Message from the Head of Department
Message from the Head of Department
The Department is proud to announce a significant new chapter following the official approval of its retitling to the Department of Data Science and Digital Innovation (DSDI) (數據科學及數字創新學系) under the newly established Faculty of Communication, Information and Creative Industries in 2026 to better reflect its broader academic scope and programme portfolio, this change not only recognises and integrates the Department’s existing areas of excellence but also strategically positions it to embrace emerging opportunities in digital innovation and interdisciplinary education in the years ahead.
Established in 2020 within the former Faculty of Social Sciences, the Department of Applied Data Science (ADS) has provided a rigorous curriculum centred on three core domains: business analytics, digital humanities, and data visualisation, while equipping students with essential competencies in statistics and data analytics. As the first and only technology-focused department at Hong Kong Shue Yan University, the Department has proactively developed a diverse portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes to address the challenges and opportunities arising from rapid digital transformation and evolving industry demands. The Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied Data Science (BSc-ADS), launched in September 2022, focuses on big data analytics in business, engineering, and healthcare contexts. The programme equips students with interdisciplinary knowledge that integrates data science, business applications, and the liberal arts, preparing graduates to address complex real-world challenges through data-driven decision-making. A significant milestone was achieved when the BSc-ADS programme was included in the Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors (SSSDP), with JUPAS Code JSSY02, commencing in the 2025/26 academic year. This recognition not only affirms the quality and relevance of the curriculum but also highlights the growing demand for data science professionals in Hong Kong and beyond. The endorsement further strengthens the Department’s commitment to cultivating future-ready graduates who can drive innovation and contribute meaningfully to the digital economy.
Furthermore, the Department successfully launched two new programmes in 2025: the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Digital Solutions for Entertainment and Game Applications (BSc-DSEGA) and the Master of Science in Game Development and Management (MSc-GDM). These additions strengthen the Department’s capacity to nurture not only skilled data scientists but also professionals equipped to excel in the rapidly growing fields of digital entertainment, interactive media, and game development. This expansion reflects the Department’s commitment to responding to the evolving digital landscape by cultivating graduates with advanced technological expertise, creative problem-solving abilities, and interdisciplinary perspectives. By integrating data science, digital innovation, and emerging technologies, the Department aims to develop future-ready professionals capable of addressing complex challenges and driving innovation across diverse industries.
In 2020, with a generous donation from the iFREE Group and matching funding from the Government totalling HK$40 million, HKSYU established the iFREE Innovation and Research Centre. The Centre houses several research laboratories, including the Big Data Laboratory, Virtual Reality Laboratory, Social Robotics and Digital Living Laboratory, and Innovation Incubation Hub. In addition, with financial support from the Government’s Enhancement and Start-up Grant Scheme for Self-financing Post-secondary Education (ESGS), the Game Development Laboratory was inaugurated in July 2025. These state-of-the-art facilities are designed to foster multidisciplinary teaching and research, broaden the University’s research agenda, and cultivate a vibrant research community that bridges the liberal arts and technology-driven innovation.
The Department remains committed to recruiting high-calibre faculty and students, while strategically investing its resources in nurturing the next generation of leaders in data science, digital innovation, and interdisciplinary research. We look forward to welcoming you to the HKSYU community and joining us in shaping the future of a rapidly evolving digital world.