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Since the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), its profound impact has swept through various industries, prompting universities to rethink how to integrate AI into teaching and learning. At the forefront of this transformation, HKBU has launched a reform of its General Education (GE) curriculum. Led by Professor Kwok Wai-luen, Associate Vice-President (Curriculum and Pedagogies), the reform places AI literacy at its core and reflects the University’s vision to cultivate future-ready leaders with a transdisciplinary mindset and a global outlook.

Starting in September 2025, all incoming undergraduate students at HKBU will be required to take a new GE course titled “AI Literacies for Social Good.” This curriculum not only teaches the basic concepts and knowledge of AI, but also guides students to reflect on the relationship between technology and humanity through discussions of real-world cases.

“AI is reshaping the world,” explained Professor Kwok. “It’s not enough for students to simply understand how AI works. They need to learn how to use it responsibly in different contexts, and to consider the risks and impacts that may arise.” He cited an example: when a self-driving car faces the dilemma of choosing whether to hit a child or an elderly person in an unavoidable situation, what moral standards should guide its decision? Through discussions of such controversial scenarios, students can engage in debate and reflection from different perspectives. At its heart, the course is designed to instill a deep sense of social responsibility and humanistic concerns that must be considered when applying AI technology.

Professor Kwok said that implementing the new course requires substantial teaching resources and manpower coordination. Fortunately, with the support of teaching teams from various faculties, new students will be able to interact with their teachers and classmates across disciplines. The new course will also adopt a "Flipped Classroom" teaching model, where students are required to read assigned materials and watch videos prior to class. This allows them to engage in group discussions, case studies, and problem-solving activities during the class, fostering their creativity and proactivity. 

In terms of learning assessment, Professor Kwok emphasises that HKBU adopts an “authentic assessment” approach, with over 80% of GE courses utilising continuous assessment methods, such as reports, research projects, group collaborations and practical tasks instead of written tests. Research topics are also aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reinforcing the impact of the students’ learning in real-life contexts.

HKBU’s new AI course is part of a broader three-level GE structure that has been evolving since 2018 and revamped in 2025. At Level 1, students are introduced to foundational topics including AI literacy, culture and civilisation, and healthy lifestyles, providing a holistic base for cross-cultural /understanding and critical thinking skills. At Level 2, students explore thematic courses such as culture, creativity and innovation, science, technology and society, and sustainable communities, gaining insights into contemporary global issues from transdisciplinary perspectives. At Level 3, students engage in GE Capstone service-learning, experiential learning courses or Capstone workshops, applying their accumulated transdisciplinary knowledge and skills to address real-world challenges and devise innovative solutions with social impact.

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