The International Conference on Green Language Education: Advancing Environmental Literacy Through Sustainable Language Teaching and Learning was successfully held from 15 to 17 July 2026 at The Create, The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong. Co-organised by the Department of English at The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong and the School of Arts and Humanities at Tung Wah…
The second issue of the departmental journal The Kaleidoscopic Chronicle now available for pick up at the department office, Room 418, Creative Humanities Hub, HSUHK, and online viewing.
Themed “Under a Hong Kong Moon – Chronicles of the Unseen”, the compilation begins with the question: “What does the moon witness as it gazes upon Hong Kong?”, and explores the moon’s undertones in this contemporary era.
The Kaleidoscopic Chronicle was founded in 2025 by Dr Anna Tso, Head of the English Department at the Hong Kong University of Hong Kong. Combining critical essays and creative writings from students of the department and members of the public via submission open call for, the annual journal celebrates literature, language, culture, and the creative humanities, and highlights the remarkable talents of our writing communities within the university and beyond. Each issue features a distinguished writer or editorial expert as guest editor for curating thematic content and offering diverse perspectives.
The journal is now part of the permanent collection at The International Youth Library and the Hans Christian Andersen Centre, University of Southern Denmark (SDU) and is also available at the Hong Kong Public Libraries (Bib ID: 003771316) and HSUHK Library. With the official ISSN 3134-5727 and formal academic recognition, The Kaleidoscope Chronicle serves as a platform for nurturing young writers and academics with aspirations in writing, publishing, and research.
Supported by the Department of English, the Business Pitch Competition is a pitching competition targeted at all students enrolled in ENG3002 English for Professional Communication in academic year 2025-26. The competition highlights students’ collaborative skills in delivering persuasive, professional business pitches. As an extension of a group assessment from the course, teams will act as real-world business owners and deliver a simulated pitch to university management, competing for the opportunity to operate their business in the 1/F Gallery of the Creative Humanities Hub.
The Competition took place on June 2nd 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 commended the performances of the 4 contesting groups, praising their impressive teamwork and collaboration. She also highlighted that contestants demonstrated effective use of the stage and maintained excellent eye contact throughout their pitches.
Below are the results of the Competition:
Champion & Audience Favourite Award: MUJI (Alamo Santana Sonia, Kong Lok Yiu Charis, Lam Ho Ting Trip, Luk Miko)
First Runner-up: Shake It (Chan Nok Him Toby, Chang Sum Steven, Lee Tsz In Katie)
Second Runner-up: Tei Mou Koon Dessert (Lee Tung Mandy, Leung Hok Hin Harry, Mok Yee Yan Yannie, Tse Lok Yan Klisty)
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our adjudicators: Ms. Vivian Mak (Founder of MingCha Tea House), Dr. Andy Cheng (Associate Professor and Programme Director of BBA-Financial Analysis & FinTech/Financial Analysis), and Dr. Gavin Bui (Associate Head of the Department of English and MA-ELTA Programme Director). We are also deeply appreciative of all attendees, including Dr. Beatrice Ma (English Language Centre Director) and our colleagues from the Department of English. Special recognition goes to our organizing team—Ms. Nicole Ho, Ms. Regina Zeng, Ms. Ankie Chan, and Ms. Paulette Victorino—as well as our emcee, Janice Leung Wai Ming, and our dedicated student helpers. This event’s success would not have been possible without your unwavering support.
Audience Favourite Award: MUJI (Alamo Santana Sonia, Kong Lok Yiu Charis, Lam Ho Ting Trip, Luk Miko)
Second Runner-up: Tei Mou Koon Dessert (Lee Tung Mandy, Leung Hok Hin Harry, Mok Yee Yan Yannie, Tse Lok Yan Klisty)
First Runner-up: Shake It (Chan Nok Him Toby, Chang Sum Steven, Lee Tsz In Katie)
Champion: MUJI (Alamo Santana Sonia, Kong Lok Yiu Charis, Lam Ho Ting Trip, Luk Miko)
(Nova Science Publishers 2026)
Edited by Lap Tuen Wong and Wai Lam Heidi Wong
This edited volume presents cutting-edge research and innovative practices that explore the intersection of technology and English language education in the digital era. The fourteen chapters offer diverse perspectives on how emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, automated writing evaluation systems, learning analytics, and AI-driven chatbots can enhance language teaching and learning, while addressing contemporary challenges in the field. The volume begins with critical examinations of generative AI and digital tools in language learning, followed by explorations of technology-enhanced dialogue and collaborative meaning-making. Several chapters focus on specific applications of technology in vocabulary instruction, writing feedback, and assessment. The collection also includes important investigations into AI-assisted materials creation, ChatGPT’s role in English composition, and the integration of AI chatbots in vocabulary learning. The remaining chapters address video feedback, online learning environments, blended communities of practice, and learning analytics for personalised instruction.
This volume will serve as a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in English language education, providing both theoretical frameworks and practical applications for integrating technology meaningfully into language teaching and learning. As we continue to witness rapid technological advancement, the insights presented in this volume will offer innovative and systematic approaches for advancing English language education in the digital landscape.
On Friday, 17 April 2026, the Department of English organized the ENG Cultural Tour at the Palace Museum, offering students a unique opportunity to explore the extraordinary exhibition “Ancient Egypt Unveiled: Treasures from Egyptian Museums” at Gallery 9. The event was led by our Department Head, Dr Anna Tso, and brought together both undergraduate and postgraduate students for an evening of cultural enrichment and academic engagement.
With exhibition tickets generously sponsored by the Department, participants were able to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of Ancient Egypt. The tour showcased remarkable artifacts that revealed the artistry, beliefs, and daily life of one of history’s most influential civilizations. Students were captivated by the treasures on display, which provided valuable insights into Egypt’s enduring legacy and its contributions to world heritage.
Beyond the exhibition itself, the tour fostered a spirit of community among students and staff, creating meaningful connections outside the classroom. The shared experience highlighted the Department’s commitment to broadening horizons and encouraging cultural appreciation alongside academic study.
The Department of English extends its gratitude to Dr Anna Tso for her leadership and to all the students who joined this memorable journey. We look forward to continuing this tradition of cultural exploration in future events.
Date: May 15-16, 2026
Venue: The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong
Organizers:
We have created an exciting program for the International Conference on Applied Language Sciences (ALS 2026), reflecting the wide range of research interests in applied linguistics.
Check out the plenary speakers and invited colloquia below:
The conference welcomes the following topics, but not limited to:
Symposia should articulate a unifying theme and contribution.
Review & Decisions
Highlights for notice researchers (PhD students or newly PhD graduates)
No registration fees will be charged for ALS‑2026.
Please note that lunch and tea breaks will be charged (but you can opt to bring your own lunch or eat elsewhere and there is no need to pay).
Engagement
Journal Recommendations for Outstanding Papers
Publish in our Conference special issue:
Applied Language Sciences (Conference Special Issue)
Abstract submission deadline: April 10, 2026
Notification of acceptance: April 2026
Conference dates: May 15–16, 2026
Venue
Travel Tips
We do not provide accommodation. Recommended hotels:
Conference Chairs:
Executive Organizing Members (in an alphabetical order):
Email: alsrmconf2026@gmail.com
What are the ends of global Shakespeare as a field of study? In the past three decades, global Shakespeare has expanded Shakespeare studies’ Anglo-centric outlook. We now need new methods to theorize performances of Shakespeare across cultures.
This presentation suggests heterotopia as a new method to analyze diverse and polyphonic performances. In Michel Foucault’s theory of heterotopia, the notion describes worlds within worlds. Joubin builds upon Foucault’s architectural metaphor to theorize cultural spaces that are transformative because of their contradictory or trans-historical ideologies. Heterotopia, as a parallel space that contains and evokes other spaces, exists in reality (such as a theatre stage) and holds up a mirror to other realities.
This presentation argues that global Shakespeare operates as a heterotopia. Performances connect audiences with fictional worlds in a different time and place. They also evoke other parts of audiences’ contemporary worlds. Heterotopia, or worlds within worlds, captures the vitality and viability of global performances of Shakespeare.
An example of global Shakespeare as heterotopia is Yukio Ninagawa’s high-concept production of Hamlet (1998 and 2015), which turns the art of theatre-making inside out through its metatheatrical conceit. The production opens with actor-characters warming up, running their lines and touching up on their makeup. They mill around on a set that represents the backstage of a theatre where the actor-characters both prepare for and stage Hamlet. The two-story set consists of dressing rooms with privacy curtains, complete with lighted mirrors, photographs, and bouquets. The lower level is a common dressing area for everyone, while the upper level is reserved for leading actor-characters’ individual dressing rooms. This backstage space is now upstage. This set doubles as rooms in Elsinore Castle once the story of Hamlet begins.
Heterotopia pushes back against the illusions of Shakespeare’s universal meanings by pluralizing the aesthetic and political positions across and within artistic, scholarly and pedagogical communities. Global performances of Shakespeare create worlds within worlds by combining the plays and audiences’ senses of place to build cultural spaces that are transformative. Heterotopia, created by the craft of world-making, anchors, enables and endorses some characters’ transformative experiences and self-discovery.
This seminar is part of the Hong Kong International Shakespeare Conference 2026. Following the seminar, there will be a book launch titled “Shakespearean Studies: New Books in the Field” by Prof. Alexa Alice Joubin and Dr. Miriam Lau. The launch will be moderated by Prof. Michael Dobson, Director of The Shakespeare Institute at the University of Birmingham. Details are available on the conference website.
The seminar and book launch will be accessible via the same Zoom link provided below.
About the Speaker
Alexa Alice Joubin is Professor of English, Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Theatre, International Affairs, and East Asian Languages and Literatures at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., where she directs the Digital Humanities Institute. The inaugural recipient of the bell hooks Legacy Award, she held the Fulbright Distinguished Chair at Queen Mary University of London and the University of Warwick in the UK. In 2026, she received the Shakespeare Association of America’s Barbara Hodgdon Award as well as honorable mention for the Publics Award.
Departmental Seminar: The End(s) of Global Shakespeare
By Prof. Alexa Alice Joubin, George Washington University
Date: Tuesday 14 April 2026
Time: 9:30am – 10:15am
Moderator: Prof. Min-hua Wu, Associate Professor, Department of English, National Chengchi University
Venue: Via Zoom
Viewing Link (for both the seminar and book talk): https://mit.zoom.us/j/94864155318
Meeting ID: 948 6415 5318
Discover the fascinating world of hieroglyphs with Egyptian Hieroglyphs from A to Z, a book that blends history, language, and culture into an engaging learning experience.
🌟 Guided by Dr Anna Tso, Head of the Department of English, together with Agnes Lam, Steve Lam, and Sophia Koo, this book invites readers to explore the mysteries of ancient Egypt through carved symbols, numbers, and stories.
🔍 With interactive activities, readers can decode hidden messages, design their own cartouche, and gain hands-on insights into how symbols shaped one of the world’s greatest civilizations.
Perfect for students, educators, and lifelong learners, this book transforms the study of ancient Egypt into an accessible and inspiring journey.
✨ New Release Details
Title: Egyptian Hieroglyphs from A to Z
Authors: Anna Tso, Agnes Lam, Steve Lam, Sophia Koo
ISBN: 9789819456666
Date: 27 March 2026 (Friday) Time: 3 – 4pm Venue: G/F, CR002 Lecture Hall, Creative Humanities Hub, HSUHK Language: In Cantonese and English Admission: Free Registration: HSUHK Students and Staff / Public *Undergraduate students who participate in the event will be awarded 1 iGPS unit.
The Shakespeare Drama Competition 2026 finale is here! Twenty shortlisted participants will bring to life some of the Bard’s most iconic characters and unleash the potential for contemporary reinterpretation of the classic monologues and dialogues on stage. Everyone is invited!
Date: 28 March 2026 (Saturday)
Time: 10:00am – 12:30pm
Venue: 1/F, N102, Alice Lam Lecture Theatre, Lo Hui Kit San, HSUHK
Language: English
Admission: Free
Register: HSUHK Students and Staff / Public
*Undergraduate students who participate in the event will be awarded 1 iGPS unit.
For further information about the department, our programmes or services, please get in touch.
