From 1st to 11th December 2025, 20 students and faculty members from Yunnan Normal University embarked on an 11-day immersive journey of academic research and cultural exploration in Hong Kong through the Yunnan Normal University (YNNU) Student Study Programme, organised by the Academy for Educational Development and Innovation (AEDI) at The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK). Centred on academic research, the programme seamlessly blended classroom learning, site visits, and urban experiences. It received high praise from the participants and marked a significant milestone in deepening collaboration and fostering talent development between the two universities.
The academic courses, forming the cornerstone of the programme, were carefully crafted by a team of distinguished scholars from EdUHK. These courses provided a comprehensive framework covering the entire research process. Throughout the sessions, experts and scholars drew upon their own research findings and teaching expertise, employing varied methods such as case studies, group discussions, and mock presentations. This approach encouraged students to step beyond conventional thinking and explore innovative avenues in educational research.
To embody the educational principle of "uniting knowledge and practice," the programme included a range of thoughtfully designed practical activities. During a visit to a local secondary school, participants observed classroom teaching, engaged in meaningful discussions with frontline educators, and explored the campus learning environments. These experiences offered a close-up view of Hong Kong’s unique strengths in curriculum innovation and diverse talent development within primary and secondary education, equipping students with invaluable insights for their future careers in education.
At the closing ceremony, Professor Sin Kuen Fung Kenneth, Executive Co-Director of AEDI at EdUHK, shared his heartfelt aspirations and best wishes for the students’ future contributions to the education sector. He reiterated that AEDI remains dedicated to its mission of "driving educational innovation and nurturing talent for the modern era." The Academy is committed to serving as a conduit for educational exchange and collaboration between the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and mainland China. Looking ahead, AEDI plans to leverage its strengths to diversify exchange formats, broaden areas of cooperation, and deepen partnerships with mainland universities in academic research, curriculum design, and staff-student exchanges. These efforts aim to advance high-quality educational development in both regions and cultivate exceptional educational talent with global perspectives and innovative mindsets.
