, with illustrations by a local cartoonist.

This award celebrates excellence in publishing across the region, and Dr Chung’s book was selected as one of only ten winners in its category. The title stands out for its creative approach to language education, combining engaging comic-style visuals with practical learning of English phrasal verbs—an area often challenging for learners. The result is a highly accessible and enjoyable resource for students and educators alike.

The Hong Kong Publishing Biennial Awards have become a hallmark of quality in the Chinese-language book industry. Organised by the Hong Kong Publishing Professionals Society and funded by the CreateSmart Initiative under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Awards are regarded as one of the most authoritative accolades in the Chinese-language publishing world.

The judging process is both rigorous and transparent, conducted over three stages between February and May 2025. The selection begins with a qualification review, followed by initial judging by a representative panel of local publishers, veteran editors, and academic experts. The final stage is conducted by a jury of publishing and cultural professionals from across Hong Kong, Mainland China, and Taiwan.

Dr Chung’s recognition in this year’s awards not only highlights her academic commitment to language learning and pedagogy but also affirms the Department of English’s efforts in promoting creative and impactful educational materials.

As part of the government’s initiative to promote reading, the awarded books will be featured in public library exhibitions, local and cross-border bookstores, and highlighted during “Hong Kong Reading for All Day” held annually on 23 April, in conjunction with World Book Day.

The Department of English sends its warmest congratulations to Dr Chung on this well-deserved honour. Her work is an example of our Department’s commitment to inspirational, effective education and to making learning English more enjoyable and accessible to everyone.

Entrance Scholarship for BA-ENG Year 1 Local Students

July 8, 2025

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To recognize academic excellence and support outstanding new students, the Department of English is pleased to announce the launch of the Entrance Scholarship for BA-ENG Year 1 Local Students for the 2025/26 academic year.

This scholarship is open to newly admitted local students of the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English (BA-ENG) programme. Students who have achieved excellent academic results in the 2025 senior secondary public examinations will be considered for this prestigious award.

Each selected student will receive a scholarship valued at HK$30,000.

For further details, please contact the Department of English.

Eligibility & Criteria

For Year 1 entry undergraduate local student newly admitted to the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English programme in the academic year 2025/26;
Attained 332A2 in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination, or equivalent, meeting the minimum admission requirement in 2025;
Only students admitted to the University, in Semester 1 with current year admission results are eligible;
Academic results of combined HKDSE certificates will not be considered;
Students will be considered for any entrance scholarship only once during their study at the University. Any student who is transferred/re-admitted to the same or another programme for whatever reasons will not be considered for any entrance scholarship;
Selected applicants will be invited to an interview and a written test conducted by the BA-ENG Programme Team;
Priority consideration will be given to eligible students who have achieved Level 4 or above in English Language;
Special cases will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the BA-ENG Programme Team.

Application/ Nomination Procedure

Eligible students will be selected and nominated by the programme office of the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English for endorsement by the Department Head and School Dean, and approval by the University’s Scholarship and Financial Assistance Committee.
Applicants should make themselves aware of the “ Guiding Principles for Scholarship/ Award and Financial Assistance Schemes” as stipulated by the Scholarship and Financial Assistance Committee.

Please visit https://www.hsu.edu.hk/hk/admissions/ to learn more about the application procedures for the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English programme.

International TESOL Union 2025 Conference

July 2, 2025

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The Department of English at the School of Humanities and Social Science, Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, and International TESOL Union (ITU) are pleased to announce that the International TESOL Union Conference on Trailblazing Advances in Applied Linguistics (TAAL) will be held on August 15-16, 2025 at the Hang Seng University of Hong Kong.

The ITU 2025 conference welcomes proposals in all areas of applied linguistics and TESOL. We are particularly interested in innovative and rigorous topics that demonstrate strong methodological and/or theoretical approaches to understand applied linguistics and TESOL. Additionally, we encourage postgraduate students who are nearing completion of their theses to submit proposals as well. Frontline TESOL teachers are equally welcome to participate.

Keynote Speakers

Gavin Bui, The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong

Lixian Jin, City University of Macau

Luxin Yang, Beijing Foreign Studies University

Marina Dodigovic, University of Slavonski Brod

Mark Teng Feng, Macau Polytechnic University

Yuen Yi Lo, The University of Hong Kong

Abstract/Paper Submissions

An abstract needs to be about 300 words and clearly indicates the objectives, methods, and (preliminary) results where appropriate. Format the email subject line as “ITU2025+Author Name” and send the abstracts/full papers to info@tesolunion.org.

Important Dates

Abstract submission due: July 5, 2025

Notification of abstract acceptance: July 8, 2025

This conference is free to staff members and students from the HSUHK. They are welcome to attend the conference.

Sponsor

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Victoria (HK) Consultancy Ltd for their kind support and sponsorship.

Business Idea Video Contest 2024-2025

June 13, 2025

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Funded by the Department of English, the Business Idea Video Contest is a pitching competition targeted at all students enrolled in ENG3002 English for Professional Communication in academic year 2024-25. The contest seeks to showcase students’ skills in delivering a persuasive and compelling business pitch as a group. Based on a group assessment from the course, contestants are required to impersonate the role of owners of an existing and authentic business and simulate a pitch in front of a panel of university management with the aim of being chosen to operate their business in the Gallery on the 1/F of Creative Humanities Hub.

The Competition took place on June 3rd at the Lecture Hall of Creative Humanities Hub. Four groups of contestants delivered convincing pitches after several weeks of research, preparation and training. The judges were impressed with the performances, in particular the teamwork they have demonstrated as well as how they handled Q&A session confidently.

Below are the results of the Competition:

Champion & Audience Favourite Award: Cat-fé: Cat Café (Pak Pui Lam Edward, Leung Chun Hin Andi, Tsoi King Ho Michael, Tam Nok Him)

First Runner-up: Komeda’s Coffee: Japanese café chain (Wong Wing Yan Grace, Yeung Ho Yin Harry)

Second Runner-up: Beans: More than Café (Cheung Hon To Torres, Siu Ho Hei Brandon)

We would like to express our gratitude to the adjudicators: Ms. Vivian Mak, Founder of MingCha Tea House, Dr. Andy Cheng, Associate Programme Director of MBM Programme (Global Finance) and Programme Director of BBA-Financial Analysis and FinTech/BBA-Financial Analysis Programmes, and Dr. Anna Tso, Head of Department of English. A special thanks also goes to Ms. Mak for sponsoring her tea products for our event. Our appreciation goes to everyone who attended the Competition, including Dr. Beatrice Ma, English Language Centre Director, fellow colleagues from Department of English, the organizers Ms. Nicole Ho, Ms. Regina Zeng, Ms. Ankie Chan, and Ms. Janice Yiu, emcee Samantha Ching Ho Lam, as well as the student helpers. Without your support, the event would not have been successful.

Second Runner-up: Beans: More than Café (Cheung Hon To Torres, Siu Ho Hei Brandon)

First Runner-up: Komeda’s Coffee: Japanese café chain (Wong Wing Yan Grace, Yeung Ho Yin Harry)

Champion & Audience Favourite Award: Cat-fé: Cat Café (Pak Pui Lam Edward, Leung Chun Hin Andi, Tsoi King Ho Michael, Tam Nok Him)

The Department of English Launches Inaugural Journal: The Kaleidoscope Chronicle

June 3, 2025

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The Department of English proudly announces the launch of its inaugural journal issue, The Kaleidoscope Chronicle. This publication marks a significant milestone in our academic and creative journey, coinciding with HSUHK’s 45^th anniversary and the 150^th year since the passing of Hans Christian Andersen.

Over a year in the making, Kaleidoscope began as a modest collection of student writings and has since evolved into a dynamic showcase of the department’s diverse voices.

“The word ‘kaleidoscope’ evokes images of ever-changing patterns in myriad forms and colours, while ‘chronicle’ brings a sense of record and permanence,” said Chair Professor Kwok-kan Tam. “The Kaleidoscope Chronicle, title of the journal, is an oxymoron producing multiple meanings combining the imaginary with the factual, while conjuring change, growth and development. It carries the Department’s aspiration for students.”

This special issue pays tribute to Andersen’s enduring legacy, featuring a wide range of creative works inspired by his fairytales. Readers will find original poetry, short stories, song lyrics from a musical on Andersen, and artworks—many of which were selected from student competitions held earlier this year.

In addition to creative works, Kaleidoscope includes scholarly essays and reviews that explore Andersen’s stories through various critical lenses. Topics include cross-cultural comparisons with Chekhov and Blake, biographical analyzes, symbolic interpretations, and studies of contemporary adaptations. These contributions reflect the department’s commitment to literary scholarship and interdisciplinary inquiry.

“Readers can expect to encounter poignant narratives, insightful critiques, and innovative interpretations of classic texts, all addressing universal themes such as love, compassion, sacrifice, death and immortality, and human nature,” said Founding Editor and Editor-In-Chief Dr. Anna Tso. “We hope you enjoy this collection as much as we have enjoyed bringing it to life.”

With its rich variety of perspectives and genres, The Kaleidoscope Chronicle marks the beginning of a new platform for literary exploration and academic dialogue at HSUHK.

A heartfelt thank you to our contributors, reviewers, and selection panel for making this publication possible. We invite you to explore this exciting new platform for literary expression and academic dialogue.

📖 Read the e-journal: click here
📬 Contact us: engjournal@hsu.edu.hk (Limited physical copies are available upon request)

About The Kaleidoscope Chronicle

Founded by Dr. Anna Tso, The Kaleidoscope Chronicle focuses on literature, language, culture, and the creative humanities, celebrating the remarkable talents of our students and the vibrant community within the English Department. Each year, the Department of English forms a team to review and edit student essays and creative works submitted to the journal. This publication showcases the writing talents at the Hang Seng University of Hong Kong and is edited and produced by faculty members of the Department of English.

The e-journal will be registered with ISSN and DOI*, a credential that can significantly enhance our students’ writing career.

Our second issue will spotlight English Language Teaching and Assessment, led by Dr. Gavin Bui. Please stay tuned for the next Open Call for submissions to our second issue—we warmly welcome student contributions from all faculties!

*DOIs may only be applicable to certain articles.

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Conference 2025

May 28, 2025

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The Undergraduate and Postgraduate Conference 2025 was held on 26 May 2025.

In Chinese mythology, it is believed that Houyi climbed over ninety-nine mountains, traveled through ninety-nine deserts, and shot down nine suns to relieve his people from an adverse plague of heat. The number “9”, therefore, signifies this familiar ambition to overcome the impossible, the stubbornness of grit, and a determined mind. In 2025, we welcome the 9th edition of the Undergraduate and Postgraduate Conference. Not unlike Houyi, our graduating cohort this year, evident in the high quality of dissertations they produced, has undoubtedly survived their own mountains, deserts, and suns.

To honour their toil, we are thrilled to gather the pool of ideas that emerge from this year’s graduating cohort in both our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Four projects from literary studies are featured in the Undergraduate session, which engages with D.H. Lawrence’s politics of abjection, Freudian approach to revenge in The Count of Monte Cristo, Dogville’s discussion on Arrogance in the lens of Brechtian theatre, and a comparative study of H.C. Andersen’s and Walt Disney’s The Little Mermaid. In addition to these, one linguistics project that investigates Singaporean and Hong Kong English is also featured in the undergraduate session.

Not only do the undergraduate papers showcase a diverse array of topics, our postgraduate students also reflect the breadth of knowledge and the spirit of creativity within HSUHK’s academic community. In the afternoon session, we present three literary and cultural studies projects, which include a psychoanalytic and narrative study of Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s The Yellow Wallpaper, a biographical approach to Andersen’s The Ugly Duckling, and a study of the Indigenous Land Rights and Sustainability in the Philippine Cordillera Highlands. In a parallel session, we also celebrate two linguistics studies that examine the implications on English language teaching through Complexity Dynamic Systems Theory and formative assessment mechanisms.

We concluded our conference with Dr. Anthony Huen’s (HKU), a local and award-winning poet, who has generously delivered a keynote speech on his recent work.

It is our hope that the UG-PG conference will become a place where our students and other researchers can meet annually to share the developments of their work in a friendly and professional environment. Huge congratulations to the presenters who have successfully made their debut as an HSU scholar!