Fall Symposium on Digital Scholarship 2025
Oct 24, 2025 (Friday)
10 am - 1 pm
Online via Zoom
Agenda
10:00 - 10:10 am
Opening
Prof. Martin Wong
Provost, Hong Kong Baptist University
Ms Bethany Wilkes
Deputy University Librarian, Hong Kong Baptist University Library
10:15 - 11:00 am
Keynote
In the Stacks of the Li(ve)brary
Prof. Jeffrey Schnapp
Carl A. Pescosolido Professor of Romance Languages and Literatures and of Comparative Literature, Harvard University
11:00 - 11:10 am
Q & A
11:10 - 11:25 am
Break
11:25 - 11:45 am
Presentations: HKBU’s Digital Scholarship Projects
Strangers / Helpers at Home: Hong Kong Families with Foreign Domestic Workers
Prof. Adam Ka-lok Cheung
Acting Department Chair & Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, Hong Kong Baptist University
11:45 - 12:05 pm
Old Catholic Churches in Saikung
Prof. Cindy Yik-yi Chu
Professor, Department of History, Hong Kong Baptist University
12:05 - 12:25 pm
Asian-European Energy Map: Data Sharing and Multi-sector Partnership towards Carbon Neutrality
Dr Darren Man-wai Cheung
Research Fellow, Department of Geography, Hong Kong Baptist University
12:25 - 12:45 pm
Mapping the Pulse of Hong Kong: Unveiling the Movie and Song Pop Culture Map
Prof. Yupeng Li
Assistant Professor, Department of Interactive Media, Hong Kong Baptist University
12:45 - 13:00 pm
Q & A
Guest Speaker
Prof. Jeffrey Schnapp
Carl A. Pescosolido Professor of Romance Languages and Literatures and of Comparative Literature, Harvard University
Presentation title:
In the Stacks of the Li(ve)brary
Abstract:
Despite finding themselves flanked, on the one side, by technofuturists prophesying the library's demise and, on the other, nostalgics ruing the demise of print, libraries continue to be designed, programmed, and built. Most of all, they continue to innovate and to thrive in a wide variety of settings, from the city square to the college campus. My talk will broadly examine the emerging culture of library innovation with an eye to how it builds upon the ancient and modern history of libraries.
HKBU Speakers
Prof. Adam Ka-lok Cheung
Acting Department Chair & Associate Professor
Department of Sociology
Presentation title:
Strangers / Helpers at Home: Hong Kong Families with Foreign Domestic Workers
Abstract:
Social science research is often conducted with the aim of improving society. However, researchers often conclude their projects after publishing academic publications, limiting the impact of their work. “The Strangers/Helpers at Home” project exemplifies an innovative approach to digital scholarship by transforming conventional research outputs into accessible, interactive resources.
By converting survey-based findings on domestic labor dynamics into a public-facing website, the initiative not only extends the project's longevity but also amplifies its societal impact through the release of raw datasets and user-friendly interactive charts. This facilitates broader knowledge dissemination, enabling policymakers to inform evidence-based decisions, journalists to engage in data-driven storytelling amid the growing prominence of data journalism, and non-governmental organizations to leverage empirical insights for advocacy. Ultimately, such digital strategies bridge the gap between academic rigor and practical application, fostering meaningful contributions to societal improvement beyond the confines of scholarly publications.
Project to be discussed: Strangers / Helpers at Home: Hong Kong Families with Foreign Domestic Workers
Prof. Cindy Yik-yi Chu
Professor
Department of History
Presentation title:
Old Catholic Churches in Saikung
Abstract:
This study examines the historical significance of the Catholic churches in Sai Kung, constructed by Italian missionaries. These churches served as tangible manifestations of the symbiotic relationship between the Catholic Church and the local community, embodying cross-cultural interactions. Furthermore, they illustrated the transformative impact of religious influence on the rural development of Hong Kong.
Project to be discussed: Old Catholic Churches in Sai Kung, Hong Kong
Dr Darren Man-wai Cheung
Research Fellow
Department of Geography
Presentation title:
Asian-European Energy Map: Data Sharing and Multi-sector Partnership towards Carbon Neutrality
Abstract:
Scaling-up renewable energy (such as solar energy) uptake and community energy-saving are two key elements for major cities in transitioning towards carbon neutrality. Open data sharing platforms which: 1) aggregating the existing disaggregated solar data with multi-sector ownership for visualising the solar photovoltaics (PV) performance and tracking actual solar deployment; and 2) aggregating community energy consumption and energy-saving contributions for visualising comparative community energy efficiency are essential but currently lacking.
The “Asian-European Energy Map” project, which comprises the “City Solar Map” and the “City Energy Map”, aims to fill this gap by evaluating the feasibility of energy open data sharing among the society under multi-sector partnership, and ultimately scaling-up the data sharing practices and social impacts through promoting solar energy and energy-saving. Through collecting and showcasing the real-time electricity generation/consumption data as well as the feedback from solar system owners and electricity end-users, through the“Asian-European Energy Map” our team demonstrates the untapped potentials in both community solar generation and community energy-saving. In addition to the actual amounts from solar energy generation/energy-saving, contributors to the “Asian-European Energy Map” highlighted the added values in terms of education, environmental, social and financial values.
By fostering multi-sector partnership and transparency in data sharing, the “Asian-European Energy Map” seeks to provide a platform in promoting future community solar and energy-saving initiatives, and contributing towards a carbon neutral society.
Project to be discussed: Asian-European Energy Map
Prof. Yupeng Li
Assistant Professor
Department of Interactive Media
Presentation title:
Mapping the Pulse of Hong Kong: Unveiling the Movie and Song Pop Culture Map
Abstract:
The Hong Kong Pop Culture Map (in Chinese, 香港流行文化地圖) is an innovative digital project that captures the vibrant essence of Hong Kong’s popular culture through an interactive, geospatial platform, with a focus on its iconic movies and songs. Developed under the Digital Scholarship Grant, this project integrates historical and contemporary pop culture landmarks, such as iconic film locations, music venues, and cultural hotspots tied to Hong Kong’s cinematic and musical heritage, into a dynamic digital map. By leveraging digital humanities methodologies, the project not only preserves Hong Kong’s cultural heritage but also fosters public engagement with the city’s evolving identity.
The talk will explore the map’s development process, its interdisciplinary approach, and its potential to serve as a resource for teaching and learning, researchers, educators, and enthusiasts. Attendees will gain insights into how digital tools can illuminate the interplay between place, culture, and memory in Hong Kong’s unique urban landscape.
Project to be discussed: Hong Kong Pop Culture Map
Registration
You are highly recommended to register if you plan to attend this virtual event. Only pre-registered participants can attend the symposium via Zoom, which will allow you to ask questions online.
This is a CCL credit-bearing event. HKBU students registered with HKBU email addresses are welcome to participate and earn 1 CCL credit by attending all sessions.
