CUHK Faculty of Social Science: Fostering Global Excellence in Social Impact and Innovation
Breaking New Ground in Research Excellence
Prof. Mei-Po KWAN (left) and Prof. Edward NG (right) have been honoured with prestigious international awards, celebrating their outstanding achievements in their respective fields
Nurturing Global Talent
Yvan Ysmael Tobias YONAHA (centre in the left photo) credited CUHK's robust research training and incredible peer and faculty support network for playing a pivotal role in his growth as a researcher
HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 26 June 2025 - In a landmark achievement for Hong Kong's higher education sector, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has surpassed its previous performance in the newly released QS World University Rankings 2026, climbing to 32nd position globally. This institutional milestone is partially contributed by the outstanding performance of CUHK's Faculty of Social Science , which continues to excel in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, with Communication & Media Studies ranking 12th globally, Sociology at 18th, and Geography at 19th position. Other notable achievements include Psychology at 32nd, Architecture/Built Environment at 35th, and Economics & Econometrics at 37th, while Social Sciences & Management ranks 47th worldwide.Comprising three schools and five departments, CUHK's Faculty of Social Science offers cutting-edge taught and research postgraduate programmes across various disciplines, including Architecture, Economics, Geography and Resource Management, Governance and Policy Science, Journalism and Communication, Psychology, Social Work, and Sociology. This interdisciplinary approach, combined with a rich intellectual and cultural environment, empowers students to address complex social challenges and become engaged global thought leaders.The Faculty's research impact is exemplified by distinguished scholars like Professor Mei-Po KWAN, Choh-Ming Li Professor of Geography and Resource Management. Professor Kwan's groundbreaking work in geographic information science and environmental health has revolutionised the understanding of human mobility and urban health issues. Her work has inspired much new mobility-based research in public health, sociology, health geography, and urban studies on a wide range of topics, including the health impacts of individual exposure to green space, air pollution, noise, traffic congestion, social environments, and ethnic/racial segregation. As a recipient of numerous prestigious global honours, including two Lifetime Achievement Awards (one from the International Geographical Union and the other from the International Association of Chinese Professionals in Geographic Information Sciences) and the James R. Anderson Medal of Honor in Applied Geography, Professor Kwan's contributions continue to shape the field.Adding to the Faculty's achievements, Professor Edward NG, Yao Ling Sun Professor of Architecture, recently became the first architect-designer and Hong Kong scholar to receive the prestigious Luke Howard Award from the International Association for Urban Climate (IAUC). A leading public advocate for climate-responsive architecture design, Professor Ng's work bridges urban climate science, urban design and planning practice, and has contributed to the climate-responsive policies across Hong Kong and China. His "One University One Village" project also won the Gold Award in the Humanitarian category and the distinguished title of Emerging Practice of the Year Grand Prix Winner at the World Architecture News (WAN) Awards 2024 for its innovative rural reconstruction model, which integrates sustainable design, cultural preservation, and community empowerment.The Faculty's commitment to excellence is also reflected in the experiences of students like Yvan Ysmael Tobias YONAHA, a Filipino PhD candidate in Sociology and a Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) awardee. "CUHK's comprehensive training in both quantitative and qualitative research has shaped me into a holistic practitioner and researcher," shares Yvan. His experience highlights the Faculty's success in creating an enabling learning environment that combines rigorous academic training with global perspective.CUHK's Faculty of Social Science continues to pursue excellence in scholarship, discovery and innovation to create far-reaching social impact. For more information about the postgraduate opportunities at CUHK's Faculty of Social Science, visit https://www.gs.cuhk.edu.hk/admissions/programme/social-science Hashtag: #CUHK
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About CUHK
Founded in 1963, CUHK combines tradition with innovation in teaching and research, maintaining strong global partnerships to address real-world challenges.
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Malay Mail
9 hours ago
- Malay Mail
CUHK Faculty of Social Science: Fostering Global Excellence in Social Impact and Innovation
Breaking New Ground in Research Excellence Prof. Mei-Po KWAN (left) and Prof. Edward NG (right) have been honoured with prestigious international awards, celebrating their outstanding achievements in their respective fields Nurturing Global Talent Yvan Ysmael Tobias YONAHA (centre in the left photo) credited CUHK's robust research training and incredible peer and faculty support network for playing a pivotal role in his growth as a researcher HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 26 June 2025 - In a landmark achievement for Hong Kong's higher education sector, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has surpassed its previous performance in the newly released QS World University Rankings 2026, climbing to 32nd position globally. This institutional milestone is partially contributed by the outstanding performance of CUHK's Faculty of Social Science , which continues to excel in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, with Communication & Media Studies ranking 12th globally, Sociology at 18th, and Geography at 19th position. Other notable achievements include Psychology at 32nd, Architecture/Built Environment at 35th, and Economics & Econometrics at 37th, while Social Sciences & Management ranks 47th three schools and five departments, CUHK's Faculty of Social Science offers cutting-edge taught and research postgraduate programmes across various disciplines, including Architecture, Economics, Geography and Resource Management, Governance and Policy Science, Journalism and Communication, Psychology, Social Work, and Sociology. This interdisciplinary approach, combined with a rich intellectual and cultural environment, empowers students to address complex social challenges and become engaged global thought Faculty's research impact is exemplified by distinguished scholars like Professor Mei-Po KWAN, Choh-Ming Li Professor of Geography and Resource Management. Professor Kwan's groundbreaking work in geographic information science and environmental health has revolutionised the understanding of human mobility and urban health issues. Her work has inspired much new mobility-based research in public health, sociology, health geography, and urban studies on a wide range of topics, including the health impacts of individual exposure to green space, air pollution, noise, traffic congestion, social environments, and ethnic/racial segregation. As a recipient of numerous prestigious global honours, including two Lifetime Achievement Awards (one from the International Geographical Union and the other from the International Association of Chinese Professionals in Geographic Information Sciences) and the James R. Anderson Medal of Honor in Applied Geography, Professor Kwan's contributions continue to shape the to the Faculty's achievements, Professor Edward NG, Yao Ling Sun Professor of Architecture, recently became the first architect-designer and Hong Kong scholar to receive the prestigious Luke Howard Award from the International Association for Urban Climate (IAUC). A leading public advocate for climate-responsive architecture design, Professor Ng's work bridges urban climate science, urban design and planning practice, and has contributed to the climate-responsive policies across Hong Kong and China. His "One University One Village" project also won the Gold Award in the Humanitarian category and the distinguished title of Emerging Practice of the Year Grand Prix Winner at the World Architecture News (WAN) Awards 2024 for its innovative rural reconstruction model, which integrates sustainable design, cultural preservation, and community Faculty's commitment to excellence is also reflected in the experiences of students like Yvan Ysmael Tobias YONAHA, a Filipino PhD candidate in Sociology and a Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) awardee. "CUHK's comprehensive training in both quantitative and qualitative research has shaped me into a holistic practitioner and researcher," shares Yvan. His experience highlights the Faculty's success in creating an enabling learning environment that combines rigorous academic training with global Faculty of Social Science continues to pursue excellence in scholarship, discovery and innovation to create far-reaching social impact. For more information about the postgraduate opportunities at CUHK's Faculty of Social Science, visit Hashtag: #CUHK The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About CUHK Founded in 1963, CUHK combines tradition with innovation in teaching and research, maintaining strong global partnerships to address real-world challenges.
Malay Mail
10 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Of calculators and trust — Fatin Nabila Abd Latiff
JUNE 26 — My experience teaching Mathematics in two countries, Malaysia and China, has revealed an important reality: the way students master this subject is deeply influenced by the educational culture and assessment systems of each country. In today's modern educational era, tools such as scientific calculators and artificial intelligence (AI) have become increasingly prevalent in the classroom. However, students' approaches to using these tools are still firmly rooted in the foundational values shaped by their respective systems. In Malaysia, the use of scientific calculators is standard practice beginning at the upper secondary level. Students rely on calculators for a wide range of mathematical operations, and for some, they become an inseparable part of problem-solving. While calculators help speed up calculations and minimize errors, overreliance can sometimes lead to weaker mastery of basic computational skills and reduced understanding of core mathematical concepts. This culture of calculator dependency is also reflected in Malaysia's national examination, the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM). In SPM, calculators are permitted for Mathematics and Additional Mathematics papers. The structure of the exam often assumes that students have access to calculators, especially for questions involving trigonometry, logarithms, or statistical calculations. While this allows for efficiency, it may inadvertently discourage the development of mental calculation and manual problem-solving strategies. In today's modern educational era, tools such as scientific calculators and artificial intelligence (AI) have become increasingly prevalent in the classroom.— Picture via Unsplash By contrast, my experience teaching foundation students under the PASUM offshore program at Xi'an International University in China revealed a very different learning environment. Many students there had never used a calculator. Since they were preparing to pursue their undergraduate degrees at Universiti Malaya, I took the initiative to introduce calculator usage and made it a requirement in both lectures and assessments. Initially, they were unfamiliar and hesitant, but I could see their excitement when they first tried using the device. Even so, most of them continued to prefer solving problems such as multiplication, square roots, and trigonometric expressions manually with remarkable confidence, speed, and precision. This comfort with manual computation stemmed from their early training and a system that actively reinforces such skills. One of the main reasons for this is China's national university entrance exam, Gaokao. Known for its intensity and competitiveness, Gaokao strictly prohibits the use of calculators in the mathematics paper. This policy is intentional. It aims to assess a student's genuine computational skills, ensure fairness across all regions and backgrounds, and encourage deep mastery of mathematical principles without reliance on technology. As a result, Chinese students are trained from a young age to memorize formulas and solve problems manually. The outcome is a generation of students who possess strong fundamental skills and a high level of discipline when tackling complex problems using logical and structured steps. Despite these systemic differences, global developments continue to impact both countries. Students in Malaysia and China are now increasingly turning to AI-powered apps such as ChatGPT, DeepSeek, Symbolab, and Photomath. These tools allow students to input or scan questions and receive complete answers, including solution steps, within seconds. While these technologies offer convenience and accessibility, I have observed a troubling trend: students are becoming increasingly dependent on AI-generated solutions without fully engaging with the problem-solving process. To address this, I apply a simple yet effective approach in my classroom. Students are required to first attempt questions manually, using their own reasoning, before they are allowed to check or verify their answers using AI. This method trains students to think critically, assess their own solutions, and compare them thoughtfully with the output provided by AI tools. It also builds confidence in their conceptual understanding. What I find most encouraging is how students respond when their answers differ from AI-generated ones. On several occasions, I have heard students say confidently, 'I think my answer is correct. The AI is wrong.' To me, this is a clear indicator of authentic learning. These students are not simply replicating solutions — they have internalized the logic, can explain their reasoning, and are unafraid to challenge the authority of a machine when they believe in their understanding. I am not against the use of technology. On the contrary, I fully support the integration of AI as a learning tool, provided it is used wisely and with the right guidance. However, I believe that manual problem-solving and conceptual mastery must remain the foundation of Mathematics education. Technology should enhance students' learning but not replace their ability to think. Calculators, SPM, Gaokao, and AI each represent tools, systems, and educational paradigms that shape students in different ways. What truly matters, however, is ensuring that students are able to understand, reason logically, and trust their own thinking. When a student can confidently say, 'AI is wrong, I know my answer is correct,' because they fully understand the concept, that is where the true success of a teacher lies. *Dr. Fatin Nabila Abd Latiff is a Senior Lecturer of the Mathematics Division, Centre for Foundation Studies in Science, Universiti Malaya (PASUM), and may be reached at [email protected]. ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
The Sun
13 hours ago
- The Sun
CUHK Faculty of Social Science: Fostering Global Excellence in Social Impact and Innovation
HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 26 June 2025 - In a landmark achievement for Hong Kong's higher education sector, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has surpassed its previous performance in the newly released QS World University Rankings 2026, climbing to 32nd position globally. This institutional milestone is partially contributed by the outstanding performance of CUHK's Faculty of Social Science, which continues to excel in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, with Communication & Media Studies ranking 12th globally, Sociology at 18th, and Geography at 19th position. Other notable achievements include Psychology at 32nd, Architecture/Built Environment at 35th, and Economics & Econometrics at 37th, while Social Sciences & Management ranks 47th worldwide. Comprising three schools and five departments, CUHK's Faculty of Social Science offers cutting-edge taught and research postgraduate programmes across various disciplines, including Architecture, Economics, Geography and Resource Management, Governance and Policy Science, Journalism and Communication, Psychology, Social Work, and Sociology. This interdisciplinary approach, combined with a rich intellectual and cultural environment, empowers students to address complex social challenges and become engaged global thought leaders. Breaking New Ground in Research Excellence The Faculty's research impact is exemplified by distinguished scholars like Professor Mei-Po KWAN, Choh-Ming Li Professor of Geography and Resource Management. Professor Kwan's groundbreaking work in geographic information science and environmental health has revolutionised the understanding of human mobility and urban health issues. Her work has inspired much new mobility-based research in public health, sociology, health geography, and urban studies on a wide range of topics, including the health impacts of individual exposure to green space, air pollution, noise, traffic congestion, social environments, and ethnic/racial segregation. As a recipient of numerous prestigious global honours, including two Lifetime Achievement Awards (one from the International Geographical Union and the other from the International Association of Chinese Professionals in Geographic Information Sciences) and the James R. Anderson Medal of Honor in Applied Geography, Professor Kwan's contributions continue to shape the field. Adding to the Faculty's achievements, Professor Edward NG, Yao Ling Sun Professor of Architecture, recently became the first architect-designer and Hong Kong scholar to receive the prestigious Luke Howard Award from the International Association for Urban Climate (IAUC). A leading public advocate for climate-responsive architecture design, Professor Ng's work bridges urban climate science, urban design and planning practice, and has contributed to the climate-responsive policies across Hong Kong and China. His 'One University One Village' project also won the Gold Award in the Humanitarian category and the distinguished title of Emerging Practice of the Year Grand Prix Winner at the World Architecture News (WAN) Awards 2024 for its innovative rural reconstruction model, which integrates sustainable design, cultural preservation, and community empowerment. Nurturing Global Talent The Faculty's commitment to excellence is also reflected in the experiences of students like Yvan Ysmael Tobias YONAHA, a Filipino PhD candidate in Sociology and a Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) awardee. 'CUHK's comprehensive training in both quantitative and qualitative research has shaped me into a holistic practitioner and researcher,' shares Yvan. His experience highlights the Faculty's success in creating an enabling learning environment that combines rigorous academic training with global perspective. CUHK's Faculty of Social Science continues to pursue excellence in scholarship, discovery and innovation to create far-reaching social impact. For more information about the postgraduate opportunities at CUHK's Faculty of Social Science, visit Founded in 1963, CUHK combines tradition with innovation in teaching and research, maintaining strong global partnerships to address real-world challenges. Yvan Ysmael Tobias YONAHA (centre in the left photo) credited CUHK's robust research training and incredible peer and faculty support network for playing a pivotal role in his growth as a researcher
