In recognition of instructors who have made substantial contribution to the design and teaching of courses of Interdiscplinary Programs Office (IPO) and outstanding contributions to the learning experience and success of students, IPO establishes the “IPO Teaching Excellence Award”. Each year, an instructor or a team of instructors of IPO undergraduate and postgraduate courses will be awarded respectively. 

For 2018, Prof. James Kenneth PONG, Adjunct Professor of the Division of Environment & Sustainability (ENVR), is awarded at undergraduate category. Prof. PONG has been the instructor of ENVR 3420 “Environmental Law and Regulations” for 7 years and received positive feedbacks from students.  As the former Chief Prosecution Officer of Environmental Protection Department, HKSAR, Prof. PONG endeavors to share first-hand personal knowledge with students so that they would not find legal study too remote from them. He lets students walk through legal principles with their daily experience. He uses practical examples and arranges students to visit the Court of Appeal and attend court trials. Many students were inspired by his teaching and empowered to pursue Juris Doctor in law after graduation from HKUST.

Prof. Stanley C K LAU, Associate Professor of ENVR, is awarded at postgraduate category. Prof. LAU is the instructor of ENVR 5210 “Environmental Microbiology”. He demonstrated the ability of catering diverse academic background of students in his class.  Students commented that Prof. LAU’s explanation was very clear and he made the class very comprehensible even for students without biology background. Prof.  LAU engaged in both undergraduate and postgraduate education in ENVR and also provided services to promote science education to high schools. He can give students a different aspect of biology to learn.

The awards were presented by Prof. King L. CHOW, Director of IPO, at the Faculty Board Meeting on 26 November 2018.  Certificates and crystal trophies were presented to Prof. PONG and Prof. LAU as a token of appreciation.