Hosted by the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) as a festive event to celebrate the Chinese New Year, the College’s Spring Luncheon took place on 21 February at Lau Ming Wai Academic Building, CityU. The event attracted 20 principals and delegates from leading local secondary schools across Hong Kong.

Professor Xiaowei ZANG, Dean of CLASS, gave all the participants his warmest welcome in his opening remarks. “This is the third year for CLASS to run this spring luncheon. We are grateful for the continued support from some of those who participated in our luncheon in the previous years, and also welcome those who join our event for the first time,” said Prof Zang. He also expressed his gratitude to Professor Julie LI, Associate Provost (Academic Planning and Undergraduate Education), for her participation and support to the event.

Following the Dean’s remarks was an introduction to the College by Dr Peppina LEE, Associate Dean (Undergraduate Education and Quality Assurance) of CLASS. Dr Lee highlighted the undergraduate programmes currently offered by the seven departments of CLASS, and introduced the upcoming activities targeting at secondary schools in the next few months. “We regularly organise outreach activities and taster programmes to let secondary schools get to know more about CLASS and its departments,” Dr Lee added.

Handling debates on social and political issues among students is always a challenge that concerns educators, especially in the age of the Internet with information overload. With this regard, Department of Public Policy Dr CHEUNG Chor-yung delivered a talk in the luncheon, citing the importance of helping students to develop critical thinking skills. “Thinking is dangerous, but no thinking is even worse. On the journey of pursuing knowledge and making judgments, we always have to think critically, perform fact-checking, learn from the scholars, solicit concise and neutral information, and consequently achieve self-knowledge,” said Dr Cheung in his talk.  He also shared some useful tips with the audience that may facilitate their teaching.

The school representatives enjoyed the meal while they exchanged views on education and admission with the management team and faculty members of CLASS.

Cover: Participants celebrate the Year of the Pig in the Spring Luncheon.

Photos 2 & 3: Secondary school principals and teachers shared their insights on education with the management and faculty members of CLASS.