A fertile ground for academia

Seek meaningful chance

Zhou Shuo, an associate professor in communications who joined Hong Kong Baptist University after studying and working in the United States for over a decade, said the pandemic has changed people's mindsets. "Instead of just looking for a job, people now seek opportunities that they find truly meaningful and with a full impact," she said.

Specializing in developing narrative-based communication strategies, using emerging technologies for disease prevention, Zhou has carried out a number of health promotion projects, such as helping minority groups in the US enhance their awareness of protecting themselves from COVID-19 through an artificial intelligence-powered chatbot.

"What I have accomplished in the US can be similarly applied in Hong Kong," said Zhou, who graduated from HKBU in 2012. "It's my responsibility to leverage my expertise and experience in helping people here to lead healthier and happier lives. This is in line with one of academia's significant objectives."

HKBU has set up six interdisciplinary labs, including those for visual art, social work, and computer science, which Zhou said she believes are pertinent to her comprehensive studies. "My colleagues here are open to collaboration, and I appreciate the chance to liaise with people from various fields and cultivate innovative ideas through our interactions."

Zhou's current research focuses on using technology to strengthen the psychological well-being of young people and promote healthy lifestyles among the elderly. The HKSAR government has been placing great emphasis on social issues. The Health Bureau has launched mental health programs in recent years, such as "Shall We Talk", which aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental-health issues. Thus, Zhou said, she believes there are numerous opportunities to conduct research on public-health topics in Hong Kong.

"One of Hong Kong's advantages is its diverse range of possibilities that allow individuals to discuss and present different perspectives and ideas. Moreover, the city attracts scholars with global backgrounds who study problems relating to China and the world, making it a relatively more inclusive place compared to other international cities," she said.

With Hong Kong having poured billions of dollars into bolstering the innovation and technology sector in recent years, Zhou said affected departments should not neglect the importance of humanities and social sciences. "Ultimately, technological advancement is designed to serve human beings. However, people may feel increasingly stressed with the burgeoning array of new tools. This presents a good opportunity for humanities and social sciences to intervene, as we study how people can effectively manage their relationships with these technologies," she explained.