News & Events

The MSc in Environmental Health and Safety Program has organized an annual get-together dinner for the Postgraduate students. The purpose of the event is to give our students and course instructors an opportunity to meet together in a relaxing atmosphere, and celebrate the joyful moment of the year. 40 current students and some alumni from MSc in EHS participated in the dinner. They had an enjoyable time with their buddies and sharing their recent happenings. Read more

To help students explore the biodiversity, native wildlife conservation and organic farming in Hong Kong, a group of EHS students had a field trip to Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG) on 26 November 2021. KFBG spreads over 148 hectares of land on the northern slopes of Tai Mo Shan, Hong Kong's highest mountain, near the town of Tai Po. It has a deep-set valley between two ridges, with a stream running steeply down through the forest. On the slopes there are forest, theme gardens, vegetable terraces, 8km of walking trails, 9km of roads, and conservation and educational facilities. Through a guided tour led by trained environmental interpreter, students visited several attractions in KFBG, such as Piers Jacobs Wildlife Sanctuary, Pigsties, Amphibian and Reptile House, as well as Jim Ades Raptor Sanctuary. Students found the field trip interesting and educational, and they were able to raise awareness of ecological and sustainability issues, undertake species conservation and ecosystem restoration in Hong Kong and Mainland China. Read more

A group of MSc EHS students went to Long Valley on 8 November 2021. Long Valley wetland, consisting of more than 400 farmlands, is the largest, continuous freshwater wetland in Hong Kong. Wetland habitats there is very diversified including marshes, mitigation wetland, water flea ponds, fish ponds, irrigation channels as well as wet farmlands planting watercress, water spinach, lotus, etc. Students were able to appreciate the ecological and cultural characters in the Long Valley region through the guided walk. And through communicating with the farmer, students had a deeper understanding about the most common crops planted in Long Valley – watercress, water spinach and rice, the development of agriculture in Long Valley, and the treats that the wetland habitat are facing. Read more

A group of MSc EHS students went to visit the Eco Expo Asia 2021 - International Trade Fair on Environmental Protection on 27 October 2021. The Eco Expo Asia 2021, with the theme "Promoting Green Recovery for Carbon Neutrality", is a leading trade platform for the eco industry that showcases the latest green products, equipment and technology. Through a guided walk in the Exhibition Centre and participating in Eco Asia Conference, students were able to enhancing their environmental knowledge and understand more about the latest development of the green industry in Hong Kong and all around the world. Read more

A visit to ASB Biodiesel Plant was organized on 26 October 2021 for students to better understand the waste oil recycling and sustainable biofuel development in Hong Kong. ASB Biodiesel Plant is located in Tseung Kwan O Industrial Estate in which 250 tons waste oil is treated per day and around 230 tons sustainable biodiesel is produced. Biodiesel can be widely used in industry and transportation, replacing the fossil fuel diesel. Waste oil recycling and reuse is not only reducing the landfill pressure but also prohibiting the waste oil from re-entering food chain. Students were able to know about the background, objectives and products of ASB Biodiesel Plant through a talk and a guided walk in the factory. They also gained a deeper understanding about the process of converting wasted oil to biodiesel and the safe operation of Biodiesel Plant. Read more

A group of MSc EHS students visited Hoi Ha Wan on 22 October 2021. Hoi Ha Wan is one of the six marine parks in Hong Kong. Students had a survey in rocky shore to observe organisms that live in the upper layer of intertidal zone, such as snails and clams. Although the coral-observation trip aboard a glass-bottom boat was cancelled due to bad weather, students enjoyed another activities arranged by WWF - plankton collection and observation under microscopes. One of our students, Tai Wing Sum, discovered a new species (confirmed by Taiwan University) and the sample was sent to Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) now. With the vivid and detailed explanation by the WWF volunteer, students were able to understand the importance of marine plankton and other organisms on both ecosystem and human beings. Read more

To help EHS students explore Hong Kong and get to know each other, a Cultural Tour to Tai O was organized on 17 September 2021. Students had a chance to take part in “Sun-dried Salted Egg Yolks Workshops” and make their own salted eggs under the instructions of Tai O villagers. Then they had a walk to Tai O Heritage Hotel, which is revitalized from Tai O Marine Police Station built in 1902. Tai O heritage Hotel has not only preserved the unique colonial building style but also gather lots of oral history in the Tai O neighborhood. After having a seafood meal in Tai O, students went to Ngong Ping and visited The Art of Chocolate Hong Kong. The venue features crafted scenarios that are packed with the characteristics of Hong Kong. In addition to appreciating the marvelous exhibits and taking selfies, students also enjoyed tasting 10 different types of raw chocolates by Barry Callebaut, the world's leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa from Switzerland. Students found the tour interesting and memorable. Read more

A group of MSc EHS students visited Fung Yuen Butterfly Reserve on 16 September 2021. Fung Yuen Butterfly Reserve was set up by Tai Po Environmental Association in 2004 to conserve and promote the biodiversity, as well as the cultural characteristics of Fung Yuen Valley to achieve sustainable development. As early as 1980, the 42 hectares of land in Fung Yuen Valley has been listed as a “Site of Special Scientific Interest”, with high conservation value. Through participation in the Guided Tour, students were able to gain knowledge about the ecological characteristics of Hong Kong and threats that butterflies are facing. Moreover, students joined the Flower Pounding Workshop and learnt the process for transferring the dyes of fresh plants to fabric. With vivid and detailed explanation by the Fung Yuen volunteer, students found the trip impressive and educational. Read more

Greetings from MSc Environmental Health and Safety program office! Hope you all are having an enjoyable summer holiday and preparing for your new adventure at HKUST. To let you know more about the program curriculum, course enrolment, ENVS 6111 research project course and our faculty staff, an Orientation Seminar is organized with details below:   Orientation Seminar (via Zoom) Date: 25 August 2021 (Wednesday) Time: 2:30pm – 3:30pm Format: Online via Zoom *You are highly encouraged turn on your camera to let our staff and classmates to meet you!   We are all looking forward to meeting you all! Read more

A poster presentation for ENVS 5115 students was held on 6 May 2021 evening. This course provides up-to-date knowledge about foodborne hazards, and industrial practices on food safety and control. The procedures in risk assessment and the HACCP system, changes in food regulations as well as roles of various international agencies involved in food safety control will be discussed. Through the poster presentation, students were able to address, investigate and evaluate current issues related to food safety by applying theories and research techniques learnt from this course. Students found the poster presentation information and interesting. Read more