CityUHK’s College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) has forged a new partnership with the Cambridge Digital Humanities, School of Art sand Humanities of the University of Cambridge. Both institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 1 November, which started a new chapter to strengthen the connection between the Department of Media and Communication (COM) of CLASS and Cambridge Digital Humanities. This partnership aims to explore opportunities for collaboration in education and research, as well as to enhance academic exchange and cooperation.

The MoU was endorsed by Professor Alfred Tat-Kei HO, Dean of CLASS, and witnessed by Professor Freddy BOEY, President of CityUHK and Dame Madeleine ATKINS, President of Lucy Cavendish College, University of Cambridge. 

This MoU presents invaluable opportunities for COM students to pursue advanced studies at the University of Cambridge, equipping them with professional knowledge needed for successful careers in the media industry or for further academic development. Additionally, the MoU facilitates academic exchange and research collaboration among COM research students and faculty, allowing them to engage with renowned scholars and enhancing research and development in areas of mutual interest.

Professor Ho remarked that the signing of the MoU represents a significant milestone in the partnership between CityUHK and Cambridge in the fields of social sciences and humanities. He emphasized that the MoU lays a solid foundation for future cooperation in education and research. It also reflects the commitment of the Department of Media and Communication to become a leading academic institution in the Asia-Pacific region and to compete effectively on a global scale.

Professor Ho further noted that embracing technology is a crucial trend in the communication and media industries. In response, the COM Department has designed two Master’s programmes that focus on the application of new media technologies alongside humanistic thinking, aiming to cultivate professionals proficient in both media theory and technology. This approach aligns with the objectives of the Cambridge Digital Humanities at the University of Cambridge's School of Arts and Humanities.

Professor Yi-Hui Christine HUANG, Head and Chair Professor of COM, also expressed her enthusiasm about the collaboration: "The partnership brings together our strengths in areas such as media analytics, cultural studies, and digital innovation, allowing COM to join a global network of leading research institutions. Both faculty and students will have the opportunity to engage with Cambridge’s world-class resources."

Both institutions are committed to examining the effects of digital media and emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, on social and cultural dimensions. This will create more collaborative opportunities related to teaching and media and communication research.