The School of Communication (SCOM) held its second teaching sharing seminar of AY2024/25 on 3 July 2025. The sharing session was hosted by Professor Scarlet Tso, Dean of the School of Communication, who invited Professor Su, Chien-Chou, Distinguished Professor and Dean of the College of Journalism and Communications, as well as Director of the Ph.D. Program in Communication Studies at Shih Hsin University, to deliver the keynote speech titled “From Polling to Big Data: Opportunities of Transformation for Communication Education and Research in the Era of AI.”

Professor Tso first welcomed Professor Su on behalf of SCOM and introduced his academic background and areas of expertise.

In his address, Professor Su reflected on the longstanding relationship between the two institutions, particularly noting his participation in the “2024 Forum of Deans of Schools of Journalism and Communication from Mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong” hosted by SCOM, where he shared insights on the challenges and prospects of journalism and communication education alongside fellow scholars. Professor Su’s presentation began with a discussion on the impact of public opinion polls on elections and public affairs, highlighting the principles established by the National Council on Public Polls (NCPP) regarding the reporting of polls to ensure that audiences receive reliable information.

Additionally, Professor Su shared examples from his past involvement in cases of polling, emphasizing how the incorporation of social media sentiment and big data analysis, has influenced predictions regarding election results and policy directions.

Professor Su also mentioned the paradigm shift in communication research and teaching methodologies brought about by the AI era. He noted that technological advancements empower communicators to adopt new thinking and working methods, enabling them to continue uncovering data and disseminating the truth. Following the sharing, faculty members from SCOM engaged in a lively discussion, posing questions to Professor Su, which concluded the seminar on an enthusiastic note.

Professor Scarlet Tso (right), Dean of the School of Communication, presents souvenirs to Professor Su, Chien-Chou (left), Distinguished Professor and Dean of the College of Journalism and Communications at Shih Hsin University.

“The Coffee Industry Urgently Needs Young Talent;
Becoming a Professional Barista Requires Practice, Not Just Natural Ability”
says Chester Tam, Founder of Ideaology Coffee

Known as the “Coffee God,” Chester Tam is the first barista in the Greater China region to be recognized by the European Specialty Coffee Association. He is also the founder of the Ideaology Coffee chain. Chester is passionate about promoting specialty coffee culture. Alongside managing his shops, he teaches barista training courses to help more people understand and develop a love for coffee.

Chester highlights the critical need for young people to enter the coffee industry, but he emphasizes the importance of first learning how to properly taste coffee, as this knowledge is essential for their future roles. “For instance, when roasting beans, you need to discern the different flavors, and a barista must be able to recognize the taste of coffee. Understanding coffee is crucial. Whenever someone new joins the industry, I advise them to drink more coffee and get familiar with the operations of the coffee shop; I believe that’s more important.”

When asked whether becoming a professional barista requires an innate sensitivity to taste and smell, Chester clarifies that most baristas, including himself, do not rely solely on talent. Instead, they develop their memory of coffee flavors through extensive tasting, hard work, and continuous learning. “While there are baristas who have a natural sensitivity to taste and smell, they are quite rare. If you feel you lack talent, you can absolutely learn through dedication. If others drink three cups a day, aim to drink ten, and work hard to remember the flavors. Coffee has a wide range of flavors that require memorization, and you need to drink more to truly understand them. Professionalism is key. I often ask, ‘What does Ethiopian coffee taste like? How many cups have you smelled? Two cups? That’s definitely not enough. If you’ve smelled a thousand cups, then I believe you genuinely understand Ethiopian coffee beans.'”

Rosanna Law
Permanent Secretary for Housing / Director of Housing
Hong Kong Housing Director Warns Against Sacrificing Income for Public Housing

During a recent appearance on the SCOM Talk Show, Rosanna Law Shuk Pui, the Director of Housing, addressed concerns regarding public housing policies, emphasizing the importance of not compromising financial stability to qualify for housing assistance. Law, responsible for overseeing public housing initiatives in a city where 45% of the population resides in public housing, shared her perspective on various topics.

Law highlighted the government’s goal of promoting upward mobility and homeownership opportunities. She advised against compromising one’s income or ambition to meet public housing eligibility, encouraging individuals to focus on career growth and financial advancement instead. She emphasized the value of hard work and perseverance in achieving the milestone of homeownership as a significant life accomplishment for young citizens.

Alongside her professional duties, she revealed her interests in cooking and attending concerts as ways to relax from the demands of her role. Earlier, Law revealed she is a fan of local boy band Mirror’s Ian Chan Cheuk-yin and became a hot topic, to which she expressed difficulty in understanding: “Why does saying it seem like discovering a new continent, it feels so strange.”

Feng Shui Fortune-teller Master Seven: Success Comes from Diligence – Reading Ten Books A Day to Enhance Knowledge

Former financial journalist “Master Seven” has made a remarkable transition to the world of feng shui and has garnered widespread popularity as a fortune-teller in recent years. Drawing parallels between journalism and feng shui fortune-telling, she emphasizes the importance of objective analysis. Her journalistic background has enriched her wisdom and knowledge, equipping her to confront any challenge with confidence.

Reflecting on her rise to fame, “Master Seven” acknowledges that success is not merely a matter of luck, but the outcome of continuous learning. She once devoted herself to reading ten books a day in order to assimilate diverse knowledge, affirming, “Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be in jeopardy. When others questioned how I managed to find time for study, my answer is simple – hard work. While some may opt for leisure or gossip, I dedicate the majority of my time to learning.”