FEATURE Dean Lau pointed out that the Faculty’s commitment to innovation is not limited to research. ‘It is just as important to ensure that the new generation of healthcare professionals and researchers are equipped with the skills and mindset necessary for innovation,’ he said. AI is increasingly integrated in teaching and learning, as evidenced by the University’s decision to make it mandatory for all HKU students to take a basic AI literacy course, starting in September 2025. HKUMed has been ahead of the curve in this regard, having already integrated technologies related to AI, virtual reality and digital health into the curriculum over the past five years. This is now led by Professor Gary Lau Kui-kai, Assistant Dean (Education Innovations) and Director of Education Technology and SIMHSE (Students in Medical and Health Sciences Education). ‘Our mission is to leverage cutting-edge EdTech―from VR to AI―to transform health sciences education. These tools and applications are being used to help students master complex anatomy and practise simulated patient scenarios, thereby enhancing their clinical reasoning and communication skills,’ said Professor Gary Lau. ‘Crucially, this journey is not just about new hardware; we are also actively partnering with our students to turn their innovative ideas into effective teaching practices.’ HKUMed has also set its sights on promoting AI use and innovation among the youth. In July this year, the final competition of the inaugural Hong Kong InnoHealth Cup was held, in which teams of local secondary students submitted their best ideas for applying AI and big data to health problems. The 12 finalists were paired with mentors from HKUMed to coach and guide them in refining their ideas. The winner was a proposed AI-driven peptide drug for cancer treatment. All other submissions are also impressive, as reflected by Convenor of the InnoHealth Cup, Professor Chan Ying-shing, who is the Senior Advisor to the Dean cum Director of Campus Development and Infrastructure. ‘The participants demonstrated remarkable creativity, critical thinking and interdisciplinary integration in the field of medical technology,’ he said. ‘They not only mastered the application of AI and big data, but also effectively utilised this in real-life medical scenarios, proposing forwardthinking solutions.’ Our mission is to leverage cutting-edge EdTech—from VR to AI—to transform health sciences education. These tools and applications are being used to help students master complex anatomy and practise simulated patient scenarios, thereby enhancing their clinical reasoning and communication skills. Professor Gary Lau Kui-kai ‘ ’ The participants in the InnoHealth Cup not only mastered the application of AI and big data, but also effectively utilised this in real-life medical scenarios, proposing forward-thinking solutions. Professor Chan Ying-shing ‘ ’ Education and Development of the Next Generation of the Healthcare Workforce Engagement with Youth and the Community 6
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