Lingnan University’s strong commitment to SDG 4 Quality Education
Lingnan University is committed to promoting SDG 4: Quality Education through a diverse range of initiatives that enhance learning opportunities for all members of the community. For the 2024/2025 academic year, our programs, such as the Elder Academy Sit-in Programme and the Secondary School Engagement Programme, foster intergenerational learning and provide essential resources and support for students at various educational stages. Additionally, our free online learning platform and accessible library services ensure that knowledge is available to a wider audience, reinforcing our dedication to lifelong learning and inclusive education. We also offer the Gerontechnology Practitioner Training Course, which focuses on integrating technology to improve the quality of life for the elderly, further showcasing our commitment to innovative educational practices.
Our recognition in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, where we have ranked among the top three institutions for "Quality Education" for four consecutive years, highlights our commitment to this mission. This multifaceted approach not only enriches the educational experience but also positions Lingnan as a leader in advancing quality education.
Free Educational Events for the Public
Lingnan University is committed to SDG4 “Quality Education”. We believe in making education accessible to all, creating opportunities for lifelong learning, and fostering community engagement. To this end, the University organizes free educational events for students, staff, and members of the public. These events enhance students’ horizons, provide professional development opportunities for staff, and empower the general public with valuable knowledge and skills. By hosting such initiatives, Lingnan contributes to building an inclusive and informed society.
Generative AI (GAI) Workshops
Since 2023, the Teaching and Learning Centre has been hosting Generative AI (GAI) workshops, offering seminars, lectures, and hands-on training on generative AI to students, staff, and stakeholders from the community—completely free of charge. These workshops have empowered more than 696 students, 239 staff, and over 492 members of the public, including high school students and senior citizens, to enhance their understanding of generative AI and apply it effectively in their studies, work, and daily lives. The sessions are also recorded and shared online as free learning resources, ensuring that everyone can benefit from these insights.
Open Doors to Learning Initiative
The Registry’s Open Doors to Learning Initiative, launched in 2024, organizes free educational events such as workshops and masterclasses for students, staff, professionals, parents, and other members of the public. These activities are held both on campus and at partner organization venues, covering diverse and engaging topics ranging from higher education pathways to cutting-edge research. Over 130 workshops have been conducted, allowing participants to gain insights from world-class scholars, enhance skills, explore research trends, and foster personal and professional growth.
For more information, visit: Open Doors to Learning Initiative.
Lingnan University Elder Academy Sit-in Programme
The Sit-in Programme, sponsored by the Elder Academy Development Foundation, promotes active participation of the elderly in school activities and fosters intergenerational harmony through a learn-and-teach model. This initiative encourages lifelong learning and successful aging.
Supported by Lingnan University professors, a limited number of undergraduate course places are reserved for senior learners. Elderly participants engage in classes alongside undergraduate students without the need to attend tutorials, take exams, or submit homework. Those who maintain an attendance rate of 80% or above will receive a Certificate of Attendance.
Lingnan University Secondary School Engagement Programme
Lingnan University is dedicated to connecting with secondary schools across Hong Kong to provide timely information on further education and tailored activities that help students plan for their future based on their interests. Launched in 2013, this initiative has received enthusiastic support from the academic community, attracting over 200 secondary schools and facilitating more than 800 events with participation exceeding 30,000 students.
In the 2024/25 academic year, Lingnan will continue to respond to the needs of secondary schools by organizing a diverse range of events at no cost. These activities can take various formats, including online sessions (via Zoom), on-site presentations at schools, or events held on the Lingnan campus. The secondary students and members of community have free access to campus facilities and equipment during their engagement programme
Each lecture lasts approximately 45 minutes, with campus tours around 30 minutes, and can be adjusted to suit individual circumstances. In addition to general discussions, we offer career talks, articulation talks, workshops, and professional seminars to further enrich students' understanding of their educational and career pathways.
Free Online Learning Platform via Digital Commons
Lingnan University offers a free online learning platform through Digital Commons, featuring the "Lingnan Videos - Lectures & Seminars" available to our students, staff and general public. This resource includes a wide range of scholarly presentations, such as public seminars, lectures, inaugural addresses, and university assemblies. By providing access to these valuable educational materials, Lingnan empowers students and the wider community to engage with diverse topics and expert insights. This initiative not only enhances learning opportunities but also supports the university's commitment to lifelong learning and the promotion of quality education in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Free Access to Library Facilities
Lingnan University Library is committed to promoting educational resources by providing free access to its facilities for a variety of users beyond current staff, students, and alumni. Members of the public, including dependents of Lingnan staff, non-university payroll staff, council and court members, long-serving retired staff, and institutional users, are welcome to apply for library privileges. This initiative encourages community engagement and lifelong learning by allowing broader access to a wealth of resources. Applications are typically processed within seven working days, and while the library reserves the right to grant or withdraw privileges, this access opens new opportunities for learning and research for all.
The Gerontechnology Practitioner Training Course
The Gerontechnology Practitioner Training Course, offered by Lingnan University's Institute of Policy Studies, provides a Vocational Training Certificate to participants and is free of charge to the general public. Funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club and launched in 2019, this course aims to address the needs of an aging population by promoting gerontechnology to enhance the quality of life for older adults. Through a blend of online and in-person sessions, the course trains participants in essential areas such as healthcare, dining, and transportation, while fostering intergenerational harmony and encouraging young people to become gerontechnology ambassadors in their communities. The university provides both programmed and ad-hoc courses.
The university also provides a wide range of paid vocational training courses, including professional certificate courses, short courses, and continuing education fund (CEF) courses. More information can be found here.
Please click here for latest programmed courses and ad-hoc events.
Free Access to Campus Facilities and Space
Lingnan University provides free access to campus spaces and facilities for the general public, including open areas, gardens, and landscaped areas, as well as associated amenities such as tables, chairs, and drinking facilities. The University will also offer free access to classrooms and equipment for the wider community and secondary schools for events and programs organized by Lingnan University.
Education Outreach Activities beyond Campus
Lingnan University has a long history and is well-rooted in the community it serves. The university connects students with the community through a wide range of programmed and ad-hoc outreach and community service events and programmes. For example, led by the Office of Student Affairs, the Lingnan Connects Programme offers various structured opportunities, including LU Service Day and Project X, while also encouraging students to participate in self-arranged volunteer work. The Office of Service-Learning organises the Summer/Winter Academy every year to take our students overseas, to places such as the Philippines, Kazakhstan, Uganda, Nepal, and Cambodia, to support local communities in tackling real-life issues such as water access, infant medical deficiencies, sustainable farming, and microplastic pollution. In addition, the University offers a wide range of Integrated Learning Programmes (ILP), which facilitate students in extending their learning beyond the classroom. The programmes cover topics such as social welfare and social problem-solving, positive psychology, poverty alleviation, environmental protection and waste reduction, youth inspiration, food conservation, elderly health, and more. Lingnan University has collaborated with many government agencies and external partners for these outreach activities, including training seminars, workshops, practices, exhibitions, and performances.
Outreach programmes and events from the Office of Service-Learning: (https://www.ln.edu.hk/osl/project-highlights)
Outreach programmes and events from the Office of Student Affairs: (https://www.ln.edu.hk/osa/community-services-bak)
Integrated Learning Programmes: (https://www.ln.edu.hk/osa/co-curriculum/ilp)