Hong Kong academic combines technology and community service for a winning formula
HKUST professor Woo Kam-tim sets up centre involving students in projects such as an app offering speech therapy for those with language learning difficulties
Hong Kong academic Woo Kam-tim is no armchair critic who just makes observations about society from the classroom.
The associate professor of engineering education at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology prefers a hands-on approach, engaging with the community to improve lives and pushing his students to do the same.
He sets a good example by founding the Centre for Global & Community Engagement, hoping to encourage students from all across Hong Kong to explore ways in which they can use their skills to contribute outside the classroom walls.
“I really hope to encourage more interaction between students and society,” Woo said.
“This is how we as a community can improve our lives, collectively. Often, underprivileged people don’t have access to resources that aren’t necessarily financial – like opportunities, for example. What they want the most is not for us to give them extra help or special services, but for people to treat them like everyone else, as equals.”
