FACULTY AWARD
Award for Teaching Excellence 2024-25
Dr Yat Ming CHAN
Lecturer
Department of Mathematics
After completing his BSc and MPhil degrees at HKU, Dr Yat Ming Chan pursued a DPhil at the University of Oxford, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Imperial College London. He returned to HKU in 2008, where he embarked on his teaching journey with a deep passion for mathematics and a commitment to nurturing students' growth.
Dr Chan’s teaching philosophy centres on collaboration and the belief that learning is a shared journey. A key aspect of his approach is the active involvement of students in various facets of teaching and learning. One example is the Near Peer Teaching Scheme, which has become an integral part of his teaching methodology. Under Dr Chan’s guidance, the undergraduate student teaching assistants develop both their teaching skills and a deeper understanding of mathematics, supporting their fellow students and fostering a collaborative learning community.
Dr Chan also emphasises the development of supplementary learning resources to enhance students' understanding. Through a Students as Partners (SaP) project, he collaborates with students to create mathematics animated videos, which have been featured on various platforms, including the Department of Mathematics and HKU U-Vision. This project earned his SaP team the Distinguished Service to the Community (HKU CEDARS) award in 2025, recognising their contributions to peer support and community-building within HKU.
Believing that well-being is fundamental to education, Dr Chan strives to cultivate a caring environment where students feel supported and where mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth. By creating a positive and encouraging learning space, he helps students build confidence and embrace challenges.
Beyond the classroom, Dr Chan views teaching as more than the act of imparting knowledge — it is about mentoring and accompanying students on their educational journey. He finds great joy in seeing his students grow, thrive and succeed. Just as his own great teachers inspired him, Dr Chan aspires to be a caring and supportive educator who helps students navigate challenges, build resilience, and develop a lifelong appreciation for mathematics.