Reduce inequality within and among countries

The University is committed to promoting equal opportunity in its admissions policy. University admissions are based on merit, apply consistent selection criteria, and are directed towards the selection of students who have the academic competence and motivation to benefit from the programmes they intend to pursue. As a caring university, CUHK seeks to promote a positive learning environment for its students and is committed to offering equal opportunities in academic pursuits for students with disabilities, in accordance with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Ordinance.

CUHK is an equal opportunities employer committed to promoting equality, inclusivity, diversity and the highest ethical standards. Under its Diversity and Inclusion Policy, the University respects individual differences and strives to ensure that individuals and groups are treated fairly and without discrimination. The University observes the fundamental principles of human rights and equal opportunities, and exercises due care in considering outsourcing proposals. Its Outsourcing Policy prohibits the employment of contractors involved in any form of discrimination in their hiring and employment practices.

A joint study conducted by the Department of Social Work and SAHK revealed that family-centred intervention can be a promising approach for Chinese families of adults with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (HFA). Through the mobilization of intra- and inter-familial resources in supporting HFA, stress experienced by caregivers can be reduced, thus enhancing family relationships.

It is estimated that more than 100,000 people in Hong Kong today live with dementia. Studies project a threefold increase in numbers in 2039, posing an alarming challenge to the medical and healthcare sector. In World Alzheimer’s Month 2022, Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council, Towngas, and the CUHK Jockey Club Institute of Ageing joined forces to deliver a report on the effectiveness of ‘Chef Anchor 2’, a programme that combines elements of occupational therapy with unique culinary experience. By integrating ‘procedural memory’ into recipes, participants with subjective memory impairment undergo cognitive training during cooking. The implementation of ‘Chef Anchor 2’ has improved the Overall Physical and Mental Health Index of the participating elderly individuals and their carers.

The ‘Sunshine at CUHK’ campaign provides all CUHK members with a one-stop platform to access handy information related to mental wellness. It includes self-care articles, mindfulness exercises and counselling services contacts. A number of initiatives, including the ‘Sunshine@CUHK’ mobile app, the ‘Welcome Back + Welcome New’ event and ‘Mindful Walk in the Forest’ have also been launched to promote mental wellbeing.

Ethnic minorities face multiple barriers in community living. The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care (JCSPHPC) launches the Jockey Club S.A.T.H. Project for Healthy Families (JCSATH) to foster health equity and social equality. The project provides culturally appropriate health information for ethnic minorities in Hong Kong and enhances their health management. JCSATH offers health screening with medical consultations, culturally relevant health promotion programmes tailored to individual health conditions, and personalized follow-up and connection to existing health services for those with chronic conditions or at high risk. Through cross-sector collaborations, JCSATH seeks to build a healthier, stronger and inclusive community.

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) struggle to communicate with human beings, and training their social skills with a human-based approach might not be ideal. Professor Catherine So from the Department of Education Psychology introduced social robots in 2016 to teach children with ASD to communicate with others. This approach has proven successful, leading her to launch the Robot for Autism Behavioral Intervention (RABI®) programme, which offers personalized treatment. In 2019, she founded a social enterprise, Science and Technology for Autism Remediation (STAR) Limited, to expand its service scope and reach out to benefit more autistic children. RABI won a silver medal in the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva 2022.