Hong Kong’s “Service-Learning Model” Becomes a Source of Inspiration Across Asia and Africa
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has become a leading example for universities in Asia and Africa through its service-learning model, developed over the past decade. Dr Grace Ngai, Head of the Office of Service-Learning and Leadership, stated that the model aims to cultivate students who are committed to national values while embracing a global perspective.
Service-learning distinguishes itself as an educational approach that integrates academic instruction with community engagement. At PolyU, students actively participate in a wide range of initiatives — from establishing internet infrastructure in Cambodia to conducting vision screenings in Hong Kong.
These programmes are implemented in collaboration with local universities to promote mutual learning and cross-cultural understanding.
Through projects in countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia, South Africa, and Malaysia, students develop empathy and teamwork skills by directly engaging with diverse communities and cultures.
Officials noted that although PolyU has made service-learning a compulsory part of its curriculum, the initiative has not received the negative feedback that some might have anticipated. On the contrary, several other universities have begun adapting the service-learning model to suit their own educational contexts, drawing inspiration from PolyU’s success.
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