The “Joint School Advisory Committees Meeting cum Retreat of the School of Communication of AY2024/25” was held on 23 August 2025, at the Regal Kowloon Hotel. The significant event brought together advisory committee members, external examiners, and part-time lecturers from the School and its four Programmes, along with the School’s faculty and staff. The Retreat provided an opportunity to reflect on the past year’s developments and to discuss the future direction of the School.
The meeting commenced with Professor Scarlet Tso, Dean of the School of Communication, providing an overview of the School’s achievements over the past year. Professor Tso highlighted that the School’s enrollment figures for the coming academic year are particularly promising. All five programmes, including the newly launched Master of Arts in Digital Media for Online Communication, have received enthusiastic responses. She also noted that the School has organized various internal and external activities throughout the year, with students winning awards in multiple competitions, significantly enhancing the School’s external collaborations and public recognition.
To express gratitude for the continuous support of the advisory committees, Professor Tso presented appointment certificates to all committee members in recognition of their contributions.
Programme Directors of the five programmes, including Dr. Chan Chi Kit for the Bachelor of Journalism and Communication (Honours), Professor Trevor Siu for the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Convergent Media and Communication Technology, Master of Arts in Digital Media for Online Communication, Dr. Clio Wu for the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Arts and Culture Communication, and Dr. Howard Song for the Master of Arts in Strategic Communication, each reported on the developments of their respective programmes and outlined plans for the upcoming year. This provided the attendees with insights into the current status and future direction of each programme.
Subsequently, attendees engaged in in-depth discussions on four major topics:
- Ways to establish distinct positioning for the School to outstand among the local private universities
- How to embrace the concept of internationalization in the classroom and cope with the challenges in teaching and learning?
- How can AI be integrated into the curriculum to enhance teaching and learning?
- Strategies to raise students’ social awareness and engagement in the community
Participants actively shared their opinions and put forward a lot of constructive advice. Regarding the establishment of the School’s unique positioning, guests pointed out that the government is currently making significant efforts to promote the development of the culture, sports and tourism industries. They suggested that the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Arts and Culture Communication programme should place greater emphasis on its integration with these sectors.
Concerning the incorporation of the internationalization concept into the classroom, guests proposed that as the proportion of non-local students increases, the School should consider adjusting the language of instruction. Also, the School should encourage non-local students to learn Cantonese, facilitate more overseas exchange programmes and international student activities.
Guests also noted the growing prevalence of AI and suggested that teachers should leverage it as a teaching tool to guide students in critical thinking and self-learning. To enhance students’ social awareness and engagement, they recommended making teaching more relatable to everyday life to ignite students’ enthusiasm for learning.
During the closing remarks, Professor Tso expressed her gratitude to the attendees, who are either key figures in the industry or hold significant positions in other higher education institutions. Their extensive experience allows them to provide insightful suggestions from the perspective of practical business operations, as well as reference best practices from other universities. She emphasized that the relevant committees within the School would thoroughly discuss and consider each suggestion to continuously improve the quality of education and strengthen external collaborations, thereby enhancing the School’s reputation.
Following the discussion session, guests and faculty members enjoyed lunch together, continuing their exchanges in a relaxed atmosphere.
The event brought together advisory committee members, external examiners and part-time lecturers from the School and its four programmes, along with the School’s faculty and staff.
Professor Scarlet Tso, Dean of School of Communication, provided a comprehensive summary of the School’s accomplishments throughout the past year.
Professor Tso presented appointment certificates to all committee members in recognition of their contributions.
Guests and academic staff share their views in the discussion session.
Dr. Chan Chi Kit, Programme Director of the Bachelor of Journalism and Communication (Honours), provided the attendees with an overview of the latest developments in their respective programmes and outlined their plans for the upcoming year.
Professor Trevor Siu, Programme Directors of the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Convergent Media and Communication Technology, Master of Arts in Digital Media for Online Communication, provided the attendees with an overview of the latest developments in their respective programmes and outlined their plans for the upcoming year.
Dr. Clio Wu, Programme Director of the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Arts and Culture Communication, provided the attendees with an overview of the latest developments in their respective programmes and outlined their plans for the upcoming year.
Dr. Howard Song, Programme Director of the Master of Arts in Strategic Communication, provided the attendees with an over view of the latest developments in their respective programmes and outlined their plans for the upcoming year.
