Connecting the World with a People-Oriented Approach: Xin Yan Advances Charitable Services with Innovative Technology

Xin Yan, a graduate of the Master of Science in Humanitarian Technology and Inclusive Business (HTIB) programme* at Lingnan University’s School of Graduate Studies (GS), has accumulated over a decade of experience in charitable services. To explore how innovative technologies can be effectively harnessed to support diverse communities, she enrolled in the HTIB programme, which combines humanitarianism with innovative technology. During her studies, she gained a deep appreciation of the importance of a people-oriented approach, clarified her career direction, and reaffirmed her commitment to long-term engagement in charitable services.

Since 2013, Xin Yan has been involved in charitable work in Chinese Mainland, where she has actively participated in the “Rural Primary School Computer Classroom” project. She explained, “Volunteers collect used computers throughout the year. Engineers then repair them, install educational software, and deliver them to rural primary schools to establish computer laboratories.” Volunteers also provide follow-up support, such as setting up school computer clubs to help students use technologies more effectively for learning. Over the past decade, the project has supported more than 50 rural primary schools in establishing computer laboratories. The volunteer team has also organised a wide range of educational activities, including summer camps, writing contests, and drawing competitions, to promote innovative education in rural areas, foster a more autonomous and diverse learning environment, and open pathways that connect children to the world.

Driven by a deep understanding and care for grassroots society, Xin Yan actively applies her work experience to keep pace with the times, leveraging knowledge transfer to explore solutions to complex challenges. During her postgraduate studies in Lingnan, she uses innovative technology to develop sustainable and inclusive business strategies for those at the bottom of the pyramid, addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by society. She said, “I chose the HTIB programme because of my passion for charitable work and more than ten years of practical experience in the field. I aspire to explore how innovative technologies can empower and enhance the effectiveness of charitable initiatives.” She added that Lingnan University is the only institution that offers a Master’s programme integrating humanitarianism and technological innovation by guiding students to master practical, cutting-edge software and skills. Working closely with the elderly and people with disabilities in local communities, these initiatives introduce innovative services and products that enhance grassroots living into neighbourhood. This unique and pragmatic HTIB programme perfectly aligned with her passions and aspirations.

Although Xin Yan did not have a strong technical background, she becomes proficient in various simple technologies and combines design thinking to maximize impact with low-cost investments. She shared, “The teachers explained complex concepts in a clear and accessible way, which enabled me to systematically acquire knowledge of technological products and to complete several product prototypes, including an energy-saving cooling fan.” When designing everyday products for underprivileged communities, she learnt to place a people‑oriented approach at the core — beginning with users’ real-life circumstances and living environments, and then carefully considering product design together with the feasibility of sustainable business models.

Xin Yan is currently operating an education training centre in Shanghai, while remaining actively engaged in charitable projects — living out Lingnan’s motto “Education for Service”. She believes that the HTIB programme has given her a clearer direction for her future in career, offering inspiration and new perspectives, while enabling her to better understand recent global issues such as globalisation, humanitarianism, and environmental issues from a broader, more holistic standpoint.

Xin Yan encourages current postgraduate students to step beyond the classroom and actively participate in activities organised by GS, especially local and cross-regional competitions in Hong Kong, to broaden their horizons with regional and international perspectives and to expand opportunities and resource networks. “Most importantly, engage more with your instructors, and immerse yourself in both on-campus and off-campus activities to integrate more quickly into life and community in Hong Kong,” she advised.

*In response to the growing momentum of digital transformation, the HTIB programme will be renamed the Master of Science in Global Humanitarian Innovation and Technology (GHIT) programme from the 2026/27 academic year. The GHIT programme aims to nurture future leaders by integrating humanitarian technology with inclusive business strategies and by leveraging digital tools such as artificial intelligence and data analytics to tackle global challenges, including climate change, food security, and the digital divide.