A seasoned design professional with 15 years of experience in product design, Ms. Qin Lai-yin has a wealth of knowledge in practical, technical, and theoretical aspects of the field. Since joining HKBU as Assistant Professor in 2021, she has been imparting her expertise for GE Level 2 Interdisciplinary Thematic Courses in the Academy of Visual Arts. 

Ms. Qin’s exceptional teaching is centred around her 4Cs approach: content, context, culture, and collaborator. She fosters confidence in students to help them develop creativity and critical thinking skills, which are essential for coping with future challenges. In order to enhance pedagogical development and optimise the learning experience, she regularly collaborates with her students and welcomes feedback from them. 

Known for her approachability and commitment to lifelong learning, she continuously refines her teaching methods to stay up-to-date with field advancements. She inspires students by employing teaching strategies that cater to different learning styles. In the classroom, she sets up a respectful atmosphere that celebrates individual differences, stimulates collaboration, and promotes empathy and inclusivity. Her commitment to effective teaching practices is evident in her use of incentive-based education, nurturing self-confidence through encouragement, and guiding students toward optimal solutions. She also instils mindset, ethics, and moral education to reinforce best practices in teaching and learning. 

Ms. Qin builds inclusive environments that inspire students to become socially conscious designers with passion and purpose in their practice. This approach empowers students to enact positive change, shaping a future generation of empathetic and innovative designers contributing meaningfully to society.

As a committed educator with a primary objective of empowering her students to be positive change agents in the world, Ms. Qin has integrated service-learning and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)-oriented practices in her teaching approach. She recognises the urgent need for eco-friendly solutions and imparts in her students a comprehensive understanding of how their design choices impact the environment, society, and the economy. Furthermore, she incorporates sustainability principles in the curriculum to encourage her students to explore novel approaches to address global challenges such as climate change and poverty. By utilising project-based learning, she empowers her students to apply their knowledge and create solutions that align with the SDGs, promoting a more equitable and sustainable future. She inspires her students to reflect critically on their decisions, emphasising ethical considerations and environmental stewardship.

As a young academic, Ms. Qin has demonstrated an impressive ability to engage, inspire, and impact her students profoundly. In recognition of her remarkable teaching methods, commitment to effective learning and notable contributions, the Selection Committee has found her as an exemplary recipient for this year's President's Award for Outstanding Performance in Early Career Teaching.