Public participation in urban tree health citizen science: an integrated cognitive–environmental framework Ms PENG Chen   ( Supervisor: Prof Wendy Y Chen ) Abstract: The increasing frequency of biotic and abiotic disturbances is directly undermining the health of urban trees and substantially raising the potential risk of economic, social, and environmental losses. It has therefore become urgent to conduct comprehensive and timely monitoring of tree health. As an efficient

Tracking the sources of terrestrial water deficit during drought development from a water balance perspective Mr LIU Rutong     ( Supervisor: Prof Laibao Liu ) Abstract: Terrestrial Water Storage (TWS) constitutes the largest accessible freshwater bank on earth and serves as a critical buffer against hydrological extremes. TWS deficits integrate the cumulative impacts of precipitation deficits and elevated evapotranspiration, providing a more comprehensive and persistent i

Quantifying Knowledge Spillovers from Mobile Scholars Miss ZHANG Zixuan    ( Supervisor: Prof Frank van der Wouden ) Abstract: To what extent does knowledge trickle down? In the economic geography and business literature, a general assumption is that novel knowledge can be accessed by others, by hiring persons who have that knowledge. Yet, surprisingly little empirical evidence exists, while it is central to innovation policies and recruitment strategies. We contribute to

Information Session on MPhil / PhD Admissions 2026-27 Date: 6 November 2025 (Thuday) Time: 15:30-16:30 (HKT) Zoom Link:  https://hku.zoom.us/j/97623559988?pwd=ZXUO3exbOBiERAmfwU4ndtCev7af0T.1 Meeting ID: 976 2355 9988 Passcode: 888866

Rethinking Financial Technology: Strategies for Ecosystem Development and Technology Adoption Mr Liam Nicholas Seth REEVE  ( Supervisor: Prof Frank van der Wouden ) Abstract: Financial technology (FinTech) is a hot topic due to its impact on national, regional, and local economies. Financial innovation has long been crucial to finance, and the financialization of economies and societies. From coins, to electronic trading, innovation has allowed FinTech to develop. These de

Using storytelling-based co-creation to reimagine the roles of tourism stakeholders: A case study of Community-based Tourism (CBT) in Kowloon City, Hong Kong Mr HO Ho Cheung  ( Supervisor: Prof Benjamin L. Iaquinto ) Abstract: In post-COVID era, the Hong Kong government aims to develop signature tourism products to boost tourism development. A renewed focus on Hong Kong’s cultural and heritage attractions have been suggested, yet such a strategy remains threatened by massi

Transit-Oriented Development as Urban Public Realm: Vibrancy, Diversity, and Safety Ms FAN Zhuangyuan  ( Supervisor: Prof Becky P.Y. Loo ) Abstract: Transit-oriented development (TOD)’s success has been largely measured by ridership and built environment quality. This dissertation reconceptualizes TOD as a dynamic public realm and extends TOD’s performance measure to the social qualities it promotes in a public space—vibrancy, diversity, and safety. Four complementary stud