Communication-intensive Courses (CiC) Symposium 2026
Summary
You are cordially invited to join the Communication-intensive Courses (CiC) Symposium on 5 May 2026. The event is co-organized by Communication Intensive Courses (CiC), Teaching and Learning Innovation Centre (TALIC), Common Core and Centre for Applied English Studies (CAES). One of the highlights of the event is a keynote and workshop by Professor Sivanes Phillipson from Swinburne University of Technology, Australia.
Join the Event
Date: 5th May 2026 (Tuesday)
Time: 9:30am – 3:30pm (HKT)
Venue: Arts Tech Lab, RM4.35, 4/F Run Run Shaw Tower, Centennial Campus, HKU
Contact: cics@hku.hk
*Lunch will be included*
Abstract
This symposium examines the role of communication as a pedagogical foundation for enhancing student engagement, learning outcomes, and graduate preparedness across disciplines. The programme brings together faculty perspectives on designing and delivering communication-intensive courses, alongside innovative assessment practices that promote student engagement and applied learning. The symposium culminates in student-led teaching demonstrations, positioning learners as active contributors to knowledge construction and dissemination. By foregrounding communication as both a skill and a pedagogy, the event invites critical dialogue on how institutions can cultivate learner agency, disciplinary literacy, and future-ready capabilities through intentional curricular and communicative design.
About the Keynote Speaker
Professor Sivanes Phillipson is Chair Professor of Education and former Dean (International) at Swinburne University of Technology, Australia. With over 25 years of experience across higher education systems in Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Australia, she is recognised for her leadership in teaching excellence, student engagement, and learning centred curriculum design. Her work champions research informed, inclusive, and high impact pedagogical practices that enhance student and graduate success across diverse contexts. Sivanes is deeply committed to mentoring educators and higher degree research students and to shaping future focused learning environments through innovative teaching, curriculum leadership, and educational scholarship.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at cics@hku.hk
See you at the event!