CAISE | summer programCentre for Advancement in Inclusive and Special Education

About the Lab

In July 2014, the Programme for Creativity and Talent Development was established within the Centre for Advancement in Inclusive and Special Education under the Faculty of Education at The University of Hong Kong. The aim was to advance research and services for gifted and talented individuals, as well as their parents and teachers. The Centre has since launched various workshops for these learners, their teachers, and parents. In collaboration with the Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education, research on gifted individuals in Hong Kong has been ongoing since July 2019. As of June 2022, the Programme has formally been renamed the Laboratory and Programme for Creativity and Talent Development.

Latest Events

CATD I+ International Summer Programme 2026
[發展創意 | 施展才華] I+ 國際夏季課程 2026

Kindergarten Course 幼稚園課程

Mindful Little Explorers: A Play-Based Mindfulness Programme for Young Children
小小靜觀探索家：幼兒遊戲式靜觀訓練課程
CATDQ2-2601 | K2-K3｜Cantonese 廣東話

Primary School Course 小學課程

The Inner Explorer: Mind & Emotional Superpowers for Gifted Kids
心智探險家
CATDQ2-2602 | P1-P3｜Cantonese 廣東話

The Masterpiece of Me & Us
我和我們的傑作
CATDQ2-2603 | P1-P4｜Cantonese 廣東話

Primary and Secondary School Course 中小學課程

Sport Science
運動科學
CATDQ2-2604 | P4-S1｜Cantonese 廣東話

Food Science (Food battery, Newtonian liquid, Science of chocolate, Molecular gastronomy)
食物科學（薯片科學、牛頓式液體、朱古力科學、分子料理）
CATDQ2-2605 | P4-S2｜Cantonese 廣東話

Magic, Science & Mathematics
魔術、科學與數學
CATDQ2-2606 | P5-S3｜Cantonese 廣東話

Science Olympics
科學奧林匹克
CATDQ2-2607 | P5-S3｜Cantonese 廣東話

Film x Creativity x Storytelling: Unlocking Narrative Magic
電影 x 創意 x 說故事：編劇家背後的魔法
CATDQ2-2608 | P4-S5｜Cantonese 廣東話

Secondary School Course 中學課程

Setting x AI x Flash fiction Writing Workshop
場景x AI x 微小說寫作坊
CATDQ2-2609 | S1-S6｜Cantonese 廣東話

Click here : Programme website 課程網頁
Enquiry 查詢: catd@hku.hk

Aims

1. The main aims of CATD are:
• to conduct research that will contribute an Asian perspective to the growing international knowledge base on the needs of gifted and talented individuals, their parents, teachers and mentors;
• to design, implement and evaluate innovative programmes, curriculum resources and services for gifted and talented individuals, their parents, teachers and mentors;
• to evaluate the effectiveness of existing programmes and services for gifted learners;
• to inform schools and policy makers on evidence-based practices in gifted education and talent development.

2. Aims for students involved in our programmes:
• to have fun while gaining in creativity, higher-order thinking, problem solving, and social emotional skills;
• to develop any special talents students may have, and turn interests into career explorations and future goals;
• to learn and grow from setbacks and challenges, and become more self-regulated learners;
• to appreciate individual differences and human diversity, and create positive relationships with peers and mentors.

3. Aim for parents, teachers and mentors:
• to gain in values, attitudes, skills and knowledge in supporting and bringing out the best in gifted and talented individuals.

4. Aim for policy makers:
To provide evidence-based research and consultancy on issues on gifted education, creativity education, giftedness, and talent development.

CATD Team

Professor YUEN, Man Tak, Director and Supervisor
Professor CHEUNG, Wai Ming, Supervisor
Dr. CHAN, Serene, Director (Research & Professional Development)
Ms. NG, Jo M. K., Director (Curriculum Development)
Ms. FENG, Jiamin, Research and Consulting Scientist in Creativity and Talent Development
Professor LEUNG, Suzannie K.Y., Research and Consulting Scientist in Creativity and Talent Development
Professor DATU, Jesus Alfonso Daep, Research and Consulting Scientist in Creativity and Talent Development
Dr. VALDEZ, Jana Patricia Millonado, Research and Consulting Scientist in Creativity and Talent Development
Dr. ZHANG, Jiahong, Research and Consulting Scientist in Creativity and Talent Development
Dr. CHUNG, Yiu Bun, Research and Consulting Scientist in Creativity and Talent Development
Ms. CHANG, Celene, Experienced Educator and Shakespeare Actor
Mr. KWAN, Anderson, Experienced Maths Educator
Ms. LAI, Eva M.W., Gifted Education and Talent Development Specialist
Mr. TSE, Felix C.T., Experienced STEM Educator
Mr. TSE, Jonathan S.H. Experienced STEM Educator

Enquiry
Ms. SHEK, Cherry C.Y., The CAISE Manager
Ms. LAM, Jacqueline K.W., Executive Assistant
Tel: +(852) 3917 5828
Email: caise@hku.hk

Recent Projects

Project AI and Life Skills: Nurturing Self-Efficacy, Connection, Creativity, Meaning in Life, Wellbeing, Career and Talent Development in Primary and Secondary Students
Collaborator: Hong Kong Association of Carers Masters and Guidance Masters
Principal Investigator: Professor Mantak Yuen
Co-Investigators: Dr. Ho Esther Yuk Fan, Dr. Zhang Jiahong, Dr Chan Serene, Dr. Lee Queenie An Yee
Project Duration: September 2024- August 2027 (36 months)

Development of a Set of Identification Tools for Gifted and Talented Students
Collaborator: Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education
Principal Investigator: Professor Jesus Alfonso D. Datu
Co-Principal Investigator: Professor Mantak Yuen
Co-Investigator: Dr. Serene Chan
Project Duration: October 2023 to September 2025 (24 months)

Hong Kong gifted learners’ voices: A qualitative study with a focus on well-being during the pandemic and post pandemic
Collaborator: Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education
Principal Investigator: Professor Mantak Yuen
Co-Investigators: Dr Eric Fung, Dr Serene Chan, Dr YB Chung, Dr Jiahong Zhang
Project Duration: April 2023- April 2026 (36 months)

Life Skills Self-Efficacy, Career Adaptability, Vocational Identity, Meaning in Life, Determination, Hope, and Social Connectedness: A Study of Gifted and Talented Students
Collaborator: Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education
Principal Investigator: Professor Mantak Yuen
Co-Principal Investigator: Dr Eric Fung
Co-Investigators: Dr Jiahong Zhang, Dr Serene Chan, Dr Joyce Fung, Dr Florence Wu
Project Duration: May 2019 to 7 May 2025 (72 months)

Recent Publications

2024

Datu, J. A. D., & Fung, E. (2024). Interpersonal strengths, basic psychological needs satisfaction at school, and well-being outcomes among high-ability adolescents in Hong Kong during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Early Adolescence, 44(1), 119–134. https://doi.org/10.1177/02724316231156831
Yuen, M., Chan, S., Zhang, J., & Datu, J. A. D. (2024). Student well-being. In J.Y. Jung, M. Yuen, & C.C. Kuo (Eds.), Gifted education guidelines: Suggestions for supporting gifted students’ development (pp. 71-82). Asia-Pacific Federation on Giftedness.
Zhang, J. & Yuen, M. (2024). GenAI Hackathon for Social Good Competition: Fostering innovation and empowering gifted youth. Nurturing Talents APFG Newsletter, 11(2), 22-24.
Yuen, M. (2024, October). Exploring meaning in life, hope, and social connectedness in Asian gifted learners: Implications for educators, parents, and policymakers. A keynote presentation for the Illuminate India: Creating connections among gifted education stakeholders.18-19th October, 2024, Pune, India.
Chan, S. & Yuen, M. (2024 April). Igniting the spark: Cultivating creativity in primary school students and teachers’ mental health. Teacher Professional Development Day. Ng Clan’s Association Tai Pak Memorial School. April 8, 2024. 陳穗寧、袁文得 (2024年4月)。燃起火花：培養小學生創造力與教師心理健康。教師專業發展日。吳氏宗親總會泰伯紀念學校。 2024年4月8日。
Yuen, M. (2024 April). Advocating for gifted and talented individuals : Reflections in Asian cultural contexts. Invited Presentation. The World Council for Gifted and Talented Children. WCGTC Webinar. If You Build It, They Will Come: Advocating for the Gifted. 9 April 2024.

2023

Chan, C. & Yuen, M. (2023) Career decision-making of talented engineering graduates in Hong Kong, Gifted and Talented International, 38:1, 77-90, https://doi.org/10.1080/15332276.2023.2244565
Datu, J. A. D., & Yuen, M. T. (August 5-6 and 12-13, 2023). Career adaptability, meaning in life, and life satisfaction in high-ability adolescents in Hong Kong. 2023 World Council for Gifted and Talented Children. [Recorded audiovisual presentation].
Leung, S.K.Y., & Yuen, M. (2023). Exploring talented children’s humour through creating pop-up storybooks. Education 3-13. International Journal of Primary, Elementary and Early Years Education, 51(8), 1325-1341. https://doi.org/10.1080/03004279.2022.2071453
Yuen, M., Chan, R.T.H., Zhang, J., Fung, E. & Chan, S. (2023).Assessing meaning in life for gifted learners: Validation of a Chinese version of Meaning in Life in Children Questionnaire. Gifted & Talented International, 38(1), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1080/15332276.2022.2150589
Yuen, M., Ng, A. W.-y., Chan, S. & Leung, P.K.Y. (2023 February). Nurturing character strengths, creativity and thinking skills: Perspectives from Hong Kong China. An invited panel discussion on Instruction design for inclusive classrooms with high ability students in Asia. Educators’ Summit Asia ‘23. Organized by Partners in UpBringing, Singapore & Koveri Gifted Education and Research Centre, India. February 16 & 17 2023.

2022

Datu, J.A.D., Yuen,M., Fung, E., Zhang, J., Chan, S. & Wu, F. (2022). The satisfied lives of gifted and gritty adolescents: Linking grit to career self-efficacy and life satisfaction. Journal of Early Adolescence. https://doi.org/10.1177/02724316221096082 Accepted March 5 2022 Published May 18 2022
Yuen, M., Chan, R.T.H., Wong, S.-W., Yau, J., Zhang, J., Ho, E. Y.-F. , Fung, E., Chan, S. & and Wu, F. (2022). Are the Dispositional Hope Scale (DHS) and Meaning in Life Questionnaire- Short Form (MLQ-SF) appropriate for use with average-achieving learners and gifted learners in Hong Kong? High Ability Studies. 34:2, 175-187. https://doi.org/10.1080/13598139.2022.2159336
Zhang, J. & Yuen, M. (2022). Social connectedness and career and talent development self-efficacy: direct and mediating effects,British Journal of Guidance and Counselling,. 50:3, 400-412,https://doi.org/11080/03069885.2022.2062590
Yuen, M. (2022 July). Life satisfaction of gifted adolescents: Relations with career self-efficacy, perseverance of effort and adaptability to situations. Symposium on Career Development and Well-being of Gifted Learners. The 17th Asia-Pacific Conference on Giftedness (APCG), Taipei, Taiwan, July 9, 2022

2021

Leung, S.K.Y., Choi, K.W.Y., & Yuen, M. (2021). Creative digital art: Young children’s video making through practice-based learning. In C. Cohrssen & S. Garvis (Eds.), Embedding STEAM in early childhood education and care. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-65624-9_3
Yuen, M. (2021 November). Well-being in Primary and Secondary School Students during the Pandemic. Invited presentation. PLK Jockey Club Project Well-being Steering Committee Meeting. November 5 2021
Chan, S., Leung, S. & Yuen, M.(2021 August). Talent development and early career awareness: Stories from a creative cross-disciplinary workshop. On demand Presentation. 2021 Virtual WCGTC World Conference. World Council for Gifted and Talented Children. July 31- August 1, August 7-8 2021.
Yuen, M., Fang, L., Fung, E., Chan, S., Wong, J.K.Y., & Wu, F. (2021 August). Life satisfaction of gifted and average adolescents in Hong Kong. On demand Presentation. 2021 Virtual WCGTC World Conference. World Council for Gifted and Talented Children. July 31- August 1, August 7-8 2021 ·

2020

Fung, J.J.Y., Yuen, M., & Yuen, A.H.K. (2020). Online learning for mathematically talented students: A perspective from Hong Kong. In S. R. Smith (Ed.), International Handbook of Giftedness & Talent Development in the Asia-Pacific. Springer International Handbooks of Education.
Leung, S. K.Y., Choi, K.W.Y. & Yuen, M. (2020). Video art as digital play for young children. British Journal of Educational Technology, 51 (2), 531-554. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.12877
Yuen, M. (2020 October). Cultivate young people’s sense of connection, life meaning, career and life skills development in the “new normal” world. Invited keynote speech. Hong Kong Association of Careers Masters and Guidance Masters 2020 Annual General Meeting Keynote Talk. Holy Trinity College October 22 2020. 袁文得 (2020 10月). 在“新常態”世界中培養年輕人的聯繫感，人生意義，生涯和生活技能發展. 香港輔導教師協會2020年周年大會主題演講. 寶血會上智英文書院. 22/10/2020
Yuen, M. & Zhang, J. (2020 Nov). School connectedness: Its link with career and talent development self-efficacy, parent care, parent control, and talent. A presentation in the Symposium on Life Skills Self-Efficacy, Meaning in Life, Grit, Hope and Social Connectedness: A Study of Gifted and Talented Students. 16th Asia-Pacific Conference on Giftedness. Daegu, Korea. Nov 27-29, 2020.

Recent Programmes:

2025

Programmes for students:

Chang, C. (2025 February). Performing Shakespeare monologues (Much ado about nothing) (P.3-P.6). Super Winter Programme for Creativity and Talent Development. Centre for Advancement in Inclusive and Special Education. University of Hong Kong Faculty of Education.
Lai, M. W. E. (2025 February). Smart wealth explorers. (P.3-P.6). Super Winter Programme for Creativity and Talent Development. Centre for Advancement in Inclusive and Special Education. University of Hong Kong Faculty of Education.
Tse, C.T.F. & Tse, S.H. J. (2025 February). Sport Science: Science of football, snooker and tennis, reaction time and dynamic balance (P.3-S.1). Workshop for talented students (P.5-S.3). Super Winter Programme for Creativity and Talent Development. Centre for Advancement in Inclusive and Special Education. University of Hong Kong Faculty of Education.
Tse, C.T.F. & Tse, S.H.J. (2025 February). Fun Science: Air, Water, Dry Ice and Simple Chemistry (P.2-P.4). Workshop for talented students (P.5-S.3). Super Winter Programme for Creativity and Talent Development. Centre for Advancement in Inclusive and Special Education. University of Hong Kong Faculty of Education.
Tse, C.T. F. & Tse, S.H. J. (2025 February). Artificial Intelligence 1: Generative arts (P.6-S.4). Super Winter Programme for Creativity and Talent Development. Centre for Advancement in Inclusive and Special Education. University of Hong Kong Faculty of Education.