HKAPA School of Music Presented Rachmaninoff Piano Festival
This study by Dr Chrysa Keung Pui-chi, Assistant Professor at the Department of Education Policy and Leadership, The Education University of Hong Kong, examined the relationships between leadership practices, professional learning communities, teachers’ efficacy beliefs and perceptions of whole-child development in the context of kindergarten education.
Educational reforms have recently focused on improving collaborative cultures and teachers’ instructional quality by building professional learning communities (PLCs) in kindergartens. According to the literature, teachers in PLCs conduct ongoing reflection, collaboration and collective learning to form a shared vision of children’s learning, and there may be some relationships between leadership practices, PLCs, teacher efficacy, and teacher perceptions of whole-child development.
The importance of the principal’s leadership practices in developing a PLC has been extensively supported in studies of school leadership. A PLC creates opportunities and conditions for implementing new professional practices.
Although PLCs are increasingly viewed as an important context for continuous improvement in teaching effectiveness and school improvement, very few studies have investigated the role of PLCs in improving kindergarten teachers’ practices and children’s learning.
A questionnaire was given to 2,120 teachers from 153 Hong Kong kindergartens. The questionnaire comprised four scales: (1) The 21-item Leadership Practice Scale, (2) The 20-item Professional Learning Community Scale, (3) The 12-item Teacher Efficacy Scale, (4) The 15-item Whole-Child Development Scale.
This research project fills the gaps in the literature by providing an investigation into the relationships between leadership practices, PLCs, teachers’ efficacy and perceptions of whole-child development, focusing particularly on the mediating role of PLCs and addressing (1) the effects of leadership practices on PLC components in kindergartens, (2) how significantly leadership practices are associated with kindergarten teachers’ efficacy beliefs and their perceptions of whole-child development, and (3) whether PLC components significantly mediate the relationships between leadership practices and kindergarten teachers’ efficacy beliefs and their perceptions of whole-child development.
The study found that principals’ leadership practices had a significant effect on all five PLCs: collaborative activity, collective focus on student learning, deprivatised practice, reflective dialogue, and shared sense of purpose. Kindergarten principals adopting effective leadership strategies had a great impact on developing a culture of shared purpose and a sense of collective responsibility for children’s learning. Leadership practices were also positively related to teachers’ perceptions of whole-child development directly and indirectly through the mediation of three professional learning community components: shared sense of purpose, collaborative activities, and collective focus on student learning.
The mediation analysis revealed that three PLC components were positively associated with teachers’ perceptions of whole-child development via their efficacy beliefs: (1) a collective focus on children’s learning, (2) deprivatised practice and (3) reflective dialogue.
The structural equation modelling analysis also showed that PLCs positively mediated the relationships of principal leadership to teacher efficacy and teachers’ perceptions of whole-child development. But except for a collective focus on child learning, PLC components in general had relatively weak relationships on teachers’ efficacy and perceptions of whole-child development.
The findings support the mediating role of PLCs in developing kindergarten teachers’ collaboration for improving their efficacy beliefs and perceptions of the whole-child development of children. Kindergarten principals play a key role in cultivating a supportive culture and facilitating teacher learning.
The study was conducted together with Professors Yin Hongbiao and Chai Ching-sing, Mr Clement Ng Ka-kit and Ms Winnie Tam Wing-yi at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. To learn more, please visit here.
A research study led by scientists from the School of Chinese Medicine (SCM) at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) has shown for the first time that the human gut bacterium Ruminococcus gnavus is a major trigger factor of diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D). Based on this discovery, a new therapeutic target for the disease’s treatment was identified. The study also found that low-protein food items such as fresh fruits, vegetables and bread may help reduce the gut motility in IBS-D.
The research findings have been published in the internationally renowned scientific journal Cell Host & Microbe.
Curative treatment for IBS-D needed
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional bowel disorder characterised by stool irregularities, abdominal discomfort and bloating. It has been estimated that about 7% of adults in Hong Kong are affected by IBS. IBS-D is the most common type of IBS and there is no known cure for the disease. Most clinical treatments for IBS-D focus on relieving symptoms.
Previous research has demonstrated that the increased production of serotonin, a key neurotransmitter involved in the regulation of gut motility, contributes to the gastrointestinal symptoms displayed in IBS-D. It has also been shown that gut microbiota play a role in regulating the levels of serotonin. However, the bacterial species concerned and the molecular mechanism by which the gut microbiota modulate serotonin production remain unclear.
Phenethylamine and tryptamine produced by Ruminococcus gnavus trigger IBS-D
To explore curative treatment options for IBS-D, a research team co-led by Professor Bian Zhaoxiang, Director of the Clinical Division and Tsang Shiu Tim Endowed Professor in Chinese Medicine Clinical Studies; Dr Xavier Wong Hoi-leong, Assistant Professor of the Teaching and Research Division; and Dr Zhai Lixiang, Post-Doctoral Research Fellow of SCM at HKBU, screened
thousands of food components and their breakdown products in the fecal samples of 290 patients with IBS-D. They found that phenethylamine and tryptamine, two aromatic trace amines produced by the microbial digestion of dietary proteins, are highly enriched in IBS-D faeces, and they are associated with the severity of diarrheal symptoms in patients with IBS-D.
Probing further, the researchers found that mice which had been fed with either phenethylamine or tryptamine experienced increased stool frequencies and colonic secretions, which are major symptoms of IBS-D.
On the other hand, the team found that the gut bacterium Ruminococcus gnavus, which is enriched in IBS-D faecal samples, is a primary producer of phenethylamine and tryptamine. Furthermore, mice with this bacterium transplanted into their guts go on to develop IBS-D diarrheal symptoms. These results suggest that phenethylamine and tryptamine produced by Ruminococcus
gnavus trigger IBS-D in mammals without the involvement of other risk factors of IBS-D.
Phenethylamine and tryptamine stimulate serotonin production
The research team further conducted a series of experiments to understand the mechanism by which phenethylamine and tryptamine lead to IBS-D. The results showed that phenethylamine and tryptamine directly stimulate the production of serotonin from the enterochromaffin cells in the gut through the activation of a trace amine-associated receptor (TAAR1), thereby stimulating gut motility and secretion disorders in IBS-D.
The team then explored the therapeutic potential of targeting the phenethylamine/tryptamine/TAAR1 pathway for the treatment of IBS-D. It was discovered that inhibition of TAAR1 activation through the use of a specific inhibitor effectively alleviated the diarrheal symptoms in mice which had been transplanted with IBS-D faecal samples.
Prospects for new therapeutic options
“With a full outline of the mechanism of how gut microbiota associate with gut motility disorders, our research results suggest that the phenethylamine/tryptamine-mediated TAAR1 pathway is a new therapeutic target for IBS-D,” said Dr Zhai Lixiang.
“IBS-D patients experience frequent episodes of diarrhea with accompanying abdominal pain, which reduce the quality of life. The research discoveries offer promising potential for the development of therapies for IBS-D based on the inhibition of the pathway,” said Professor Bian Zhaoxiang.
The research team also found that a diet low in phenylalanine, an amino acid and a dietary precursor of phenethylamine,
suppresses gut motility in mice by reducing the microbial production of phenethylamine and tryptamine. Low-protein food items such as fresh fruits, vegetables and bread have relatively low levels of phenylalanine.
“Developing strategies to reduce the microbial transformation of dietary amino acids into phenethylamine and tryptamine, such as dietary intervention with reduced consumption of high-protein food items which usually have high phenylalanine levels, may represent a feasible approach for the management of IBS-D,” said Dr Xavier Wong.
The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) received a generous donation from Shaw Studios to establish Shaw Studios Scholarships in the 2024/25 academic year. The Scholarship aims to provide recognition and encouragement to outstanding Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree students of the School of Film and Television. The Academy held a scholarship presentation ceremony on 18 September 2025. Ms Helena Young, Director of Production Services and Marketing of Shaw Studios; and Professor Anna CY Chan, Academy Director attended the ceremony and presented certificates to the three awardees.
Professor Anna CY Chan, Academy Director, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Shaw Studios for its generous donation and support for the Academy. “Shaw Studios is a pioneer and leader of Hong Kong’s film and television industry. It has contributed tremendously to the development of the industry and generations of filmmakers and producers. Its generous donation to the Academy provides significant encouragement for our students. We look forward to further collaborations with Shaw Studios to provide students with opportunities for industry practice, working together to nurture more talent in film, television, and the performing arts.”
Dr Raymond Chan JP, Chairman of Shaw Foundation and Managing Director of Shaw Studios, said, “For over four decades, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts has nurtured numerous outstanding talents for the film and television industry, with many alumni achieving remarkable success in the field. Through the Shaw Studios Scholarship, we aim to provide awardees with additional resources to fully develop their strengths and contribute more exceptional works to the industry.”
The Greater Bay Area Youth Orchestra (GBAYO), presented by The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) and supported by the Swire Group as Founding Patron, has returned with live performances in Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Shenzhen from 11th to 15th July. This year, HKAPA and the Swire Group announced the renewal of their partnership in support of the GBAYO, reaffirming their shared commitment to inspiring young musicians and promoting cultural exchange in the Greater Bay Area (GBA).
The concert tour is also supported by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the HKSAR Government (HKSARG) and the Culture, Media, Tourism and Sports Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality.
This year’s opening concert was held at HKAPA’s Hong Kong Jockey Club Amphitheatre (HKJC Amphitheatre) on 11th July with officiating guests in attendance, including Charles Yang Chuen-liang SBS JP, Council Chairman of HKAPA, Professor Anna CY Chan, Director of HKAPA and Arnold Cheng, Director, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Swire.
Nurturing nearly 300 talented young musicians from the GBA
The GBAYO programme features an orchestral training camp to cultivate musical excellence and cross-cultural collaboration among youth from the GBA. In early July, 98 young musicians gathered at HKAPA in Hong Kong for intensive training. Now, the orchestra has embarked on a three-city concert tour, beginning in Hong Kong on 11th July, followed by performances in Guangzhou on 13th July and concluding in Shenzhen on 15th July.
In the past three years, the programme has trained 279 musicians aged 16 to 28 and attracted over 6,500 concertgoers, highlighting its growing public resonance and cultural impact. Beyond the stage, the programme has made a lasting impact on its young musicians. Alumni from 2024’s GBAYO cohort have been accepted into HKAPA, The Royal Danish Academy of Music and the Cleveland Institute of Music, underscoring the orchestra’s success in nurturing talent and opening international doors.
A renewed partnership for enhanced cultural exchange
The GBAYO was launched by HKAPA with the support of the Swire Group in 2022. The 2025 season marks a continued partnership between the two organisations, strengthening youth engagement and community connections in the GBA.
Guy Bradley, Chairman of John Swire & Sons (H.K.) Limited, said, “As the Founding Patron, we are proud of what the GBAYO has achieved over the past three years and are pleased to renew our collaboration with HKAPA. Doing so furthers our shared mission of creating a world-class platform for young classical performers. At Swire, we are growing our presence in the GBA. At the same time, contributing to cultural exchange in the region is also important to us, as is promoting the GBA’s artistic achievements to the wider world.”
Professor Anna CY Chan, Director of HKAPA, remarked, “With the resounding success of our GBAYO concerts over the past three years, the Academy is proud to once again share the beauty of music with the public. Our commitment to young talent development is at the heart of this initiative, providing training and mentorship by renowned musicians that empower young musicians to excel on the global stage. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the HKSARG, the Culture, Media, Tourism and Sports Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality and the Swire Group for their invaluable support.”
First overseas conductor to lead the GBAYO
This season marks a significant milestone for the GBAYO as it welcomes Christoph Koncz as its first overseas guest conductor. Currently in his second season as Music Director of the Orchestre Symphonique de Mulhouse and Principal Conductor of the Deutsche Kammerakademie Neuss am Rhein, Mr Koncz brings extensive international experience and artistic vision to the programme. Under Mr Koncz’s baton, the programme showcases a vibrant selection of pieces, including Dance of the Golden Snake by Nie Er (arr. Tang Jianping), Dohnányi’s Symphonic Minutes, Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé Suite No.2 and Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra.
Mr Koncz said, “I am delighted to lead the GBAYO as its first overseas guest conductor. From the very first rehearsal it was immediately clear that these young musicians are promising and passionate individuals, and their eagerness to learn and connect through music is very inspiring. I’m very much looking forward to sharing this exciting journey with the musicians and our audience and to contributing to a programme that so meaningfully bridges cultures and nurtures the next generation of artistic talent across the region.”
The 40th Anniversary Celebration Banquet of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) was successfully held on Friday, 27 June 2025, at the Convention Hall of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, marking the grand finale of its milestone celebrations. The banquet drew over 700 distinguished guests, including Government officials, past and present Academy Council members, management, staff, students, alumni, donors, and supporters, uniting to honour four decades of remarkable achievements in performing arts education.
The banquet was officiated by The Honourable Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Mr Charles Yang, Council Chairman of the Academy and Professor Anna CY Chan, Academy Director. The Academy was honoured by the presence of many distinguished guests, including Mr Zhang Zhihua, Deputy Director-General and Level I Bureau Rank Official, Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Guangdong Province; Miss Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; and Mr Lin Nan, Deputy Director-General, Department of Publicity, Cultural and Sports Affairs, Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
In his opening address, Financial Secretary The Honourable Paul Chan commended remarkable contributions of the Academy to advancing performing arts education and cultural development: “For four decades, you have stood as a pillar of performing arts education and creative innovation in Hong Kong, shaping the artistic landscape of our city and beyond. Since its founding in 1984, the Academy has played a vital role in nurturing generations of world-class talent in performing arts and arts technology.”
Themed “Aiming for New Heights”, the banquet pulsed with energy. Professor Anna CY Chan, Academy Director, serving as artistic director of the banquet, guided HKAPA students in delivering mesmerising performances. “East Meets West” opened the evening, as students from the Schools of Chinese Opera and Music enchanted audiences with harmonious vocals, showcasing Hong Kong’s unique role as a cultural crossroads. Miss Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism and as a distinguished guest, performed the Cantonese opera Departure of Zhaojun with live accompaniment from School of Chinese Opera students, elevating the evening’s atmosphere to a crescendo.
The second act, “Originality and Innovation”, featured creative performances and visuals by students from the Schools of Dance, Drama, and Film and Television, embodying the Academy’s commitment to cultural innovation and artistic brilliance. The finale, “Nurturing Future Talents”, began with a gripping violin solo and operatic performances by School of Music students, followed by a Dunhuang-inspired dance, Dream of Dun Huang, by School of Dance students, blending Eastern and Western elements to symbolise the Academy’s mission to nurture exceptional performing artists and make lasting contributions to cultural development in Hong Kong and beyond.
Council Chairman Charles Yang expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who have contributed to HKAPA’s success, “Embracing the spirit of tonight’s theme, we will continue to push boundaries, strengthening our position as a global leader in performing arts education and as a driving force for cultural development in Hong Kong and beyond — on a greater scale and for a greater impact.”
The Academy Director Professor Anna CY Chan extended sincere thanks to the Government, Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and the Academy Council, for their tireless efforts and staunch support. She remarked, “It is this same spirit – the spirit of the Academy and Hong Kong – that has earned us a distinguished place among the world’s top 20 performing arts education institutions in the QS University Rankings. This achievement is a testament to our collective pursuit of artistic excellence and our dedication to supporting emerging talent. Looking ahead, we remain steadfast in fostering creativity through interdisciplinary collaboration and cross-cultural exchange. Our goal is to create an environment where tradition and innovation harmonise, nurturing the next generation of artists and cultural leaders who will shape our community – and our world – for the better.”
The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) is pleased to announce that Professor Andrew Laine has been appointed as Dean of the School of Theatre and Entertainment Arts, effective 2 July 2025.
Professor Laine is a seasoned educator with over 25 years of professional experience in technical direction, theatre and scenic design, and stage production. He holds a Master of Fine Arts from The University of Texas at Austin and has received professional theatre training across the United States. Previously, he served as a Professor at Temple University in Philadelphia, where he combined his technical expertise and artistic innovation to shape the future of theatrical production while nurturing new generations of technical directors, production artists, and stage managers.
Meanwhile, Professor Laine actively participates in regional theatre conferences and industry partnerships, fostering the integration of traditional stagecraft with emerging technologies that enhance student learning and artistic creation. His leadership roles in academic quality assurance and curriculum design, along with his experience in managing both undergraduate and graduate programmes, underscore his commitment to excellence in higher education. He is also an active member of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT).
Professor Anna CY Chan, Academy Director, said, “I look forward to working with Professor Laine and firmly believe that his experience, expertise, and international connections will greatly contribute to the future advancement of the Academy, as well as to the development of theatre design and technical direction in Hong Kong and the wider region.”
The Council of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (the Academy) announces the appointment of Professor Anna CY Chan as the new Director of the Academy with effect from 18 April 2025. Professor Chan is a leader with a combination of artistic excellence, extensive management experience and vast industry network. Having dedicated 35 years to advancing the performing arts and arts education, her leadership could be illustrated by her impact on the global performing arts landscape.
From 2014 to 2018, she was the inaugural Head of Dance at the Performing Arts at the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority. Since then, she has taken up the role as the Dean of the School of Dance of the Academy. Professor Chan received her professional dance training in Hong Kong, Australia and the UK and holds a Professional Dancer Diploma from the Royal Ballet School (London), an MA degree in Dance Studies from the University of Surrey and M.Ed degree from the University of Sheffield.
Mr. Charles Yang, Council Chairman of the Academy said: “On behalf of the Council, I am pleased to appoint Professor Anna CY Chan to serve as the next Academy Director. Anna is a dedicated educator as well as a well-respected professional in the performing arts industry, both locally and inte ationally. I am confident that with her extensive experience, network with the creative industries and strong commitment to serving the Academy community, she will lead the Academy to a new height with further advancements covering important aspects in performing arts education and arts and culture development for the region.”
Professor Chan expressed that, “I am deeply honoured to be entrusted with the opportunity to lead The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts at this significant moment in its history, as we celebrate its 40th Anniversary. I look forward to working closely with our Academy Council, stakeholders, colleagues, and students to build on this strong foundation. Positioned within the dynamic Greater Bay Area, we are uniquely placed to enrich the region’s arts and cultural landscape, leveraging our distinctive role to inspire creativity while further strengthening our global standing as a leading performing arts institution.”
A host of fresh partnerships sees City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) strengthening its position at the forefront of international outreach. By partnering with influential global institutions, CityUHK is expanding opportunities for innovative learning and research, reinforcing its commitment to academic excellence.
Building bridges to Belgium
A new cooperative relationship with KU Leuven’s Science, Engineering and Technology Group marks a substantial milestone in our European connections. Founded in 1425, KU Leuven is the world’s oldest Catholic university and Belgium’s highest-ranked institution. The feasibility of developing joint bachelor’s degree programmes and facilitating faculty exchanges, visiting scholars and post-doctoral fellows are the critical points of an MoU signed on 27 August 2024 by CityUHK’s President, Professor Freddy Boey, and the Rector of KU Leuven, Professor Luc Sels.
This MoU will make exploring cooperative education programmes possible, especially in digital medicine, biochemical engineering, mechanical engineering, and health technology.
“We are very excited to collaborate with the Science, Engineering and Technology Group at KU Leuven,” said President Boey. “This partnership demonstrates our dedication to forging dynamic alliances with global partners in keeping with our reputation as one of the most international universities in the world. We look forward to joining hands with this Group at KU Leuven to promote inspirational, interactive, and innovative learning and world-class research.”
Strengthening humanities ties with Milan
In another strategic move, an MoU between CityUHK’s College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and POLIMI Graduate School of Management in Milan signed on 15 July 2024 turns attention to faculty exchanges, customised education programmes, and joint degree offerings, a partnership sure to enhance the educational experiences of students and faculty at both institutions.
Cooperating with the Russell Group
Initiatives that address global challenges through knowledge exchange and research with top UK universities have also created a recent buzz. Programmes that enable academic visits feature in a partnership with the University of Cambridge through Lucy Cavendish College, while ties with Cambridge’s Department of Engineering and Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology offer excellent research and exchange opportunities for CityUHK and Cambridge students. Alliances have also been significantly deepened with other Russell Group universities such as the University of Exeter and the University of Glasgow.
Journeying out to France, South Africa, and Kazakhstan
From east to west, and north to south, CityUHK is embracing diversity, globalisation and interconnectivity. Freshly minted agreements with CentraleSupélec, Paris-Saclay University in France, and the University of Johannesburg in South Africa have diversified CityUHK’s international engagements, opening new avenues for academic and cultural exchange. Meanwhile, a unique alliance with Satbayev University (SU) enhances teaching, learning, and research with the support of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science and Higher Education. Additionally, this alliance will see the establishment of a CityUHK research institute at SU to promote interdisciplinary studies.
These ventures offer unparalleled opportunities for CityUHK students and faculty to advance their careers and engage with leading academic peers worldwide and will foster, we hope, a shared innovative mindset.
The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) is excited to share that 49 of its scholars have been listed among the World’s Top 2% Most-cited Scientists in the 2024 rankings published by Stanford University. This marks an increase from 38 scholars last year, reflecting the global recognition of its academic excellence and impactful research.
Our scholars span a wide range of subject disciplines within and beyond Education, totaling 17 different fields. The latest rankings not only underscore the University’s established leadership in Education but also reflect our ongoing efforts to build capacity in emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence & Image Processing, Environmental Sciences, and Languages & Linguistics.
Through our Education Futures interdisciplinary approach, EdUHK aims to maximise the impact and reach of its scholars’ research and innovations. Recent advancements in our research infrastructure include the launch of two new university-level research facilities, the University Research Facility of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (UDSAI) and the University Research Facility of Human Behavioural Neuroscience (UHBN), both established in 2023. These state-of-the-art technological platforms have been created to support our researchers in interdisciplinary research.
To further strengthen our specialised research programmes, nine multidisciplinary strategic research clusters have been formed since 2021/22. With support from the University, these clusters target tackling significant real world issues, extending their impact to diverse beneficiaries and contributing to the University’s overall research excellence.
In addition, EdUHK has made significant strides in knowledge transfer, achieving 32 prestigious international innovation awards in 2024. The University’s patent portfolio encompasses diverse fields such as EdTech, HealthTech, microelectronics, AI models, and neurosciences. These innovations offer practical, affordable and sustainable solutions that address societal needs.
At EdUHK, our researchers are dedicated to addressing real world challenges and making a positive impact on society. The University values diverse research outputs including journal papers, books and creative works, as well as knowledge transfer activities and contributions to policy formation, scholarship of teaching and learning and educational innovation. We are also deeply committed to quality education and teacher education, emphasising the importance of enhancing educational standards.
The Stanford research team compiles the ranking list based on career-long citation impact and single-year citation impact of top scientists in various fields with data updated to the end of 2023. The result reflects the global influence of EdUHK scholars across a wide range of research fields.