SEE Retreat 2026: Shaping a Strategic Path for Innovation and Global Impact
The School of Energy and Environment (SEE) at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) successfully held its Staff Retreat 2026 on 13 May 2026. The full-day event served as a vital platform for faculty and staff to align on the School’s strategic direction, strengthen research identity, and enhance institutional branding.
SEE Faculty and staff gather for a group photo to kick off the Staff Retreat 2026.
The retreat commenced with a welcome address and key updates from Dean Professor Benjamin Horton, setting the stage of a day of strategic reflection and forward planning. The morning programme featured two core sessions: Strengthening SEE Research & Identity, led by Professor Patrick Lee, Associate Dean (Research and Graduate Studies), and Brand Enhancement and Elevation of SEE's Academic Standing, moderated by Professor Edwin Tso, Associate Dean (Internationalisation and Outreach). These sessions provided a valuable platform for exchanging ideas on reinforcing SEE’s research strengths and identifying pathways to long-term academic excellence.
In the afternoon, the focus shifted to the future of education and the role of emerging technologies. The retreat featured an Expert Talk on AI & Education delivered by Professor Clint Ho, Associate Head of the Department of Data Science. The School extends its sincere appreciation to Professor Ho for his insightful contribution. His presentation offered valuable perspectives on how artificial intelligence is transforming teaching and learning, sparking meaningful discussions on the evolving landscape of digital education.
Prof. Benjamin Horton (right) presenting a SEE souvenir to guest speaker Prof. Clint Ho (left), in appreciation of his insightful presentation.
Building directly upon this expert perspective, Prof. Shauhrat Chopra led a subsequent session on Enhancing Employability of Students, where faculty explored practical steps to embed AI into the SEE curriculum. This proactive alignment aims to ensure graduates remain highly competitive in an increasingly tech-driven global job market. The planning phase wrapped up with a comprehensive session on long-term strategic direction and planning led by Prof. Horton.
The retreat culminated in a celebratory Award Presentation Ceremony, honoring outstanding individuals and the next generation of sustainability leaders. In recognition of their sustained excellence and leadership, the School presented professional honors to several distinguished recipients:
- SEE Outstanding Service Award: Ir CHAN Kai Man Tony
Prof. Benjamin Horton (right) presenting the SEE Outstanding Service Award to Ir Chan Kai Man Tony (left).
- SEE Outstanding Alumni Award: Mr. HUI Wan Ching and Dr. SUN Lisa Mingzhe (presented in absentia)
Prof. Benjamin Horton (right) presenting the SEE Outstanding Alumni Award to Mr. Hui Wan Ching (left).
The ceremony also celebrated the bright young minds of the Secondary School Video Competition, which challenged local students to provide creative insights into climate resilience and green innovation.
| Award | School Name | Student Name | Award Representative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | St. Paul’s Co-educational College |
Lau Cheuk Long, Chan Hong Yau, Mak On Sun Caitlin |
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| Silver | Maryknoll Convent School (Secondary Section) | Fong Ching Nam, So Hoi Kiu, Lee Chun, Auyang Agatha Hay Nga |
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| Bronze | St. Stephen’s Girls' College | Lam Livia, Cheng Chung Yan Bernice, Debolt Abby Thea |
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| Best Participation Award for School | St. Stephen’s Girls’ College |  |
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| Most Popular Video Award | St. Paul’s Co-educational College | Lau Cheuk Long, Chan Hong Yau, Mak On Sun Caitlin |
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The gathering also served as a heartfelt occasion to bid farewell to Prof. Charles Chunbao Xu and Prof. Jung-Eun Chu, who will be leaving SEE. Prof. Horton expressed the School’s deepest appreciation to both faculty members for their dedicated service, valuable academic contributions, and lasting impact on the SEE community, wishing them the very best in their future endeavors.
Following these acknowledgments, the retreat officially concluded with inspiring closing remarks from Prof. Horton, reinforcing SEE’s shared commitment to collaboration, innovation, and driving a lasting impact on sustainability.