Prof. Ben CHAN Yui-Bun Awarded Michael G. Gale Medal for Distinguished Teaching
Prof. Ben CHAN Yui-Bun, Associate Professor of Engineering Education in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CIVL), received the prestigious Michael G. Gale Medal for Distinguished Teaching in 2025. The honor was established by the University Council of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) in 1994 to commemorate the late Founding Council Member, Mr. Michael G. GALE, and is awarded to the faculty member who best exemplifies the continued pursuit of excellence, devotion to teaching, and the ability to inspire and motivate others. It is presented annually to one outstanding faculty member from across all academic units at HKUST.
Prof. Chan received his PhD in Civil Engineering at HKUST in 2008 and joined the faculty team of the CIVL Department in the same year. He is currently the University’s Associate Dean of Students and Associate Director of the Center for Engineering Education Innovation (E2I). His research interests include mechanics analysis for construction materials, creativity and design thinking, and bridge dynamics.
Prof. Chan’s teaching philosophy revolves around the integration of innovative pedagogies and learner-centered approaches to reimagine the engineering curriculum and enhance student learning outcomes. He is a passionate advocate for advancing teaching innovation, applying modern theories of education across a wide range of signature engineering courses, many of which are experiential learning courses. As a pioneer in incorporating generative AI, Metaverse, VR/AR, 3D design, and MOOCs into engineering curriculum, his courses have been warmly received by students.
Recognizing the growing importance of transferable skills for engineers and university graduates, Prof. Chan was enthusiastically involved in the establishment of E2I in 2012. He actively contributed to the review and enhancement of the engineering programs under the new 3-3-4 academic structure, with a strong focus on enhancing the experience of first-year engineering students. Prof. Chan played a significant role in several innovative teaching and learning initiatives. Working with the E2I team, he developed the Undergraduate Student-initiated Experiential Learning Program, the School of Engineering Peer Mentoring and Academic Advising Program, the First Year Cornerstone Engineering Design Project course, and the Academy for Bright Future Young Engineers.
He has won multiple teaching excellence awards at the University and School levels. Most recently, Prof. Chan was honored with the prestigious 2024 University Grants Committee Teaching Award in the Collaborative Teams category through his contribution as a member of the cross-institutional Holistic Competency and Virtues Education Team.
With over 15 years of experience in engineering education, Prof. Chan has published over 50 journals and conference papers in both education and civil engineering. He has delivered more than 200 invited talks, seminars and conferences in the field of education, mostly in areas such as technology-based teaching pedagogies, cornerstone design, creativity and innovation development, engineering identity development, and internationalization. His track record in securing competitive funding includes over HK$24 million awarded to projects where he serves as Principal Investigator, and over HK$80 million for projects where he serves as Co-Investigator or Co-Principal Investigator.
