The Faculty of Social Sciences was delighted to host the Social Sciences Academy for the Talented 2026: AI & Us: Socientist Bootcamp in late July. This immersive five-day residential programme brought together 117 talented secondary school students from Hong Kong and 15 other countries and regions worldwide (Thailand, Nepal, Macau, Pakistan, Italy, Vietnam, the Philippines, Japan, France, Taiwan, Ethiopia, Germany, Mongolia, the Chinese Mainland, and Korea). The bootcamp provided a dynamic platform to explore the intricate relationship between artificial intelligence and human society through a Social Sciences lens.
The programme officially commenced with a warm opening address by Professor Samson Tse, Associate Dean (Undergraduate Education), who challenged participants to become “Socientists” – future leaders equipped with the social wisdom, empathy, and ethical reasoning needed to ensure AI serves and empowers humanity. Following the opening, students attended a series of lectures and workshops spanning diverse disciplines, including Criminology, Digital Sociology, Psychology, Social Work, Geography, Public Administration, Law, and Journalism.
A key highlight of the programme was the unique “Society Game,” a miniaturised society simulation where students, guided by dedicated HKU student mentors, navigated real-world challenges and societal struggles. Students took up roles as ‘institution hosts’ and ‘citizens’; the 8 simulated institutions represented some of the key functions in our society, whereas our ‘citizens’ took up different ‘identities’ that represented the wide social class spectrum from wealthy elites to the socially vulnerable. This game allowed students to apply their obtained knowledge from lectures in rethinking the functions of society, and the struggles of the underprivileged.
The event ended with a closing ceremony attended by parents, teachers, and school counsellors. It featured a Faculty admissions talk and a highly engaging lecture on population dynamics by Professor Eric Fong, Associate Dean (Postgraduate Education).
We extend our sincere gratitude to all the faculty members, guest speakers, and student ambassadors who contributed their expertise and energy, as well as the parents and teachers for their unwavering support. We look forward to welcoming these promising young “Socientists” back to HKU in the future.
