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In an AI-driven era, equipping oneself is essential. Reflecting this, the School’s annual Open SPACE on 6 June 2026 was held online and onsite, attracting many participants eager to explore new opportunities.

Three keynote talks: engaging with the spirit of the times

This year, esteemed speakers delivered insightful keynote talks across education, emerging technologies and human interaction.

Mr Lawrence Tang Fei, Member of the Legislative Council Election Committee Constituency, set the stage with a presentation on Hong Kong’s ‘155 Plan’, outlining a macro-policy vision for nurturing future talent through high-quality education.

Mr Michael Yung, Strategic Advisor of Google Cloud — the tech powerhouse — delivered a thought-provoking talk titled "Living with AI: Redefining Privacy, Productivity, and Everyday Learning". He explained how AI can be integrated into daily life and shared insights on privacy and work efficiency.

The final keynote talk, "From Miscommunication to True Connection: Using Counselling Skills to Foster Win Win Relationships at Work and at Home", was jointly presented by Ms Jennifer Shum, Senior Guidance Counsellor, and Dr Rosa Kwok, Programme Director of HKU SPACE. They explored how counselling techniques can improve relationships in both the workplace and at home.

Seven themes: exploring diverse horizons

Open SPACE also featured over 80 engaging sessions spanning an array of themes such as "AI & Technology", "Business & Finance", "Languages & Cultures", "Lifestyle" and "Professional Development”, catering comprehensively to the learning needs of a diverse audience.

Sessions such as “Future Developments of AI Agents and Web4 in Intelligent Finance” offered insights into fintech’s future, while ‘The Future Trend of Stablecoins’ examined how Hong Kong can strengthen its position as a leading digital asset hub in the Web3 era.

For professionals seeking career growth, "From Zero to Lawyer: Your Quickest Route to a Full Law Degree and Practice" laid out a clear progression in the legal field. "Unveiling the Truth: Real-life Case Applications of Forensic Anthropology" satisfied the audience’s curiosity about this alternative specialism through real cases.

The event also catered to personal lifestyle preferences and well-being. "Lifestyle of Pet‑Centric Households and Development Trends in the Pet Services" captured the burgeoning pet economy; "ADHD: A Closer Look! From Troubled Teen to Teacher!" illustrated how a teen overcame ADHD to succeed. Additionally, the "DSE Study Planning" stream illuminated paths for bewildered students.

This year’s Open SPACE received an enthusiastic response, with over 1,300 in-person attendees and garnered over 12,000 online views on the day.