October 2010 二O一O年十月
34
NO.
Glowing entrepreneurs 耀目發光的年青企業家
From the Editor As acronyms go, EDGE, the popular moniker for the new Office of Education Development and General Education featured in this issue of CityU Today, is one of the best. We have indeed added “edge” to the University, sharpening our mission through our Strategic Plan 2010-2015 as we gear up for the new 4-year curriculum, develop our General Education courses and await the completion of several new buildings. The stories in this edition of CityU Today reinforce the direction CityU is taking. In the following pages, we meet three young entrepreneurs from CityU making waves in the business world and learn about the new transdisciplinary directions in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences under the new Dean. There are also articles about brain research, media art, living on campus and books on social work research. As we develop as an institution of higher education, we need to stay ahead of the competition, and the people and ideas profiled here give us that extra shine. Happy reading! 本期《今日城大》中，有一篇關於新成立的教育發展及通識教育處 （英文簡稱EDGE）的文章，是一篇佳文。EDGE這個英文簡稱別有 深意，恰如其分地概括了城大目前的狀況。 我們為學校的發展開創了先機。《2010-2015年策略性發展計劃》清 楚闡述城大的使命。同時，我們正如火如荼、積極為迎接新的四年制 學位課程做準備，一方面制定通識教育課程，另一方面期待着幾座新 大樓竣工啟用。 逐頁閱讀本期《今日城大》刊載的各篇文章，我們將讀到：三位年青 企業家根據城大環境技術的創新研究制訂商業計劃，並以此榮獲大 獎；城大人文及社會科學學院新任院長意欲開拓新的跨學科科目的發 展方向。還有包含以下內容的其他文章：大腦研究、媒體藝術、企業 精神、校園生活，以及與社會工作研究相關的書籍。
8 Cover Story 封面故事
8
Glowing entrepreneurs
作為一所正在朝前發展的高等教育機構，城大須在競爭中保持領先， 本期《今日城大》報道的人物和故事恰恰顯示了我們的領先地位。
耀目發光的年青企業家
祝各位閱讀愉快！
A business plan for an innovative testing service has won not only a young entrepreneur award for three CityU students, but also keen investment interest that could
Professor Matthew Lee Kwok-on 李國安教授 Editor-in-Chief 總編輯 Editor-in-Chief : Professor Matthew Lee Kwok-on / 總編輯：李國安教授 • Managing Editor : Longgen Chen / 行政編輯：陳龍根 • Deputy Managing Editor : Michelle Leung / 副行政編輯：梁子儀 • Executive Editor : Ellen Chan / 執行編輯：陳倩茹 • English Editor : Michael Gibb / 英文編輯：鄭智友 • Design and Production : Communications & Public Relations Office and Pixels Graphics Limited / 設計及製作：傳訊及公關處及點子設計有限公司 Phone / 電話：(852) 3442 9317 • Fax / 傳真：(852) 2628 2812 Website / 網址：http://www.cityu.edu.hk/newscentre • E-mail / 電郵：cpro@cityu.edu.hk • Mail : CityU Today Editors, Communications & Public Relations Office, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong / 通訊：香港九龍達之路香港城市大學傳訊及公關處《今日城大》編輯部收 c:2 二O一O年十月
pave the way for them to become young entrepreneurs.
城大三名學生憑創新測試服務商業計劃書， 不但贏得青年企業家獎，更引起投資機構 的濃厚興趣，令他們有機會成為真正的青 年企業家。
October 2010
二O一O年十月
34
NO.
Features 專題
14 An EDGE to education 未雨綢繆 為通識教育做好準備 18
22
A trilogy of social work 30 A first glimpse of books media art
老師、學生、畢業生集體三重奏
Transdisciplinary innovations
26
New progress on horseshoe crab rearing
36 Culture matters 文化大不同 腦神經確有異
跨學科，獻新猷
馬蹄蟹保育迎來新進展
媒體藝術知多少
14 36
26 Columns 專欄 2 News & Notable
24 Through The Lens
32 Gown To Town
城大動態
光影世界
Shaw Foundation donates $100 million to CityU 邵氏基金會捐贈一億 港元予城大
ALiVE triggers new era in creativity 「互動視覺及體現應用 研究室」激發新世代 創意
校園到社會 Nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit 孕育企業家精神
30 From The Heart
城大人語
A ‘happy and free’ hall master 「快樂、自由」的舍監 today is published three times a year by City University of Hong Kong. The mission of the magazine is to inform the University’s stakeholders around the world of University issues, people, activities and achievements. 《今日城大》每年三期，旨在報導香港城市大學在教學、研究及外務發展上的最新動向。
October 2010
1
News & Notable
News & Notable
Shaw Foundation donates $100 million to CityU 邵氏基金會損贈一億港元予城大
CityU has received a HK$100 million donation from The Shaw Foundation Hong Kong Limited to sponsor the University’s development. In appreciation of Sir Run Run Shaw’s significant support and contributions to CityU over the years, a cheque presentation ceremony was held on 22 September. In recognition of The Shaw Foundation’s support, CityU will name the Creatve Media Centre after Sir Run Run Shaw. 城大獲邵氏基金（香港）有限公司慷慨捐贈港 幣一億元，贊助大學的發展。城大於9月22日 舉行贈款儀式，並藉此感謝邵逸夫爵士對城大 的支持和傑出貢獻。為答謝邵爵士及基金會的 支持，城大將以邵逸夫爵士的名字為興建中的 城大創意媒體中心命名。
CityU ranked Asia’s 15th top university 城大位列亞洲最佳大學第15位 CityU moved up three places to rank 15th among the top Asian universities, according to the 2010 Asian University Rankings published by Quacquarelli Symonds this year. 城大在Quacquarelli Symonds公佈的2010年 亞洲大學排名中上升三位，居第15位。
2
二O一O年十月
城大動態
CityU collaborates on satellite positioning project with National Astronomical Observatory 城大獲國家天文台撥款500萬研發區域定位系統天 收發器 The State Key Laboratory of Millimeter Waves has received a grant worth RMB5 million from the National Astronomical Observatory. The grant will help develop an advanced navigation and communication antenna unit and microwave integrated circuits for China’s new satellite positioning system. CAPS is a national
Distinguished scientist appointed as Provost 傑出科學家獲委任為學務副校長 Professor Arthur B. Ellis, a renowned scientist and eminent academic leader, has been appointed as the new Provost. Professor Ellis, who took up his position in September, was formerly Vice-Chancellor for Research and Distinguished Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of California, San Diego. 城大委任傑出科學家兼學術界翹楚Arthur B. Ellis教授為學務副校 長。Ellis教授曾任加州大學聖地牙哥分校研究副校長兼化學及生化系傑 出教授。他已於9月履新。
commitment and is more advanced than current satellite positioning systems. It offers both cost-effective regional navigation and voice communication services. 城大毫米波國家重點實驗室獲國家天文台撥款500萬元人民幣， 為中國區域定位系統（CAPS）研究開發世界先進導航通信天綫 和微波集成電路，突破系統面對的關鍵技術難點。CAPS是國家 致力開發的新型衛星導航定位系統，較現有衛星定位系統更為先 進，能以經濟實惠的方式提供區域定位服務，並同時提供語音通 信，集通信導航於一身。
Engineering recognised in academic rankings 城大工學科研領先地位再次獲肯定 The 2010 Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) compiled by the Center for World-Class Universities at Shanghai Jiao Tong University has placed CityU 43rd in the world in the category of Engineering /
CityU placed 43rd in the world in the category of Engineering / Technology and Computer Sciences.
Technology and Computer Sciences. 據上海交通大學世界一流大學研究中心公佈的2010年世界大學學術排 名，城大在工程 ／科技及電腦科學範疇的排名首次進入全球五十大， 位列第43位，再次證明城大工學領域優異的學術水平。
October 2010
3
News & Notable Prestigious prize awaded to internationally acclaimed mathematician 國際知名數學家獲頒發首屆應用 數學獎 CityU has awarded the first William Benter Prize in Applied Mathematics, a newly launched major international award in the field, to Professor George Papanicolaou, Robert Grimmett Professor of Mathematics of Stanford University, in recognition of his exceptional contributions across a wide spectrum of research areas in applied mathematics.
CityU lecture theatre dedicated to alumnus Dr John Chan Chun-tung 城大舉行陳振東演講廳命名典禮 CityU named Lecture Theatre 11 after Dr John Chan Chun-tung, Chairman of Chaifa Holdings, at a ceremony on 12 October in appreciation of Dr Chan’s significant contributions to society and his support for the University’s long-term development. 城大於10月12日舉行命名典禮，以渝振控股 集團主席及城大校友陳振東博士的名字，將 11號演講廳正式命名為「陳振東演講廳」， 以表彰陳博士對社會的貢獻和對城大長遠發 展的支持。
城大頒發首屆William Benter應用數學獎予史丹 福大學數學教授George Papanicolaou，以表 揚他在應用數學不同研究領域中的卓越貢獻。
CityU and mainland university libraries explore UHF RFID data model standardisation 城大和內地大學圖書館探索制定統一模式與標準 CityU has joined forces with universities on the mainland to explore cross-border collaboration opportunities in the area of UHF RFID deployment in order to achieve greater operational efficiency in the areas of book loans and returns, book sorting and stack management as well as interlibrary loan. 城大與內地的大學首次合作，探討「超高頻射頻識別技術應用」技術跨區域合作的契機，以提高 學術圖書館借還書服務、書籍分類、書庫盤點以及館際互借等服務的運作效率。
Honorary Fellowships for four dedicated supporters 四位傑出人士獲頒授榮譽院士 CityU conferred the title of Honorary Fellow to Mrs Stella Lau Kun Lai-kuen (second right), Dr Raymond Leung Siu-hong (second left), Dr Leung Wingtai (first right) and Dr Dennis T L Sun in recognition of their distinctive contributions to the development of, and service to, the University. 城大頒授榮譽院士予劉靳麗娟女士（右二）、梁少康博士（左二）、 梁永泰博士（右一）和孫大倫博士，以表彰他們對城大發展所作的 貢獻。
4
二O一O年十月
城大動態
CityU and Fudan University launch new DBA programme 城大首度與復旦合辦工商管理博士課程 CityU and Fudan University have teamed up for a new Doctor of Business Administration programme, one of the few jointly administered by local universities and leading tertiary institutions on the mainland. 城大首次與復旦大學合辦工商管理博士(DBA)課程，此為本港與內地著名高等學府合辦的少數DBA項目之一。
Career centre named after grandmother of distinguished alumnus 學生事業中心以傑出校友祖母姓名命名 CityU named its student career centre after Ms Fan Lee Foon, the late grandmother of notable alumnus Mr Andrew Fan Ka-fai, at a ceremony on 7 September. The honour was given in appreciation of Mr Fan’s significant contributions to the University. 城大9月7日舉行命名典禮，以傑出校友范家輝先生已故祖母的姓名，將 現有的學生事業中心正式命名為「范李寬學生事業中心」，以表彰范先 生對大學的貢獻。范先生對命名表示感謝，覺得自己一家與城大──他 的另一個家——聯繫更緊密了。
3D video project earns high honours in regional competition 3D視頻科研項目揚威泛珠三角地區 The creation of technology for generating stereoscopic video has earned Evan Xu Xuyuan, a CityU PhD-student-to-be, the first runner-up award in the Hong Kong round and the Gold Award in the finals of the 2010 Amway PanPearl River Delta Region Universities IT Project Competition. 城大電子工程學系準博士生徐敘遠成功研發立 體視頻轉換技術，並於「2010泛珠三角安利盃 大學生計算機作品比賽」中，勇奪香港區第二 名及總決賽金獎殊榮。
October 2010
5
News & Notable CityU to offer Doctor of Juridical Science jointly with National Judges College 城大與國家法官學院合作培訓法學博士 CityU has signed a collaborative agreement with the National Judges College of the Supreme People’s Court of the People’s Republic of China to offer a Doctor of Juridical Science (JSD) programme for mainland judges. It is anticipated that the JSD programme will further promote the exchange of juridical studies between Hong Kong and the mainland and enhance the legal knowledge of mainland judges. 城大法律學院與中華人民共和國最高人民法院轄下的國家法官學院簽署 合作協議，聯合為內地法官提供法學博士課程。這次與國家法官學院合 作開辦的最高級法學教育課程，勢將進一步促進內地和香港的法學交 流，提升內地法官的法學知識。
Diagnostic technology scholar elected Fellow of prestigious engineering body 檢測技術專家當選著名工程師學會院士 Dr Peter Tse Wai-tat, Associate Professor in the Department of Manufacturing Engineering and Engineering Management, an expert in diagnostic technology that monitors the health of machinery, pipelines and cables for supporting heavy structures has been elevated to the rank of Fellow by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. 城大製造工程及工程管理學系副教授謝偉達博士，20年來工程研究 成果優異，貢獻良多，獲得美國機械工程師學會院士榮銜。謝博士 是檢測技術專家，研究的技術用於檢測機械、管道及支撐重型結構 纜索的健康狀況。
Surface science at frontier of science and technology 表面科學：科技發展的先峰 Professor Gabor A Somorjai of the University of California, Berkeley, delivered a lecture on surface science on 14 September. His lecture was part of the City University Distinguished Lecture Series. The title of his lecture was “Surfaces—Favorite Media of Evolution and Modern Technologies”. His main message was that research at the forefront of surface science can lead to applications that produce wealth and improve health. 加州大學柏克萊分校化學教授Gabor A Somorjai教授 9月14日在城大擔任表面科學講座主講，講座是城大傑出講座系列之一，題為「不同表 面—進化與現代科技的最佳媒介」。Somorjai教授的演講重點是，表面科學的前沿研究所引發的應用技術，可創造財富、促進人類健康。
6
二O一O年十月
城大動態
Food and philosophy at Alumni Forum 城大校長於校友論壇暢談五味人生 Professor Way Kuo, University President, showcased his culinary art by preparing a hot and sour soup and chatted about his philosophy of life and management at the Alumni Forum on 27 September. 校長郭位教授於9月27日校友論壇中示範烹煮酸辣湯， 並與校友分享人生哲學及管理概念。
Conference targets leaders in Information Management 信息服務管理學術講座 The Department of Information Systems organised the 16th Cross Straits Information Management Conference (CSIM 2010) from 5 to 6 August at CityU, with the main theme “Information Services Management in Ubiquitous Commerce”.
CIO receives two major IT accolades 資訊總監獲兩項資訊科技獎
城大資訊系統學系8月5至6日於校內舉辦第16屆海峽兩岸信息管理發展與策略學術研討會 (CSIM 2010)，會議主要議題為「無處不在的電子商務：信息服務管理 」。
Dr Andy Chun Hon-wai, Chief Information
CityU drives forward intelligent traffic systems
Officer (CIO) at CityU, has been named
城大獲千萬撥款成功研發三項智能交通資訊系統
one of Asia’s 15 most outstanding IT innovators for 2010 by MIS Asia. He was also
Dr Stephen Liao Shaoyi, Associate Professor
chosen as one of the top 50 international
of the Department of Information Systems
CIO and IT leaders in social media by
has developed three intelligent traffic systems
HorizonWatching.com, the only CIO from
with HK$10 million worth of funding from the
Hong Kong to make the list.
Innovation and Technology Fund and from industry in order to enhance road safety and
城大資訊總監陳漢偉博士獲《亞洲資訊
transportation efficiency.
系統管理》雜誌選為2010年亞洲15位 最卓越資訊科技創新人士之一，並獲
城大資訊系統學系副教授廖少毅博士，獲創新
HorizonWatching.com選為50位最佳國際
及科技基金撥款及業界資助逾港幣1,000萬元，
社交媒體資訊總監及資訊科技領先人物之
成功研發三項智能交通資訊系統和技術，提升
一，而陳博士是香港唯一的入選者。
交通安全和運輸效率。
October 2010
7
Cover Story
Glowing entrepreneurs 耀目發光的年青企業家
8
二O一O年十月
封面故事
By Karen Cheng
文：鄭誼群
A tiny transgenic fish and three students at CityU have made possible a business plan that has three star qualities: it contributes to public health, it works to protect the environment and it could generate high levels of income. And in the past 12 months that saw the idea mature, support from the CityU community has mushroomed.
The team wanted to make the plan entirely CityU-oriented so they started to look for innovative research developed by the University. They read papers and wrote to CityU professors directly for recommendations. That’s when they discovered the transgenic fish. Pioneered by Professor Cheng Shuk Han of the Department of Biology and Chemistry and her fellow researcher Dr Chen Xueping, the
It all started with a business plan competition.
transgenic fish technology detects estrogen disruptors in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics
The three young men who created the award-
and plastics in an efficient, cost-effective way.
winning business plan met in September 2009 at
Estrogen disruptors are substances that interfere
CityU to work out a project they could enter for
with the hormonal system in the body, a growing
the HSBC Young Entrepreneur Awards. They were
concern worldwide.
Kunal Parwani, a graduate of the Department of Marketing, Eric Chen Zixiang, a graduate of
By blending a green fluorescent protein gene
the Department of Manufacturing Engineering
with an estrogen-sensitive gene found in marine
and Engineering Management, and Flex Yang
medaka, the research team constructed a highly
Zhou, a Year 3 student of the Department of
estrogen-sensitive artificial gene that produces
Accountancy.
fluorescent proteins. These are then injected into the fish. The transgenic fish glow when exposed
Kunal and Eric first met three years ago when
to test solutions containing estrogen disruptors
they helped to organise a Student Leadership
within 12 to 24 hours.
Conference at CityU. Finding that they worked well together, they decided to compete in the
The testing process is simple—expose the
2008–09 HSBC Young Entrepreneur Awards.
fish to test solutions such as environmental
They came third, showing early signs of promise.
water samples or water solutions with the test
To improve, they realised their team needed
substances—and it can save up to 60% in time
someone who could crunch numbers. After
and costs compared to existing chemical tests,
“interviewing” potential candidates, they met
according to Dr Chen.
Flex who had a strong background in accounting and research.
October 2010
9
Cover Story
(From left) Dr Chen Xueping, Professor Cheng Shuk Han, Eric Chen, Mr Peter Wong Tung-shun, General Manager and CEO of HSBC, Flex Yeung and Kunal Parwani.
But the team’s unique composition helped to produce a top quality proposal. They put in months of work, fine-tuning the plan through debate and rehearsal, soliciting feedback from almost 20 members of staff, ranging from marketing to English, information technology and biology and chemistry. “We believe the way to win was to conquer The team was impressed. “We wanted to do something for the well-being of society and the environment, notwithstanding the fact that there was great business potential given the concerns in food safety in this region,” Eric said. With the blessing of Professor Cheng, the team was able to work out a business plan that made use of the technology to provide testing services for food and healthcare products. The team’s talent first came to light when it won the CityU Outstanding Innovation Award 2009–10, an annual competition that looks for bright minds that can combine innovation with effective business planning. With their goal set on winning the HSBC competition, the team wasted no time in preparing an outstanding business plan. But this was no easy task. “I had to work during the day in an internship programme, while Kunal was busy with his final-year projects. This meant we could only start late in the evening and very often worked on until past midnight,” Eric said. More challenging was aligning the diverse views of the team, coming as they do from different disciplines. “We had a lot of debates and often attacked the proposal in the spirit of perfecting it. This could be harsh at times, but we also learnt to respect each other’s views,” Kunal said.
10
二O一O年十月
ourselves, so we focused on pushing the proposal to a very high standard,” Eric said. Their hard work paid off. They beat more than 250 undergraduate teams to win the Hong Kong competition of the HSBC Young Entrepreneur Awards 2009–10 in April 2010. Their achievement brought them some interesting attention. “Venture capitalists saw the proposal as very practical and they were keen to start the business,” said Kunal. With detailed market and financial analysis, the team was convinced their plan presented real business opportunities. In April they set up the company Appareo with the University granting them exclusive rights to use the technology. The trio then scored another victory by becoming the first Hong Kong team to win the regional HSBC competition. They beat more than 1,000 teams from Bangladesh, Brunei, Hong
封面故事
“We wanted to do something for the well-being of society and the environment, notwithstanding the fact that there was great business potential given the concerns in food safety in this region.” Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand.
The young entrepreneurs intend to start their business in Hong Kong and
With a similar proposal, Eric and Kunal came
the mainland, initially providing testing services on estrogen disrupters and
third in the 5th Lee Kuan Yew Global Business
later expanding to include other toxic materials.
Plan Competition organised by Singapore Management University in July, competing
“We will start developing a ‘rainbow fish’ soon, which will glow in different
with over 800 tertiary students from nearly 40
colours when exposed to different pollutants such as heavy metals or
countries.
other toxins,” Dr Chen added, who will be joining the company as Chief Technology Officer.
With funding application for office space and equipment from the Hong Kong Science and
The rainbow the young entrepreneurs chase shines bright for their future,
Technology Parks approved, the students are
and for the betterment of society.
now a step closer to realising their dream. They are confident “the fish will fly”. “I have had several job offers from major corporations and multinationals, but I have declined them all as I am determined to start this business,” said Eric, now Managing Director of Appareo. At the same time, support is flowing in from the CityU community. The young entrepreneurs were introduced to business leaders and potential investors by CityU management and faculty and top scientists have also been invited to sit on the new company’s scientific advisory board. In addition, an increasing number of alumni are backing the business, providing financial support, lining up potential clients and even sending senior officers to help improve the plan.
October 2010
11
Cover Story
小小的轉基因魚，加上三名城大學生， 促成一項擁有三項星級質素的商業計 劃：保障公眾健康、促進環保以及創造 高收益。過去一年裏，計劃的構思愈趨 成熟，也得到城大各方更多支持。
出對雌激素高度敏感、能夠製造螢光蛋白的人 工基因，並將這種蛋白植入鯖 基因的鯖
魚體內。改變了
魚放在含有雌激素類內分泌干擾素
的水樣本12至24小時，身體就會發光。 陳博士指出，測試過程很簡單，只要把魚放在測 試溶液中，例如環境水樣本或含有待測物質的
一切始於參加商業計劃比賽。
水溶液便可。與現行化學測試方法相比，轉基 創造這份得獎商業計劃書的三位年青人於2009
因魚技術的測試方法可節省成本和時間高達六
年9月開始商談參加「匯豐青年企業家獎」比
成。
賽的大計。他們分別是市場營銷學系畢業生 Kunal Parwani、製造工程及工程管理學系畢
三名隊員對這項研究極感興趣。「我們一直希望
業生陳子翔以及會計學系三年級學生楊舟。
可以貢獻社會，為環保盡一分力。食物安全是區 內受到關注的一個議題，轉基因魚技術因而有
Kunal和陳子翔曾因三年前一起協助籌辦在城
很大的商業潛力，」陳子翔說。
大舉行的「大學生領導才能研討會」而認識。由 於合作愉快，他們決定參加2008-09「匯豐青
三名同學得到鄭教授同意後，便著手撰寫商業
年企業家獎」比賽，並得到季軍，嶄露頭角。他
計劃書，以轉基因魚技術為食物及保健產品提
們檢討了比賽，覺得須加入一位精於掌握數字
供測試服務。
的隊員，加以改進。經過「面試」後，他們認識了 他們首先在2009-10「城大傑出創意獎」中奪
修習會計及擅於研究的楊舟。
得冠軍，綻放才華。該項每年一度的比賽旨在發 掘能夠結合創新與
他們希望整個商業計 劃均出自城大，因此 開始探索城大成功開 發的創新研究。他們 遍閱論文，直接寫信 請城大教授提建議， 終於發現轉基因魚。
「我們一直希望可以貢獻社 會，為環保盡一分力。食物安 全是區內受到關注的一個議 題，轉基因魚技術因而有很大 的商業潛力，」
實際商業計劃的年青 才俊。 三名同學訂立目標、 志在贏取「匯豐青年 企業家獎」後，便全 力用心編寫計劃書。 不過，過程絕不輕鬆。
由生物及化學系鄭淑 嫻教授及研究員陳雪平博士創導研發的轉基因
「我日間要做實習工作，Kunal則忙於應付畢業
魚技術，能夠以快速、低成本的方法測試食物、
習作。我們只能在傍晚時分才開始，常常工作至
藥物及塑膠產品是否含有雌激素類內分泌干擾
午夜，」陳子翔說。
素。由於雌激素類內分泌干擾素有可能干擾人 體的荷爾蒙系統，因此日益受到關注。
由於他們來自不同學系，意見有時並不一致，令 合作倍添困難。「為了令計劃書更完善，我們常
鄭教授的研究小組成功將鯖
魚體內對雌激素
敏感的基因與綠色螢光蛋白的基因結合，構造
12
二O一O年十月
彼此辯論批評，有時意見較尖銳，但我們學會尊 重對方的想法，」Kunal說。
封面故事
三名同學其後在「匯豐青年企業家獎」亞洲區比 賽中，力壓來自孟加拉、汶萊、香港、馬來西亞、 菲律賓及泰國逾千支隊伍，成為首支奪得冠軍 的香港隊伍。陳子翔和Kunal隨後以類似的計 劃書在7月參加新加坡管理大學主辦的第五屆李 光耀環球商業計劃比賽，與來自約40個國家逾 800名大專生比拼，榮獲季軍。 最近，他們獲得香港科技園批准資助租用辦公 室及器材，令實現創業的大計再邁進一步，而他 們深信業務必可「鯉躍龍門」。 「多家大企業和跨國公司均有給我聘書，但我 全部婉拒了，因為我決定創業，」現為Appaero 董事總經理的陳子翔說。 （左起）陳子翔、Kunal Parwani及楊舟
與此同時，他們不斷獲得城大各方的支援。大 學管理層和教師為他們介紹認識商界領袖和投 資者，並協助邀請卓越科學家出任新公司科技
正是這種獨特的組合成就了一份優秀的計劃
顧問委員會成員。此外，校友亦相繼提供財務資
書。通過多月來的辯論演練，以及來自營銷、英
助，引見客戶，甚至派出高級職員協助他們改進
語、資訊系統以及生物及化學等學系近20位老
商業計劃。
師給予意見，他們不斷改善計劃書的內容，力 求完美。
兩位年青企業家計劃首先在香港及內地展開業 務，推出雌激素類內分泌干擾素的測試服務，隨
「我們覺得，取勝之道在於做到『心中無敵，天
後再擴大至測試其他有毒物質。
下無敵』，因此我們專注於將計劃書改進至盡 善盡美，」陳子翔說。
「我們不久將研發一種『彩虹魚』，在含有重金 屬或其他有毒物質等不同污染物的水 裏，魚身
他們的努力終獲回報，在2010年4月舉行的
會發出不同顏色的光，」將加入新公司擔任科技
2009-10「匯豐青年企業家獎」香港區比賽中
總監的陳博士說。
擊敗250支大學本科生隊伍，榮獲冠軍，並得到 投資者的青睞。
兩位年青企業家追逐彩虹，將為他們的未來發 放異彩，並造福社會。
「一些創業投資者覺得我們的商業計劃實際可 行，很有興趣投資開業，」Kunal說。憑着詳細 的市場及財務分析，他們深信計劃具有商機， 於是在4月創立公司Appareo，並得到城大批 准獨家使用轉基因魚技術。
October 2010
13
Institutional Development
An EDGE to education 未雨綢繆 為通識教育做好準備 By Michael Gibb
文：鄭智友
14
二O一O年十月
大學發展
A few years ago a North American university developed an interesting new undergraduate degree.
structure that did not allow for broad-based cross-disciplinary teaching and learning. The CityU community is well aware that the
“Some of the music students there had started
University curriculum is shifting its emphasis
to get interested in the physics of sound and
from a single-discipline approach to a more
its effects on instrument design,” said Chair
general education with the advent of the new
Professor David Randall, the new Director of the
4-year degree curriculum starting in 2012.
Office of Education Development and General Education; or, to use its more dynamic moniker,
Professor Randall, who took over as EDGE
EDGE.
director in April, is charged with the job of promoting general education and educational
So great was the interest, the university, to
development at CityU, facilitating this move
which Professor Randall was attached at the
towards offering students greater choice.
time, eventually opened a combined degree in physics and music, two disciplines that are not
He is of course no stranger to the University
traditionally regarded as mutually compatible
community. A highly distinguished scholar, he
within the framework of academic study.
was Chair Professor and Head of Department of Biology and Chemistry from 2000 to 2006 and
The story crystalises the importance of a flexible
was then appointed Chair Professor again in
and dynamic approach to tertiary education and
2009. His vast experience in higher education
the need for innovation. As Professor Randall
around the world informs his thoughts on
notes, the music and physics degree might
general education.
never have been conceived within a university
”The University curriculum is shifting its emphasis from a singlediscipline approach to a more general education.” October 2010
15
Institutional Development
“Many of the new developments, particularly
the Strategic Teaching Enhancement
in the last 30 or 40 years, have come from the
Programme (STEP), but these tend to
interactions between disciplines,” he explains,
attract interest from those who are
highlighting the need for a more general tertiary
already committed.
education. “We want to reach out to the whole One of the problems of the single discipline
University,” he said. “It was common
approach, he argues, is creating too many
practice for people to sit in on my
specialists without sufficient general knowledge
lectures when I taught at other
in a rapidly changing world, underlining the
universities but this culture is not so
significance of new programmes, such as the
frequently seen in Hong Kong.”
music and physics degree example mentioned Another plan is to develop a University-
earlier.
wide academic advising system for “Our job is to loosen the boundaries—the
undergraduates joining for the 4-year
‘artificial’ boundaries—between subject matters.
programme. He acknowledges that
They are boundaries of convenience, not reality,”
the prospect of so much choice could
he said.
be overwhelming for some students, especially those who are unused to
The big question is: how? Professor Randall’s
choosing what academic subjects and
priority is to promote the GE approach at the
areas to study.
departmental level, stressing the importance of seeing the new 4-year degree as an integrated
“Students entering at college level will
programme in which general education joins
need to know about the GE options
seamlessly with the more specific areas of study,
open to them and the choice of programmes
and is not regarded as a separate entity.
they can take,” he said. “Just as there must be a seamless move towards GE, we need a seamless
To help build an atmosphere in which the idea
advisory system so students can make choices
of general education is more likely to take
they understand.”
root, Professor Randall wants to boost levels of collegiality by encouraging more discussion
Professor Randall is under no illusions, though.
about teaching and enhancing the value of
He is acutely aware of the scale of the challenge.
teaching.
In 2012, there will be approximately 5,000 students entering the University—2,500 entrants
One of his ideas is to promote more mentoring
for the 4-year curriculum and, simultaneously,
schemes, especially for new academic staff, and
another 2,500 for the 3-year curriculum—raising
to encourage more peer review in the classroom.
issues related to space, class sizes, IT support,
He said EDGE already runs a number of teaching
staff numbers and teaching methodologies.
workshops and development projects such as
16
二O一O年十月
Another task is to review the approximately 100 GE courses that will be needed if students are going to fulfill the 30 credits of GE that they need to graduate, and then guide these courses through the various approval committees within the University’s management structure. “You simply can’t separate logistics from teaching,” he said. But the effort needed to make the transformation as smooth as possible will no doubt pay off over the next few months because, as we know, CityU has EDGE.
大學發展
幾年前，北美一所大學開設了一門有趣 的本科新課程。 「一些音樂專業的學生突然對聲音的物理特性
他指出，單科教育模式的問題之一是，培養了
另一項計劃是在學校層次設立機制，在學術
太多缺乏通識的專門人才，無法適應迅速變化
上指導大學四年制課程的本科生。他承認，
的世界，由此突顯以上所舉的「音樂與物理」
包羅萬象的選修課會讓有些學生無所適從，
等學士學位新課程的重要性。
尤其是不習慣自主選擇學科和專業領域的 學生。
及其對樂器設計的作用產生興趣，」教育發展 及通識教育處（英文簡稱EDGE可能更醒目）
他說：「我們的工作是淡化學科間的界限，尤
新任處長允道揚講座教授說。
其是『人為的』界限。這些界限純粹是圖方便
「入學的學生需要了解可供選擇的通識課
而設置的，並不符合客觀實際。」
程，可以選修哪些學位課程，」他說。「要 想天衣無縫地銜接通識教育，就必須有天
允道揚教授當時任職的大學考慮到學生的濃厚 興趣，決定開設一門融合物理與音樂的新學位
要點是如何淡化界限。允道揚教授將優先考慮
衣無縫的指導機制，使學生明白自己的選
課程。在那以前，沒有人會認為這兩門風馬牛
在學系層面促進通識教育，強調要把新的四年
擇。」
不相及的課程在學術上是相匹配的。
學制視為綜合性計劃，使通識教育與專業學科
這個故事畫龍點睛地道出高等教育應採取靈活
天衣無縫地銜接在一起，而不要把通識教育割
對此，允道揚教授不敢掉以輕心，對於面對
裂成獨立的實體。
的嚴峻挑戰已有充足的心理準備。到了2012
多樣的措施的重要性，以及力求創新的必要
年，將有5000名左右新生入學，2500名進入
性。如允道揚教授所指，要不是該大學教育體
四年制課程，另外2500名則入讀三年制，會
制上鼓勵廣泛基礎上的跨學科教學，「音樂與 物理」學位在大學課程中絕不會有一席之地。 城大上下全都明白，隨着2012年引進新的四年 制學位課程，大學課程設置的重點將從單科教 育逐漸轉向通識教育。
「要想天衣無縫地銜接通 識教育，就必須有天衣無 縫的指導機制，使學生明 白自己的選擇。」
給教學空間、班級規模、資訊技術支援、職 員人數、教學方法等帶來許多問題。 另一項任務是審定近100門通識教育課程。 如果學生畢業時須完成30個學分的通識課 程，就必須開設這麼多通識課。我們必須按 照學校管理體制的程序，報請相關審批委員 會批准通過這些課程。
今年4月上任的教育發展及通識教育處處長 允道揚教授，肩負着促進城大通識教育及教育
為了營造便於通識教育思想生根的環境，允道
發展的重任，以求為學生提供更多選課的餘地。
學效果來提高對通識教育的認同。
「教學離不開後勤支援，」允道揚教授說。
允道揚教授對城大並不陌生。作為傑出學者，
良策之一是加強輔導，尤其是對新教師的輔
為平穩過渡作出的努力無疑在今後幾個月內
他在2000至2006年期間曾擔任講座教授暨生
導，並鼓勵同行觀摩學習。他表示，EDGE
即可見到效果，因為人人知道，城大未雨綢
物及化學系主任。2009年他再次獲聘為講座教
已舉辦了一系列教學工作坊和培訓計劃，例如
繆已為學制的順利過渡做好準備。
授。他曾在世界各地的高等學府任職，經驗豐
「策略教學優化計劃」，只是這些計劃往往只
富，對通識教育了解透徹。
適用於志向明確的教師。
「高等教育領域中的許多新發展，尤其是過去
「我們希望能夠服務整個大學，」他說。「我
三、四十年內的發展，都來自於學科之間的互
在其他大學講課時常有人來聽課，但在香港這
動，」他解釋道，並強調高等教育有必要推行
種現象並不多見。」
揚教授希望通過更多有關教學的討論和提升教
更廣泛的通識教育。
October 2010
17
Face to Face
Transdisciplinary innovations
18
二O一O年十月
人物專訪
跨學科，獻新猷 Professor Gregory Lee is the new Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHASS) and Chair Professor of Chinese and Transcultural Studies. He comes to us from the University of Lyon 3 where he was Deputy President/ First Vice-President (Research) and Professor of Chinese and Transcultural Studies. He is also a Fellow of the Institute for Cross-cultural Studies at Peking University and an Honorary Visiting Professor at the University of Wuhan.
Can you share with us your thoughts on the new 4-year curriculum? We are definitely moving towards a new kind of model that has been inspired in part by US university education. I worked at the University of Chicago where undergraduates took a core course that lasted for two years out of their 4-year-undergraduate programme. It meant 50% of the degree was outside of the student’s specialty. They could then take up to two majors as their specialty. So we were encouraging the students to study a wide range of subjects, and we had several flagship courses, such as the one on Western Civilisation. I taught East Asian Civilisation, and we focused on East Asian cinema. I also intend to teach at CityU in addition to my duties as Dean. I think it is important that we offer top flight courses taught by senior people.
What kind of changes do you hope to implement within CHASS in preparation for the start of the 4-year degree? We want to supply courses that focus on the liberal arts and open up the horizons of all the students at CityU, not just those studying in CHASS. To do this we are going to build on the strengths we have in By Michael Gibb
all our departments to create new kinds of teaching based on a cross-
文：鄭智友
disciplinary, or transdisciplinary, approach. We don’t intend to try to cover all the subjects that fall under the humanities, but instead we are going to build on existing strengths. One of our innovations will be to work with scholars from the world’s top universities in a range of disciplines such as sociology, ecology, risk management, the humanities, health, etc.
October 2010
19
Face to Face
Can you elaborate on what you mean by transdisciplinary research and teaching?
How does a transdisciplinary approach align with contemporary trends or issues in higher education?
We want to create new synthetic knowledge by having people from
The Research Grants Council (RGC) is bringing itself into line with other
different disciplines work together on different projects. This doesn’t just
international funding agencies around the world that have prioritised
mean having people from different disciplines under the same roof. It
issues such as public health, the environment and energy. These areas
means re-tooling yourself and spending significant time, six months or a
have been the focus of prioritised research funding in Europe for the past
year, with academics from other areas learning about their discipline. We
10 to 15 years. In my previous post as Vice-President of Research at the
see models for this kind of approach at Stanford, Chicago, Princeton and
University of Lyon 3, I put into place five prioritised research areas for the
Edinburgh, and we would like to see our College as the embryo for such
entire university. One was health and ageing and another was sustainable
innovation, creating an approach that could later be applied University-
development and the environment.
wide. We want to move beyond the idea of interdisciplinary projects, which are essentially a meeting place of ideas, to something that arches into new territory.
How do you see transdisciplinary approaches taking root in Hong Kong? What I don’t want to see is ecology, for instance, reserved simply for environmental scientists, and health for the medical schools. I hope that the RGC sees the value of, and interest in, multi- and transdisciplinary approaches. I would also like to see a movement to define the humanities.
“We want to get a maximum number of people from different disciplines working together towards new transdisciplinary perspectives on major social and ecological issues.”
It’s no secret that the humanities have been in crisis since the Second World War, and one of the responses has been to theorise and make the humanities sound more like a science. But this approach hasn’t necessarily worked because it has meant that the whole humane aspect of the humanities has been substituted by jargon.
Can you sum up your objectives? We want to get a maximum
number of people from different disciplines working together towards new transdisciplinary perspectives on major social and ecological issues. It’s not just to show that the humanities are useful. It’s to show the humanities are needed. They are not an extra or a supplement.
20
二O一O年十月
人物專訪
利大英教授是人文及社會科學學院新任院長兼中華與跨國文化研究講座教授。利教授 原任里昂第三大學常務副校長／第一副校長（研究）兼中文及跨文化研究教授，目前還 兼任北京大學跨文化研究中心院士，以及武漢大學名譽訪問教授。 你對新的四年制課程有甚麼意見？
以擴而施於全校。我們期望藉此開拓新的學科
我們即將推行的新教學模式，多少受到美國大
領域，而不僅僅是匯合不同學科意見的協同教
學教育的影響。我曾任職於芝加哥大學（芝大），
研計劃。
該校本科生四年制課程，只有兩年是核心課程。 修科目，學生最多可以主修兩科。芝大藉此鼓勵
跨學科治學法適合當代高等教育的趨勢 和議題嗎？
學生博學多識，並開辦了幾個重點課程，例如西
世界各國的高等教育資助機構，目前特別重視公
方文化研究等。我在芝大負責教授東方文化，以
共衛生、環境、能源等議題，香港的研究資助局
東亞電影為主題。現在，除了擔任院長，我也會
（研資局）也跟上這潮流。歐洲過去10至15年內，
教書。我認為大學應開設一些一流的課程，並由
上述議題成為當局資助的重點。我在里昂第三大
資深學者任教，這一點很重要。
學任研究事務副校長期間，為全大學制定了五個
換言之，四年所學，百分之五十的課程不屬於主
「我們要盡量延攬不同學科的 學者，齊心協力，在社會和生 態等大問題上，提出跨學科的 新觀點。」
重點教研議題，一是健康及衰老，另一個是可持
你計劃在人文及社會科學學院推行甚麼 變革，配合即將推行的四年學制？
續發展與環境。
我們計劃開辦一些文科為主的課程，務求拓展 城大所有學生的眼界，而不僅限於人文及社會
你認為跨學科治學法會如何在香港扎根 發展？
科學的學生。我們會盡量發揮院內各學系所長，
我希望各學科相輔相成，例如生態學不應是環境
創辦跨學科的新法教育。學院無意籌辦其他人
科學家的專利，健康問題也不應是醫學院的禁
文學科，但會以現有學術實力為基礎，精益求
臠等等。我希望研資局明白多學科以及跨學科治
精。革新計劃之一，是在社會學、生態學、風險
學法的價值和意義。我還希望大家一起努力，重
管理、人文學科、衛生等範疇內，和世界頂尖大
新界定人文學科。毋庸諱言，第二次世界大戰以
學的學者合作。
來，人文學科就已陷入危機，對策之一是將人文 學科「理論化」，使其聽起來像一門科學。但這
你提到跨學科研究和教學，可以詳細談 談其中的含義嗎？
種對策未必奏效，結果是一堆艱澀難懂的術語 抹殺了人文學科的「人文」本質。
我們希望不同學科的學者合作，從事不同的教 研計劃，創造新的綜合知識。這不只是要他們
你可以概括 述一下未來的目標嗎？
在一起工作，而是要他們和其他學科的學者長時
我們要盡量延攬不同學科的學者，齊心協力，在
間合作，或半年，或一年，認識對方的專長，獲
社會和生態等重大問題上，提出新的跨學科觀
得啟發。史丹福、芝加哥、普林斯頓、愛丁堡等大
點。這不只是為了證明人文學科有用，而是要證
學，都採用這個促進跨學系教研的模式。我們希
明人文學科是必需的，絕對不是多餘或聊補不足
望，人文及社會科學學院孕育出這些變革後，可
的學科。
October 2010
21
Short & Sweet
A trilogy of social work books The number 20 has deep significance for Dr Kam Ping-kwong, Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Social Studies. His latest book Back to Faith: The Practice of Faith in Social Work celebrates the 20th anniversary of his teaching career in social work education. To mark the occasion, he invited 20 former students currently practicing as social workers to write about their philosophy of social work as experienced in day-today practice.
By Sally Ling
文：凌慧君
not forgotten the faith that I shared with them
response from the social work sector, and
and that they still upheld the ideas we taught
several institutions in Hong Kong, the mainland
at CityU. What made me most excited was their
and Taiwan have included it as a textbook or
loyalty to my belief of ‘Firefly’. Like a firefly, social
reference book for their academic programmes.
workers should diligently render their services to lighten up people’s lives and drive away the dark
Facilitation Skills for Group Games: From Concepts
side.”
to Practice is Dr Kam’s second book. Together with 43 students from CityU’s Department of
Back to Faith is the sequel to Dr Kam’s first book
Applied Social Studies, Dr Kam developed 100
Hold On to Your Faith—30 Letters to Social Work
group activities for the publication.
Students, a collection of personal experiences written by 21 CityU social work teachers. The
“This book would not have been possible
stories, all in letter form, narrate the frustrations
without the efforts of the students searching
“I was deeply moved by the way the graduates
encountered by contemporary social worker
for and providing the drafts of the games,”
accepted the invitation to contribute to my book
students engaged in the field.
said Dr Kam, pointing out that games enhance communication in groups. The book not only
so quickly,” said Dr Kam, who contributed two articles to the book. “I was thankful they had
22
二O一O年十月
Dr Kam said he and the other two editors
describes how to play the games, but also
decided to write the book
the purpose and meaning. “We have selected
because they had found that very
games that don’t need too many props,” he
few books on the market talked
said. The book also includes four articles on the
about social work faith even
concept and practice of group games to help
though it is highly important to
readers understand the relevant practice, skills,
frontline workers.
explanations and safety rules.
Dr Kam said the word “faith”
The trilogy of books produced by Dr Kam
means that a social worker
exemplifies the enthusiasm and dedication
should reflect on the concepts
of CityU teachers, students and graduates for
she or he believes in. He hoped
the social work sector. Their efforts generate a
the book would consolidate
positive impact on social workers, helping them
the strengths of teachers and
to motivate each other. More importantly, the
internship instructors at CityU
books promote the significance of social work
and encourage social workers to
faith and remind practitioners to hold tight to
uphold their core professional
their principles. All three books were published
values. The book received
by CityU Press, as Dr Kam wished to showcase
an overwhelmingly positive
the spirit of a united CityU effort.
輕談短訪
老師、學生、畢業生 集體三重奏 二十，這數字對城大應用社會科學系副 教授甘炳光博士來說，有着極大意義。 甘博士最近出版的《回歸信念－社工信 念的實踐》一書是慶祝他踏足社工教學 界第20個年頭而出版的。為了紀念這珍 貴時刻，甘博士邀請了20位現職社工學 生每人寫一篇關於個人的社工歷程和反 思實踐社工信念的文章。
甘博士表示，他和兩位編者看到坊間甚 少談及社工信念的書籍，但對前線社工 而言，反思社工信念及本質才是最重要 的，於是決定編寫出版《堅守信念》。 甘博士認為，「信念」除了是相「信」， 更要時刻思「念」。他希望透過此書匯 聚城大老師及實習導師的力量為社工 「打氣」，鼓勵社工持守專業核心價值
「我非常感動，每位應邀畢業生都立即答應參
觀與信念。社工業界對《堅守信念》一
與這個計劃，」甘博士喜形於色地說。「我
書反應熱烈，已有不少學院（包括香
感到欣慰的是，他們沒有忘記求學時期我與
港、內地及台灣）的老師將這本書定
他們分享和鼓勵他們持守的信念。最使我振奮
為指定教科書或參考書。
的是，他們貫徹了我一直抱持的『螢火蟲』信 念；就是像螢火蟲一樣，以微小的光芒在各自
《小組遊戲帶領技巧》是甘博士編著的
崗位上努力燃燒自己，在黑暗處照耀別人，光
第二本書，由甘博士聯同43位城大應
照人間。」甘博士亦為此書寫了兩篇文章。
用社會科學系社工同學集體創作，精 選了100個遊戲與讀者分享。
《回歸信念》是第一本書《堅守信念－給社工 學生的30封信》的延伸，《堅守信念》結集了
甘博士說：「沒有同學出力搜羅遊戲及
21位城大社工老師的個人經驗，用書信形式解
提供遊戲初稿，就不可能有這本書。」
答社工學生遭遇的困擾及問題，內容圍繞社工
甘博士透露說，帶領小組活動時，為了
本質、信念及理想。
增進組員間的溝通，適量的遊戲不可 或缺。書中除了詳細列明遊戲的玩法 外，亦介紹遊戲的含義和目的。甘博士說：「為了方便讀者隨時運用遊 戲，我們特意選用一些不太需要道具的遊戲。」另外，更收錄四篇有關 小組遊戲概念與實踐的文章，有助讀者深入了解小組遊戲的經驗、帶領
「像螢火蟲一樣，以微小的光 芒在各自崗位上努力燃燒自 己，在黑暗處照耀別人，光照 人間。」
技巧、解說手法及安全守則。 甘博士在教學以外擺上心血與時間製作的三本書，充分表現城大老師、 學生及畢業生對社工界的熱誠及委身。他們的力量不斷為社工注入正能 量，彼此激勵，相互打氣，更重要是推廣社工信念的重要性，提醒前線 社工牢記應堅持原則。而在細節上，甘博士都貫徹集體創作的精神，特 意選擇與城大出版社合作。
October 2010
23
Through the Lens
A first in Hong Kong, the Applied Laboratory for Interactive Visualization and Embodiment (ALiVE) is an imaginative new incubator for interdisciplinary research and a showcase for innovation in creative media. The aim is to nurture talent and vision for the development of Hong Kong’s creative industries.
ALiVE triggers new era in creativity 24
二O一O年十月
光影世界
「互動視覺及體現應用研究室」 激發新世代創意 Photo: Sunny Wong
由城大創意媒體學院創立的「互動視覺及體
攝影：黃新源
現應用研究室」是香港首個同類型研究室，研
Text: Karen Cheng
究設施及項目水平處於本地數碼媒體業界最前
撰文：鄭誼群
沿。研究項目以應對挑戰為目標，致力滿足博 物館、藝廊、文化遺產、保健、環境及其他多 個範疇的新需求。
October 2010
25
Professional Education & Research
New progress on horseshoe crab rearing 馬蹄蟹保育迎來新進展
26
二O一O年十月
By Ellen Chan
文：陳倩茹
專業教育與研究
It was a sunny morning when the Form 5 students from St Paul’s Secondary School started their journey to San Tau Village on Lantau Island. They were on a field trip during the summer vacation to study the ecological environment and characteristics of juvenile horseshoe crabs living in the wild.
Horseshoe crabs are protected animals on the mainland, which means it is illegal to kill or eat them. However, they are not protected in Hong Kong, and they often get served as local fare in restaurants. CityU has been engaged in the conservation of horseshoe crabs for many years, promoting the idea to secondary school students and
At the start of the programme Dr Cheung Siu-gin, Associate Professor from
the general public. In addition, Dr Cheung and Dr Paul Shin Kam-
the Department of Biology and Chemistry at CityU, and a team of CityU
shing, also of the Department of Biology and Chemistry, have worked
researchers explained the differences between wild and captive-bred
together on artificial methods of raising horseshoe crabs in order to
horseshoe crabs, focusing on habitat and food. Most of the information
increase their numbers and improve their survival rate.
was new to the participating students. One method is to insert computer chips into the captive-bred “I didn’t know horseshoe crabs lived so close to people,” said Catherine
horseshoe crabs and then release them into the wild. The researchers
Wong Kit-ying, one of the students on the programme. “It makes me
then track the released crabs and compare them with those raised
appreciate that environmental protection is very important. Anything we do can affect the ecological environment of creatures living in the wild.” Dr Cheung said the aim of the trip was to enhance the students’ awareness about environmental protection. “Through the programme, the students can witness the difficulties facing the horseshoe crabs and other marine creatures. They learn that some of the environmental problems are caused by nature, but some are man-made,” Dr Cheung said.
”The Department of Biology and Chemistry is strongly committed to the protection of marine life and the ecological environment.”
October 2010
27
Professional Education & Research
in a laboratory. They found that crabs reared in a laboratory for two
and salinity of water can play an important role in the fertilization process.
years were a similar size to those living in the wild for four years. As
The researchers are now trying to control these two variables to enable
this showed the crabs in a laboratory grew to a bigger size faster, the
reproduction naturally in a laboratory, eliminating the need to kill.
researchers said they hope raising the crabs artificially can help improve stocks.
The Department of Biology and Chemistry, which is strongly committed to the protection of marine life and the ecological environment, will hold an
Dr Shin said the team has also tried to feed the crabs different foods
“International Workshop on the Science and Conservation of Horseshoe
such as brine shrimp and clams, matching the ratio of nutrients with the
Crabs” at Hong Kong Wetland Park on 13–16 June 2011. The workshop will
crabs’ growth. “The ultimate objective is to speed up growth in order to
be supported by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department
release the crabs earlier and improve their survival rate,” Dr Shin said.
of the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation. Prominent scholars from different countries will be invited to
They have also experimented with different reproductive techniques.
discuss in detail horseshoe crab numbers and their ecological environment
In the past, Dr Shin said they had to kill the crabs to get to the sperm
plus related educational issues.
and eggs but the research team recently found that the temperature
400m years old, and endangered The scientific name of the horseshoe crab is Tachypleus tridentatus. Its head and abdomen look like a horse shoe, hence the name. Actually, it is not a crab but a close relative of the spider and scorpion. It has evolved over 400 million years and now ranks locally among the top 10 most endangered marine species, according to the World Wild Fund for Nature (Hong Kong). Interestingly, its blood turns blue when exposed to air, a process used to test for endotoxins and bacterial contamination, a quality duly noted by the pharmaceutical industry.
28
二O一O年十月
專業教育與研究 2
1
「城大參與馬蹄蟹保育工作已 多年，近年更致力向中學生及 社會大眾推廣保育，喚醒各界 對大自然保育的關注。」
1. 研究員使用探測器追蹤裝上晶片的馬蹄蟹蹤跡。 2. 張肇堅博士（左）及單錦城博士。
暑假期間一個天朗氣清的早上，一群來自聖保祿中學參加馬蹄蟹校園保姆計劃的 中五學生與城大生物及化學系副教授張肇堅博士及研究員，浩浩蕩蕩朝着大嶼山 頭村出發了。他們將實地考察野生馬蹄蟹的自然生態環境和習性。 張博士和研究員向中學生悉心講解了野生與人工
的馬蹄蟹體形已與野外生長了四年的馬蹄蟹
飼養馬蹄蟹的區別，例如棲息環境、食物等。
相等，證明實驗室養殖的馬蹄蟹生長速度理 想，因此希望藉此方法使馬蹄蟹的數量回復
這些中學生是首次親身在自然環境裏接觸野生
較高水平。
馬蹄蟹，感到新鮮有趣，興奮不已。「我一點 也不知道，原來馬蹄蟹自然棲息的地方與民居
單博士表示，曾經嘗試用不同食糧，如豐年
距離不足百米，突然覺得保護環境很重要，因
蝦、蜆肉等，飼養馬蹄蟹。目前，研究小組
為人類的一舉一動都可能影響自然生物的生態
根據馬蹄蟹的生長狀況，自行調配含不同養
環境，」名叫王潔迎的學生說。
料比例的人工飼料養育馬蹄蟹。「我們開始 利用自行調配的飼料餵飼馬蹄蟹，並準備研
張博士表示，安排參加馬蹄蟹校園保姆計劃的
究這些飼料對馬蹄蟹生理有甚麼影響，最終
中學生到野外實地考察，目的是希望提升學生
是為了加快牠們的生長速度，縮短日後放生
對保護自然環境的關注與認識。「學生可以直
的時間和有效改善存活率，」單博士說。
接了解馬蹄蟹及其他海洋生物所面對的挑戰， 既有自然的，也有人為造成的，」張博士說。
單博士指出，過往利用人工繁殖馬蹄蟹時， 需要先殺掉一對雌雄馬蹄蟹，再從牠們身上
四億年的活化石 馬蹄蟹是鱟的俗稱，頭及胸部看上去像隻馬 蹄，故名馬蹄蟹。其實並不是蟹，而是蜘蛛 和蠍子的近親，在地球上已生活了約4億年， 現被世界自然基金會（香港）列入海洋十種 瀕危動物之一。馬蹄蟹的血液暴露在空氣中 會變為藍色，具有醫學價值，在美國有藥廠 用其血液製造檢測癌症及病菌感染試劑。
在內地，馬蹄蟹已被列為國家二級保護動物，
取出卵子與精子交配。近日研究小組發現，
嚴禁捕殺及食用；可是在香港，馬蹄蟹仍未被
水的溫度及鹽度會直接影響馬蹄蟹的產卵情
列入此類別，因此仍有人食用馬蹄蟹，加強相
況，於是嘗試在實驗室內透過控制水溫和鹽
關的保育推廣工作，實在是刻不容緩。
度讓人工飼養的馬蹄蟹自然繁殖，可以免卻 殺掉馬蹄蟹進行交配的程序。
城大參與馬蹄蟹保育工作已多年，近年更致力 向中學生及社會大眾推廣保育，喚醒各界對大
城大一向關注保護海洋生物及生態環境。生
自然保育的關注。張博士與同系副教授單錦城
物及化學系得到漁農自然護理署及海洋公園
博士攜手合作，研究人工飼養馬蹄蟹的方法，
保育基金的支持，定於明年6月13至16日，在
藉此增加這種瀕臨絕種生物的數量及存活率。
香港濕地公園舉行全球性國際研討會及工作 坊，探討馬蹄蟹在亞洲區的狀況。屆時將邀
他們曾經將晶片植入放生的人工馬蹄蟹，並成
請世界各地的著名學者參加，深入討論馬蹄
功找回其中一隻，繼而將牠與同期未放生到野
蟹的數量、棲息的生態環境、應用及教育
外的馬蹄蟹比較，發現在實驗室內飼養兩年
等範疇的問題。
October 2010
29
In the Know
A first glimpse of media art 媒體藝術知多少 By Ellen Chan
文：陳倩茹
Art has developed in tandem with technology since humans first began to express thoughts and feelings about the world around them. Different kinds of tools and materials led to astonishing bursts in creativity throughout the ages, from initial experiments in dye and paint, paper and brush through to early photography and animation. Now in this age of technology, the rapid expansion and wide application of computers and multi-media tools offer even greater breadth to creativity.
“As a media artist, I don’t want to simply use any conventional package. I want to seriously think through my needs and design a computer application for creating works that have my unique style,” he said.
Linking science and art Mr Ip said science and art are more closely related than most people realise. Local students in particular tend to see the two fields as mutually exclusive, according to his experience. He cites the following as an example of how art and science intertwine. A student planned to produce an animation of a ball falling from a high place, so of course he had to read up on and fully comprehend the theory of gravity if he was going to produce a successful piece of work. “I want to revisit the issue of how science and art can be combined and
For Mr Ip Yuk-yiu, Associate Professor of the
pass my ideas to all my students so that they can look at the relationship
School of Creative Media, this merger of art and
between the two again,” Mr Ip said.
technology has been an exciting opportunity. “A few years ago, I started to look at how I could
Mr Ip said when compared with other art forms such as movies or music,
combine computer technology with my creative
the development of media art is still at a very early stage. Media artists are
work in a more organic manner,” he said.
still groping for ways to express their ideas. “Up until now, media art is still only in the form of some conceptualised works. To appreciate a piece of
One of his aims was to acquire a full
media art work, we should not just focus on its superficial presentation.
comprehension of computer systems and apply
Instead, we need to understand and know the creative idea behind it,” Mr
that knowledge to his art. His reasoning was
Ip said. Nevertheless, he is optimistic that the younger generation will find
that since computer language was like any
it quicker to appreciate media art as they have a better knowledge about
other language in terms of rules and syntax,
computers.
codes and applications, only fluency would allow an artist to make the most effective use of the technology available.
30
二O一O年十月
“The best way to understand media art is to expose yourself to as much of it as possible. Then its unique qualities will be revealed,” Mr Ip said.
專家妙筆
藝術創作無疆界，一幅圖畫、一件雕塑、一齣電影，都可以是 藝術工作者發揮創意、展現才華的平台。科技日新月異，特別 是電腦和多媒體技術的蓬勃發展與普及應用，為藝術創作注入 養分和新生命。 創意媒體學院副教授葉旭耀先生表示，近十年間，愈來愈多人從事媒 體藝術創作和研究；又或是嘗試在傳統藝術中，加入電腦和多媒體元 素，使作品更為豐富、活潑。「我幾年前亦已開始嘗試探索及研究如 何更有機性地把電腦科技融合在自己的藝術創作當中，」葉先生說。 葉先生表示，就如其他語言一樣，電腦語言本身也是一種類似的系 統，只有能掌握這語言系統及其文法，才可以更深入和有效地運用它 在藝術創作中。「作為媒體藝術家，我不單想利用現成的軟件創作， 而是想更深一層思考，並設計符合自己需要的軟件，以便於創作具有 個人特色的媒體藝術作品，」葉先生說。
藝術與科學相輔相存 葉先生認為，藝術與科學不可分割。他簡單舉例指出，當學生想製作 皮球由高處掉下來的動畫時，才發現原來其中涉及物理學的地心吸 力理論。 所以科學與藝術創作根本並不互相排斥，而是可以相輔相 存的。葉先生表示，香港學生一般將藝術與科學視為兩種風馬牛不相 及的科目；事實上，兩者有 着 千絲萬縷的關係。「我希望可以重新思 考，如何將藝術與科學結合起來，並將這個訊息帶給學生，傳揚開 來，使學生重新了解兩者之間的關係和重要性，」葉先生說。 葉先生認為，與電影、音樂等藝術相比，媒體藝術的發展尚處於初級 階段，媒體藝術家仍在各自尋找表達自己的方法。「當代的媒體藝術 仍是一些概念化的創作，觀眾要理解一個作品，不可單看它的外表， 更要了解和明白背後的創作概念，」葉先生說。但他樂觀地指出，新 一代的人對電腦之類的媒介認識清晰，較容易、也較快便能理解媒體 藝術。 「了解媒體藝術的最佳方法，是多接觸，這樣才會愈明白它的特 質，」葉先生說。
October 2010
31
Gown to Town
Nurturing the entrepreneuria It’s not enough to simply wait for a lucky break. When an opportunity arises, you have to be ready, willing and armed with the necessary skills. That’s the philosophy of Mr Jonathan Chan Po-chi, a distinguished alumnus of CityU’s College of Science and Engineering. “Opportunities are for people who are well prepared,” he said in an interview with CityU Today. Mr Chan knows what he is talking about. Elected as one of Hong Kong’s 2009 Ten Outstanding Young Persons, this information technology entrepreneur started his own business after he graduated from the Department of Computer Science in 2003. He founded Accolade Consultants (International) Company Limited with core business applications in the development of computer system security. The company now has clients all over the Greater China region. A keen interest in computer science and a concern that he might regret later in life not seizing a business prospect spurred him on. He’s also committed to self-improvement, strong in the belief that he will learn from the process of founding his own company. He said he also finds the day-to-day challenge of running Accolade Consultants very rewarding, discovering he possesses a capacity to motivate himself when under extreme pressure. Looking back, Mr Chan said his success stems from his experience at CityU and the education he received. His programme of study gave him strong problem-solving skills, a sense of diligence and team spirit plus a clear global vision. “It is our company’s philosophy to put teamwork first. All my employees are required to understand the company’s position, have a global mindset and be aware of world events. Only by fulfilling these criteria can a company move forward,” he said. When asked about his most unforgettable experience during his three years at CityU, he nominated team work. “I’ll never forget the group
32
二O一O年十月
校園到社會
al spirit projects I did with my fellow students,” he said. “There were good times and bad times because we often had to work late into the night to
孕育企業家精神 By Sally Ling
文：凌慧君
等待幸運的機會出現，永遠是不夠的。要在機會出現前就做好準備，願意把握機 會，並具有所需的技巧。這就是城大科學及工程學院卓越校友、資訊科技企業家 陳博智的理念。
complete our projects. But as a result, I have honed my problem-solving skills and become
「機會只留給有備之人」陳博智在接受訪問時說。
far more open to other people’s ideas. Problemsolving is certainly one of the strengths of CityU
獲選為2009年度香港「十大傑出青年」的陳博智深明這句話的意義。他在2003年獲得城大電
students.”
腦科學理學士學位後，隨即創辦匯俊顧問國際有限公司，主要業務為軟件開發及電腦系統保 安，如今公司客戶遍及大中華地區。
Mr Chan said he appreciates CityU’s learning culture and praises its dual emphasis on theories
陳博智的創業念頭源於對電腦科學的鍾情，憑着濃厚的興趣及不想日後追悔的決心，他決定
and practice. He added that he was grateful
向理想進發。陳博智喜歡不斷提升自己、改變自己；正因如此，他享受創業的過程，在創業
to CityU for providing him with an internship
過程中不斷學習，遇到壓力不會畏懼退縮，反而會把它轉化為動力，勇往直前。
opportunity at Motorola where he learned real business practices and the importance
回顧當年，陳博智表示今天的成就源於他在城大的經驗及其受過的教育。他感謝城大開設的
of corporate culture. The experience, he said,
課程，使自己成長為解難能力強、不怕捱苦、注重團隊精神及具備國際視野的人。
has helped him to become the successful entrepreneur he is today.
他說：「我們公司的文化以團隊合作精神為先，所以我要求員工認清公司在市場上的位置及 定位外，更要有國際視野，關注及了解世界上發生的事情；唯有這樣，才能推動公司業務的
“I am proud of CityU,” Mr Chan said. He wishes
發展。」
to express his gratitude to the professors here who encouraged and advised him to start his
當問及他在城大最難忘的經歷時，陳博智說：「做習作的過程令人難忘。除了個人努力，還有
own business. To contribute to his alma mater,
許多機會與同學合作，既有開心的時刻，也有咬緊牙關捱苦熬夜的日子，由此訓練了我的解
Mr Chan will collaborate with the University
難能力，並學會包容與接納他人的意見。」他更自豪地補充說：「解決問題的能力正是城大
on the development of technological products
學生的強項！」
planned to be launched in the market. 陳博智十分欣賞城大的學習氣氛，更讚賞城大理論與實踐並重的課程特色。他感謝城大給他 Despite his heavy workload, he contributes to
在摩托羅拉公司實習的機會，實習期間不單了解到行業實務，還體驗到企業文化的重要性，
society by taking part in public service. He has
更幫助他成為今天成功的企業家。
organised and participated in various services for the Social Welfare Department. He served as a
「我以城大為榮！」陳博智說。他亦十分感謝城大教授鼓勵他創業的寶貴意見。為了回饋城
member of the Social Welfare Policy Committee
大，陳博智更將與大學合作研發科技產品，並計劃將來推向市場。
of Wong Tai Sin and Sai Kung Districts for the Department, which won him the titles of “The
雖然工作繁重，陳博智不忘回饋社會，積極參與多項公職活動和籌辦社會福利署的服務活
Son of the Social Welfare Department” and “The
動，並擔當領導角色，如出任社署黃大仙及西貢區褔利及策略委員會委員，獲得「社署之
Light of Sai Kung”.
子」、「西貢之光」等榮譽稱號。
October 2010
33
From the Heart
A ‘happy and free’ hall master
Dr Cheung Chor-yung Dean of Students
Senior Teaching Fellow, Department of Public and Social Administration Hall master of Alumni Civility Hall (Hall 3)
文：張楚勇博士 輔導長；公共及社會行政學系高級特任講師； 校友樂禮堂（第三座宿舍）舍監
University learning should go beyond formal instruction in class. It should be a collective and continuous attempt by scholars and students to learn how to appreciate each other’s perspectives, to probe into the unknown, and to nurture the virtue of intellectual honesty and social commitment. Residential life forms an integral part of
Hall 3 has a special link with CityU alumni since
university learning. Residents coming from
it was built partly with funds raised by former
different disciplines may engage in conversation
students. We strengthen this link by inviting
day and night on issues that are of mutual
alumni, who are a great asset to us, to participate
interest. Students can develop their team
in hall activities. Patrick Lee and Karmen Chan,
spirit and leadership by initiating student-
the former and current Convocation Chairmen,
driven activities around the clock. Among the
are enthusiastic supporters. Karmen was a panel
3,000-strong students who live in our halls, half
member in our hall scholarships selection panel,
are local students while the other half are from
interviewing outstanding residents in April this
the mainland and the rest of the world, giving
year.
our residents a lot of opportunities to interact with people in a multicultural environment.
A university is a great place of learning only if it encourages dialogue of all kinds. The Civility
In Hall 3, we are proud to have established
Dialogue Series in Hall 3 invites top community
the tradition of “happiness and freedom”
leaders to the student residence to have direct
for all. We seldom rely on rules. Instead, we
conversation with students on topics that are
emphasise liberty and self-discipline, since both
important to Hong Kong. Eminent speakers in
are essential for learning and for a happy hall life. Student residents are
the past include senior politician Rita Fan, Council
encouraged to initiate student-driven activities for fun and for learning. I
Chairman Mr Leung Chun-ying, legislator Wong
am assisted by five Resident Tutors, and the Student Residence Association
Yuk-man, Dr Joyce Ching from the Nobel Peace
is there to organise activities such as the High-table Dinner, numerous
Prize winner Médecins Sans Frontières, and
sports competitions and cultural-cum-entertainment activities like
business leader Anthony Wu. In the last dialogue
Halloween Night and Poon Choi Dinner throughout the year.
held in September, we invited Democratic Party Chairman Albert Ho.
34
二O一O年十月
城大人語
「快樂、自由」的舍監 大學教育不應只限於正規的課堂教育，而應包括學者和學生 一起不斷努力，嘗試了解彼此的觀點，勇敢探索未為人知的 學海，培養學術上立誠心、社會上負責任的美德。 宿舍生活是大學教育不可或缺的一部分。宿生來自不同學系，可以晝 夜討論大家關心的問題。只要高興，可以24小時不眠不休，籌辦學生 活動，從中孕育團隊精神以及領導才能。城大宿生人數超過 3,000， 一半是本地學生，一半是內地和世界其他地區的學生。宿生在這樣一 個多元文化的環境中，可以經常來往交流，拓展眼界。 第三座宿舍值得自豪的是，創立了「快樂、自由」的傳統。我們一般 不用執行甚麼規例，更注重自由、自律：那是求學以及幸福宿舍生活 所必需的。宿舍鼓勵宿生自行組織活動，求樂趣，求學問。此外，我 有五位宿舍導師協助，還有宿生會負責統籌全年的活動，包括高桌 晚宴、各類運動比賽以及萬聖節之夜、盤菜宴等寓文化意義於娛樂的 活動。 第三座宿舍和城大校友有特別的關係，因為其興建費用部分由舊生籌
“Residential life forms an integral part of university learning.”
得。校友是我們的重要支柱，我們也致力鞏固和校友的關係，邀請他 們參加宿舍的活動。城大評議會前任主席李仲華先生和現任主席陳嘉 雯女士，都很熱心支持我們。陳女士更擔任宿舍獎學金遴選委員會成 員，今年4月，在遴選面試中會晤了品學兼優的宿生。 大學若不能倡導各式各樣的對話，就不能算是理想的學府。第三座宿
The 20th century thinker Michael Oakeshott
舍舉辦的「樂禮對話」系列，邀請到傑出社會領袖，與宿生談論香港
once half-jokingly said that humans were
的大事。應邀前來的著名講者，包括資深政壇人物范徐麗泰女士、校
descended from “a race of apes who sat in talk
董會主席梁振英先生、立法會議員黃毓民先生、獲諾貝爾和平獎的無
so long and so late that they wore out their tails”.
國界醫生成員程德君醫生、商界領袖胡定旭先生等。最近一次對話會
We have a lawn outside Hall 3. On many starry
9月舉行，講者是民主黨主席何俊仁先生。
nights, our residents sit and talk so long and so late that sometimes they disturb my sleep. But I
二十世紀思想家麥可．奧克肖特曾經半開玩笑地說，人類的祖先是
believe that students can open their minds only
「一種猿科動物，由於長時間坐談至深夜，把尾巴坐掉了」。第三座
through exchanges. Knowing this, my sleep is
宿舍門外有一片草坪，宿生常在星空下長時間坐談至深夜，有時擾得
not affected at all.
我不能入睡。但我知道，學生只有透過切磋交流，才能敞 開心扉。想到這裏，我就會安心入睡了。
October 2010
35
Professional Education & Research
Culture matters By Michelle Leung
文：梁子儀
A party of students from CityU flew to Beijing during the summer vacation, but not for an exchange as you might expect. Led by Chair Professor Ng Sikhung and Dr Julian Lai Chuk-ling of the Department of Applied Social Studies, the 18 students went for functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) brain scans, not because they were sick but to take part in a research project at the Beijing MRI Centre for Brain Research
36
二O一O年十月
專業教育與研究
Interdisciplinary study
be a corresponding difference in the brains of
vMPFC of both groups was active when they
Even though science and technology are
Westerners and Asians?
considered the “self”, but there were differences when the two groups thought of “mother”.
developing at a tremendous pace, the human brain is still a great mystery. It’s fair to say that
Research in the 1990s found neurological
For Chinese, the vMPFC was active when they
we don’t know much about the workings of
evidence to show that the concept of “self” in
thought of “mother,” whereas for Americans, a
this central locale for thinking, language and
Americans was represented in the ventral medial
different part of the brain was active.
behaviour.
prefrontal cortex (vMPFC), whereas “mother” was represented elsewhere. The results are
These comparative studies between Americans
An expert in social psychology, Professor Ng
consistent with the psychological theory that
and Chinese are not sufficient to prove that
wanted to explore a hypothesis that has been
the “self’ concept of Americans does not include
the difference is due to cultural background
under debate for years: whether or not culture
“mother”, and hence when Americans think of
rather than physiological or other factors.
makes a substantial impact on human thought
their mother, they do not think of themselves at
This realisation prompted Professor Ng to
through the brain. To do so, his approach
the same time.
invite bicultural people from Hong Kong to
involved the interdisciplinary study of social
participate in an experiment to eliminate other
psychology, neuroscience and advanced brain
factors.
scan technology. The background to Professor Ng’s research rests on possible cultural differences between Westerners and Asians in terms of social perception. The New York Times columnist David Brooks summed up the theory in a 2008 article “Harmony and the Dream” in which he says that Americans usually see individuals as discrete elements, whereas Chinese and other Asians see connections among individuals. Cultural psychologists Markus and Kitayama
“Hong Kong people may have two concepts of ‘self’: a Chinese and a Western one. Which ‘self’ is more salient depends on the surrounding environment.”
Cultural difference affects thinking According to Professor Ng, Hong Kong people may have two concepts of “self”: a Chinese and a Western one. “Which ‘self’ is more salient depends on the surrounding environment,” he said. In order to see whether or not culture, far from being something intangible, actually influences our thinking, he used a questionnaire to identify people in Hong Kong who had strong Chinese and Western “self” concepts. Eighteen students were found to fit the requirement and were
have made similar claims after reviewing a large number of surveys and experiments, arguing
Then, in 2007, research comparing Americans
that Americans and other Westerners place
and Chinese people working in Beijing
more emphasis on the uniqueness of the “self”,
conducted by Professor Zhu Ying of Peking
The testees were first viewed a set of images
whereas Chinese and other Asians emphasise
University suggested that Chinese people
with strong Chinese or Western cultural
the connection of “self” with other people.
regarded “mother” as a fundamental part of “self”,
flavours, including pictures of iconic buildings,
Given this East-West difference, would there
whereas the Americans didn’t. He found that the
people, food and works of art. They then wrote
flown to Beijing for the experiment.
October 2010
37
Professional Education & Research
then primed a day later with Chinese culture.
a bicultural background, think more flexibly in
The order was reversed for the other half of the
different contexts and may be more creative,”
sample. During the adjective test, the testee’s
Professor Ng said.
brain activities were recorded by fMRI to find out which part of the brain was activated when
Professor Ng believes that his findings are of
he/she was thinking about self, mother, or a
great potential to the world of advertising. “The
non-identified person. Because of excessive head
success of a commercial depends on whether
movement during the scanning process, three
the product or service it promotes touches the
of the participants were excluded from data
right chords with the customers. Adverting
analysis, leaving 15 reliable and valid sets of data.
agencies can enhance the effectiveness of their commercials by using prior tests to build a
The findings showed that under Chinese culture
stronger link between the product and the ‘self’
priming (Chinese self salient), the vMPFC of
of customers.”
each of the 15 participants was active when
down what impact the culture had on them. Previous research had validated the effectiveness of this culture priming procedure to call out (make salient psychologically) either the Chinese
he/she thought of the “self”, “mother” or even a
Professor Ng added that if the teaching
non-identified person. However, under Western
environment can be nurtured to enhance links
culture priming (Western self salient), the vMPFC
between teaching activities and the “self” of
was active only when they thought of “self”, but
students, learners would have a greater chance
not of “mother” or non-identified person.
of acquiring a deeper learning experience.
Advantages of bicultural Chinese
After the project, the volunteers had a chance to
“This study suggests that culture does have
tour Beijing and buy some souvenirs for taking
an impact on people’s thinking. It also means
back home. As for Professor Ng, he was able
Chinese living in contemporary society,
to take home a significant discovery in social
especially those who reside in Hong Kong with
psychology and neuroscience.
or Western self in testees. After culture priming, testees viewed dozens of trait adjectives such as “wise,” “radical,” “childish,” and “brave” written in Chinese and English. Each bilingual adjective was presented on a specially designed screen, and testees were asked to press a button to indicate their yes/no response to questions such as “Does this adjective describe you/your mother/a person whom who would not identify with?” Half of the participants were primed with Western culture on the first day of the study and
38
二O一O年十月
Ng, S.H., Han, S., Mao, L., & Lai, J.C.L. (2010). Dynamic bicultural brains: fMRI study of the flexible neural representation of self and significant others in response to culture primes. Asian Journal of Social Psychology, 13, 83-91.
專業教育與研究
文化大不同 腦神經確有異 十多名城大學生在暑假整理行裝，跟隨應用社會科學系伍錫洪講座教授和 黎祝齡博士去了北京。他們此行目的並非遊學交流，而是到北京高場磁共 振腦成像中心，接受腦素描測試。
不用擔心，這些學生的腦部絕無問題。他們只是義務擔任 一項研究的測試對象。 跨學科研究 人腦結構運作精密，即使科技發展一日千里，人類對掌管 思想、語言、行為的腦部所知依然很少。專注研究社會心 理學的伍教授，希望透過結合社會心理學、神經科學及先 進腦掃描技術的跨學科研究，驗證文化對人類思想的實質 影響。 《紐約時報》專欄作家David Brooks曾撰文表示，美國人 通常只看到個體，而亞洲人往往看到各個個體的關聯性； 美國人較傾向於分出類別，亞洲人則較注重其中的關係。 文化心理學家Markus和Kitayama總結了大量調查和實驗 資料，發現美國和其他西方人較注重「自我」與人有別的 獨特性，而中國和其他東方人則較注重「自我」和他人的 聯繫性。既然不同文化可導致不同的「自我」概念，那麼 中國人和美國人的腦袋是否也存在着一些與「自我」概念 有關的分別呢？ 早在九十年代初，已有西方研究證明，美國人（白人）腦部腹內側前額 皮質（vMPFC）是主宰思考「自我」概念的區域，思考「母親」的概念 則由另一區域負責。這項發現符合社會心理學對西方人「自我」概念的 理論：他們的「自我」概念並不包涵「母親」，所以思考「母親」時， 不會觸動「自我」概念。上述vMPFC活動，顯示美國人「自我」和「母 親」概念在腦神經層面上的差別。 2007年，北京大學朱滢教授找來一些在北京工作的美國人和中國人再做 比較研究。結果發現，兩組人思考「自我」概念時，vMPFC都處於活
October 2010
39
Professional Education & Research 濾鏡
受試者在磁力共振室內 接受測試
後映式屏幕
鏡子
投影機
電腦
磁力共振室
躍狀態；可是思考「母親」的概念時，中國人的vMPFC活動同樣很活
半數受試者先在中國文化狀態下測試，第二天則在西方文化狀態下測
躍，而美國人的活躍區則在腦內另一位置。這一實驗暗示，中國人的
試；另一組則剛好相反，西方文化先、中國文化後。測試期間，他們
「自我」概念與美國人不同，還包涵「母親」這一概念。
的腦部活動情況都以腦掃描一一記錄下來。由於其中三名受試者測試 期間頭部移動影響腦掃描結果，只有15名受試者的數據有效。雖然如
不過，單靠比較美國人和中國人，不足以證明兩者「自我」概念上的差
此，這類以實證而非意見調查所做的研究，已具有足夠信度和效度。
別是出於文化而不是生理或其他原因。要排除其他原因，需要更精密的 研究。因此，伍教授決定找一些雙文化背景的香港人做研究。
結果顯示，15名受試者中國人的「自我」概念較顯露時，一想到自 己、母親或其他人，vMPFC都會處於活躍狀態；同一個人，在西方
東西文化差異影響思想
「自我」概念較顯露時，想到自我時，vMPFC很活躍，但想到母親或
「受西方文化影響或學習外語的香港人，可能同時有中國人和西方兩個
其他人時，vMPFC並無活動。這個結果，完全符合伍教授的假設。
『自我』概念，其中哪一個較為顯露，視乎身處的環境，」伍教授說。 「我們找來有兩個『自我』概念的香港人做測試，就可以證明文化並非 虛無飄渺，而是實實在在會影響人的思想。」
雙文化中國人的優勢 「這次測試證實，文化的確會影響人的思想，亦意味着當代社會的中 國人，尤其是身處香港、擁有雙文化背景的中國人，其思想可因應身
伍教授先邀請有興趣參加研究的城大學生填答問卷，確保他們兩個「自
處文化環境而靈活改變，更富創意，更具優勢，」伍教授說。
我」概念同樣強烈。最後有18名學生符合條件，跟隨伍教授到北京進 行腦掃描測試。
伍教授認為，這項研究結果在商業和教育上都有潛在應用價值。他 說：「一個廣告成功與否，關鍵在於所宣傳的產品或服務能不能引起
受試者先觀看一系列有強烈中國、西方文化色彩的對應圖片，其中包括
共鳴。如果廣告商推出廣告前先做測試，可能有助把產品和觀眾的
代表性建築物、人物、食物、藝術品等，然後以文字描述中國、西方文
『自我』概念聯繫起來引起共鳴，提升廣告效用。」
化對自己的影響。這一連串動作，目的在於使受試者的思想集中在其中 一個「自我」概念上。
伍教授補充說，如果教學環境能把教學活動與學生的自我概念有效地 聯繫起來，則學生有更大機會獲得深度學習體驗，所學的知識也會深
受試者接着躺在磁力共振儀器上，觀看眼前螢光幕顯示的數十個中英對
印在腦海中，終身受用。
照形容詞，例如「聰明」、「激進」、「幼稚」、「勇敢」等，按手上 按鈕表示詞語是否適合形容自己、身邊一名影響力很大但受試者並不認
對於十多名學生，北京之行的收穫可能是順道遊覽首都；但對於伍教
同的人，以及母親。（見上圖）
授，卻是社會心理學結合神經科學研究上的重大發現。
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二O一O年十月
Excellence in Research and Professional Education 優質專業教育與研究
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