The first ‘Education-plus’ Internship Programme of The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) successfully concluded with the Festival cum Education-plus Service Awards Presentation Ceremony on 22 October 2022. 

In line with its Education-plus approach, the University has expanded its academic disciplines beyond the realm of teacher education, and provides mentoring opportunities for students in non-education sectors. As part of this initiative, the University began the Internship Programme in 2021 to meet the emerging needs of industry. Its aim is to equip students with 21st century skills and positive values through experience in six key areas: (1) Artificial Intelligence and STEM, (2) Family, Community and Development Studies, (3) Heritage and Arts, (4) Language and Culture Studies, (5) Management and Entrepreneurship, (6) Sports, Psychology, Life Values and Well-being.

In this year’s scheme, 13 second-year students from different non-education undergraduate programmes at the University were selected to join the mentored internship. Initially, students attended preparatory cross-sectoral training sessions, including seminars, workshops and adventure-based activities. They then spent between six and eight weeks as interns in corporations or NGOs, where unlike regular internships, they received the added support of a dedicated mentor, while gaining experience in an organisation. The mentors were senior executives or experienced professionals from different industries, and offered one-on-one guidance throughout the entire internship. They advised students on learning, career development and personal growth. 

During the internship, the students also put the skills and knowledge acquired from their university studies into practice, gained clarity and confidence to cope with different challenges, and shared their creative ideas with the organisations.

The programme was organised by the School Partnership and Field Experience Office at EdUHK, with the aim of enriching students’ personal and working experience, and boosting students’ motivation and courage to overcome obstacles and create a personal self-growth plan.

The ceremony was organised to thank the mentors, internship partners and trainers for nurturing, mentoring and enriching the growth and development of the students, as well as to celebrate the students’ achievements. The mentors who attended the event were: Mr Man Cheuk-fei, Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of the Master Insight Media Limited; Dr Elvin Lee Ka-kui, Chairman of the Hong Kong Publishing Federation, Vice President of Sino United Publishing (Holdings) Limited and Managing Director of Commercial Press (HK) Limited; Mr Pui Kwan-kay, Vice-President of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, and Chairman of the Hong Kong Football Association; Ir Eric Chan Sze-yuen, Chief Public Mission Officer of Cyberport; Ms Marlene Lieu, Former Director of Operations of Centre for Heritage Arts & Textile, MILL6 Foundation.