CUHK-TUYF Partnership Project 2025-26
Workshop on Set Theory
Set Theory and Computability
Date
6 Sep 2025 and 13 Sep 2025
Time
09:30 - 12:30
Speaker
Prof. Michael McBreen
Target
Senior secondary students with strong foundation and keen interest in advanced mathematical theories
Medium of Instruction
English
Introduction
The workshop targets talented students with a deep interest in mathematics. It will provide participants with an opportunity for further study of set theory, which develops their ability in abstract and logical thinking. Participating students are required to complete coursework to understand their learning status.
Abstract
We will explore basic questions of knowability, provability and computability in mathematics. How do we characterize the complexity of a problem? What does it mean to say something is provable or unprovable? Along the way, we will get familiar with some fundamental tools of set theory.
Summary
There were more than 30 students who participated in the workshop. The students found the workshop very interesting, and they were able to grasp the basic concepts of set theory and group theory. The workshop provided a great opportunity for students to explore advanced mathematical theories and develop their abstract thinking skills.
Workshop on Algebra
Introduction to Groups and Symmetry
Date
6 Sep 2025 and 13 Sep 2025
Time
09:30 - 12:30
Speaker
Prof. Omar Kidwai
Target
Senior secondary students with strong foundation and keen interest in advanced mathematical theories
Medium of Instruction
English
Introduction
The workshop targets talented students with a deep interest in mathematics. It will provide participants with an opportunity for further study of set theory, which develops their ability in abstract and logical thinking. Participating students are required to complete coursework to understand their learning status.
Abstract
In the first week, we will meditate on the notion of symmetry by looking at rotations of everyday shapes, like a tetrahedron. How symmetric is a given object? How can we describe the "amount of symmetry"? Is a number enough of an answer? In the second week, we will discuss how to formalize our intuition into a mathematical definition, and ease our way into a little bit of group theory.
Summary
More than 30 students participated in the workshop. Through exploring simple geometric objects, participants were guided to understand abstract ideas about groups, starting from intuition and gradually moving toward a more formal understanding. Overall, most participants found the workshops attractive and motivating, and they left with a clearer sense of how symmetry and group theory connect.
Workshop on Mathematical Modelling
Game Theory Unlocked
Date
To be announced
Speaker
Dr. Lily Li Pan
Target
Senior secondary students (preferably knowing calculus)
Medium of Instruction
Cantonese supplemented with English
Introduction
The activity gives senior secondary students an introduction to mathematical modelling, which aims to develop students' mathematical skills to solve real-life problems systematically. This event welcomes students interested in applied mathematics.
Abstract
Game theory, a captivating branch of mathematics, offers a unique perspective on strategic decision-making, with applications spanning diverse fields such as economics, politics, biology, and psychology. In this workshop, students will have the opportunity to delve into the fundamental concepts of game theory and explore how these principles can be applied to real-world challenges. Through interactive games and engaging discussions, students will gain valuable insights into strategic thinking and problem-solving.
Mathematics Day Camp - Boolean Algebra and its Applications
Speakers
Dr. Kai Leung Chan, Dr. Lily Li Pan
Introduction
The Day Camp is a whole-day mathematics-oriented STEM activity. During the day camp, the speakers introduce the basics of mathematics, such as sets, functions, and logic, and provide an introduction to Boolean Algebra. Participants will apply mathematics knowledge acquired to circuit design and minimization. They will also construct circuits to solve real-life problems in the hands-on activities provided.
Summary
Around 400 students from 19 local secondary schools participated in the day camp. Feedback from both students and teachers was very positive. Through a hands-on and interactive format, participants learned key concepts in sets, logic, and Boolean algebra, building understanding through guided activities rather than passive instruction. The camp also provided students with opportunities to connect with undergraduate helpers from the Department of Mathematics, encouraging discussion, questions, and peer-to-peer learning throughout the activity.
1st round
Date:
24 May 2025
Participating Schools:
Hong Kong True Light College Kowloon True Light Middle School True Light Girls' College True Light Middle School of Hong Kong
2nd round
Date:
21 Jun 2025
Participating Schools:
Po Leung Kuk Ma Kam King College St. Stephen‘s Church College Wah Yan College, Kowloon
3rd round
Date:
28 Jun 2025
Participating Schools:
Chan Sui Ki (La Salle) College Belilios Public School LKWFSL Lau Wong Fat Secondary School Yuen Long Merchants Association Secondary School
4th round
Date:
12 Jul 2025
Participating Schools:
Kiangsu-Chekiang College (Shatin) Shatin Pui Ying College St. Catharine's School for Girls St. Paul's College TWGHs Kap Yan Directors' College
5th round
Date:
16 May 2026
Participating Schools:
Hong Kong True Light College Kowloon True Light Middle School True Light Girls' College True Light Middle School of Hong Kong
6th round
Date:
27 Jun 2026
Participating Schools:
Po Leung Kuk Ma Kam King College Wah Yan College, Kowloon Yuen Long Merchants Association Secondary School
7th round
Date:
4 Jul 2026
Participating Schools:
Belilios Public School CCC Ming Yin College Chan Sui Ki (La Salle) College Kiangsu-Chekiang College (Shatin) LKWFSL Lau Wong Fat Secondary School
8th round
Date:
11 Jul 2026
Participating Schools:
Belilios Public School HKBU Affiliated School Wong Kam Fai Secondary and Primary School Jockey Club Ti-I College St. Stephen's Church College TWGHs Kap Yan Directors' College
Click here for more details.
Schools interested in this activity are welcome to contact us by email via outreach@math.cuhk.edu.hk for more information.
Sponsorship for Two Algebraic Courses
Introduction
Starting from 2024, The TUYF Charitable Trust will sponsor two algebraic courses, “Towards Modern Algebra” and “Introduction to Discrete Mathematics”, which will be offered every summer, along with our popular Enrichment Programme for Young Mathematics Talents (EPYMT) organized by the Department. These two courses are expected to attract 80 secondary school students to enrol. Upon completion of the courses and fulfilling the requirements as specified, students are eligible to apply for 1 credit exemption when they study at CUHK. Continuing its support to Hong Kong True Light College, the Mathematics Department will invite the school to recommend three high school students to participate in the course.
Towards Modern Algebra
Speaker:
Dr. Charles Chu Che Li
Content:
This course will introduce the basic concepts of abstract algebra, including groups, rings and fields.
Introduction to Discrete Mathematics
Speaker:
Dr. Ming Ho Ng
Content:
This course will introduce basic mathematical topics, such as the concept of sets, logic, proofs and their applications in various areas including graph theory and game theory.
Click here for more information about EPYMT.
Lecture Series on Naive Set Theory
Date
14, 21, 28 Mar 2026 and 11, 18 Apr 2026
Time
10:00 - 13:00
Speaker
Dr. Chun Lung Kelvin Liu
Target
Senior secondary students with strong foundation or teachers interested in advanced mathematical theories
Medium of Instruction
Cantonese supplemented with English
Introduction
The activity gives senior secondary students an introduction to mathematical modelling, which aims to develop students' mathematical skills to solve real-life problems systematically. This event welcomes students interested in applied mathematics.
Abstract
The Lecture series consists of a series of five lectures designed to engage elite students with a keen interest in mathematics from local secondary schools in Hong Kong. These lectures will provide a rigorous introduction to fundamental mathematical concepts, including sets, logic, proofs, relations, and functions. By delving these topics, students will gain understanding of how to construct mathematical objects with precision, utilizing terms such as sets and elements.
Summary
The lecture series attracted around 40 students and 10 mathematics teachers. The lectures series provided a rigorous and intensive introduction to fundamental mathematical concepts, including sets, logic, proofs, relations, and functions. By delving these topics, participants gained understanding of how to construct mathematical objects with precision, utilizing terms such as sets and elements. Overall, the lecture series was well-received by students and provided an opportunity for them to explore advanced mathematical theories in a structured and engaging way.
Gifted Mathematics Program for Secondary School Students (2025-26)
Date
Nov 2025 - May 2026 (divided into 3 phases)
Speakers
Prof. Yiu Chung Benny Hon, Dr. Wai Leung Hugo Mak, Dr. Wai Chee Shiu
Introduction
The Program aims at providing cohesive mathematical training for outstanding secondary school students, delivering contents that may not be covered in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) curriculum, and enhancing students' interests and abilities in various branches of Mathematics, including but not limited to Fundamental Algebra, Logic, Coordinate Geometry and Elementary Analysis. Throughout different phases of this Program, students will be equipped with necessary mathematical tools for pursuing in-depth mathematical investigation or even mini-research.
Summary
The CUHK-TUYF Gifted Mathematics Program successfully delivered a rigorous, progressive curriculum that guided secondary students from foundational concepts to advanced pure mathematics and interdisciplinary applications. Student attendance and engagement were exceptionally high, with a significant portion of participants demonstrating university-level math proficiency by the program's conclusion. While students highly valued the experience for sharpening their analytical skills and motivating their future academic pursuits, they also offered constructive feedback for future iterations. Their primary suggestions included adjusting the pace for highly complex topics, incorporating more interactive group activities, expanding the overall curriculum, and offering elective modules in applied fields like cryptography and data analytics.
Click here for more details.
Elite Student Mentorship Programme
Introduction
The Department of Mathematics will nominate outstanding students in different activities (including EPYMT) to participate in this mentorship programme. This programme will be conducted in a group format, with a supervisor leading several students to explore a specific topic. Participating students will be required to read books or journal papers recommended by their supervisor, report their study progress regularly, and submit a written report upon completion of their studies.
Schools interested in this activity are welcome to contact us by email via outreach@math.cuhk.edu.hk for more information.