e-Bulletin December 2025

EVENT SNIPPETS
School Retreat 2025
Building Connections, Shaping the Future

On November 8, 2025, our School community came together for an energising half-day retreat, uniting over 30 academic and teaching staff to envision a collaborative path forward. The event kicked off with welcome remarks by our School Director, Professor David Bishai, followed by inspiring reflections on Interdisciplinary Collaboration Hubs from Professors Jane Zhao (Healthy Aging) and Wu Peng (One Health), highlighting the power of cross-disciplinary synergy in tackling complex challenges.

Professor Vijaykrishna Dhanasekaran, Chair of the Retreat Organising Committee, guided participants through the agenda and invited division representatives to share standout achievements, showcasing the School’s diverse strengths. The highlight of the retreat unfolded in lively breakout sessions, where teams delved into three key themes: People & Pathways, Partnerships & Impact, and Structures & Systems.  Engaging exchanges sparked the emergence of priority areas such as fostering mentorship programmes for junior staff, nurturing a culture of cross-divisional collaboration, and amplifying our strategic presence in the Greater Bay Area.

After lunch, attendees enjoyed an in-person exchange session with Professor Gong Peng, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic Development) of the University of Hong Kong, moderated by Professor Bishai. Professor Gong’s heartfelt reflections on his public health journey, along with insights on the School’s strategic direction and advice for early-career academics, left the audience both inspired and reflective.

The retreat wrapped up with a shared commitment to action, and the recommendations from the discussions will soon inform the School’s strategic priorities. As we carry this momentum forward, we look forward to transforming these collective visions into impactful realities—strengthening our community and shaping a brighter future for public health together.

  • Group photo at the SPH School Retreat held on November 8, 2025.
  • Professor Gong Peng, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic Development) of the University of Hong Kong, shares reflections on his public health journey, along with insights on the School’s strategic direction and advice for early-career academics.
  • Group discussion on enhancing integration and collaboration among researchers and teaching staff.
  • Professor Gong Peng, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic Development) of the University of Hong Kong, shares reflections on his public health journey, along with insights on the School’s strategic direction and advice for early-career academics.
  • Group discussion on enhancing integration and collaboration among researchers and teaching staff.
  • Group photo at the SPH School Retreat held on November 8, 2025.
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