HKU Faculty of Education
Centre for Advancement in Inclusive and Special Education

International Webinar Series on Students’ Well-being
The international webinar series will explore ways of promoting positive development and well-being of students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants will gain insights into methods that foster students’ well-being and flourishing through social-emotional learning, existential-positive psychology, character education and moral philosophy,  creativity and mindset, and education for meaning.

Webinar 2

Date: April 10, 2021 (Saturday)
Time: 9:00 – 10:15 am (HKT)
Title:  Self-transcendence: The Key to Meaning and Wellbeing During Covid-19
Speaker: Paul T. P. Wong, Ph.D., C.Psych.

Abstract
The pandemic has adversely affected every sector of society, especially the educational sector. The main challenge for educators is: How to maintain mental health and wellbeing of both teachers and students. Self-transcendence (ST) may be the best answer, because recent research shows that ST represents the most promising route to healing and thriving in trying times. ST is based on integrating humanistic-existential psychology and positive psychology (i.e., existential-positive psychology PP2.0).

Putting it simply, ST means to reorient oneself away from egotist concerns and limitations to focus on creating a better future for self and others. My webinar will introduce the two pillars of ST: (1) The golden triangle of faith (in God & humanity), hope (for creating a meaningful future) and love (in relationship), and (2) The iron triangle of courage (to explore & do the right thing), acceptance (of the dark side of life) and transformation (of tragedy into triumph). ST results in meeting the basic needs of three major aspects of human existence (Spirituality, Agency and Communion) in order to be a fully functioning human being. I will also explain and demonstrate how to apply the principles of ST to overcome internal and external constraints to achieve meaning and wellbeing.

About the Speaker
Paul T. P. Wong, Ph.D., C.Psych. is Professor Emeritus of Trent University and Adjunct Professor at Saybrook University. He is a Fellow of APA, CPS and CPA, and President of the International Network on Personal Meaning (www.meaning.ca) and the Meaning-Centered Counselling Institute (www.meaningtherapy.com).

A world renown existential-positive psychologist, and a leader in meaning therapy, meaning research, and second wave positive psychology (PP2.0), Paul has been invited to give keynotes and webinars in all 7 continents. He has also provided consultations to universities and government agencies, such as the National Advisory Council on Aging of Canada (https://www.nia.nih.gov/about/naca ) and the Biological-Behavioural Science Panel of NIMH of USA (https://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml).

In addition to numerous journal publications (https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=eBAq-D0AAAAJ&hl=en ), his two edited volumes of The Human Quest for Meaning: Theories, Research & Applications have become standard references in meaning research and interventions. His most recent books are: Inspirations for Difficult Times (2018), and Made for Resilience and Happiness (2020).