學術路上保持人情味

中大新傳六十年，孕育學者眾多，包括學院教授馮應謙Anthony和麥嘉輝Macau。二人於不同年代畢業，先後回學院任教。

六十年來，學院經歷無數變遷，課程核心始終不變。有人認為大學是職場訓練所，Anthony和Macau並不同意，那在新傳學到最重要的是什麼？Anthony說，科技日新月異，以新聞為例，由報紙、收音機、電視，到現時的新媒體以至AI世代，學習到的技能往往追不上變化，因此學院教育的關鍵並非技術，而是經過重複練習，建立出一套有系統地解決問題的方法。

Macau對此表示同意，他在新傳修讀本科和研究院，均旨在訓練學生如何思考問題，但與此同時，學院亦教會大家保持人情味，例如本科在英文實習刊物Varsity的採訪經歷就提醒他，在宏觀思考社會問題時，不忘代入了解個體感受，「做研究經常面對數據，但每個數據其實都代表著人。要代入人的處境思考，這是新傳給我最大的裨益。」

除了同樣於學院畢業、相繼選擇學術路，二人還有一個淵源：Macau是Anthony的學生，因參加由他帶隊的英國交流團相熟。Macau說，他在博士畢業後尋找教職，學院是首要目標，皆因他在這裡當過學生，受益於學院的訓練，若能成為學院一份子、幫助下一代學生，對他來說意義重大。

Anthony仍記得自己當時鼓勵這名有志投身學術的學生深造，如今二人由師生變成同事，他由衷為這名學生的成長而喜悅，「很高興Macau回來學院任教，學院是有接班人的，也希望更多學生深造後回來貢獻學院。」

簡介：
馮應謙，1992年本科畢業於香港中文大學新聞與傳播學院，在明尼蘇達大學（University of Minnesota）完成碩士及博士課程；2001年回母校任教，現為學院偉倫新聞與傳播學教授兼香港中文大學社會科學院院長。

麥嘉輝，分別於2016年及2020年在香港中文大學新聞與傳播學院修畢本科及哲學碩士課程，並於威斯康辛大學麥迪遜分校（The University of Wisconsin-Madison）取得博士學位，2024年成為學院助理教授。

Preserving Humanity in Academia

Throughout its 60-year history, the School of Journalism and Communication at The Chinese University of Hong Kong has cultivated generations of scholars, including Professors Anthony Fung and Macau Mak. Though graduating decades apart, both have found their way back to teach at their alma mater.

Despite numerous changes over six decades, the School’s fundamental philosophy has remained steadfast. While some view universities merely as vocational training grounds, both Anthony and Macau see it differently. What’s the most valuable takeaway from studying journalism and communication?

According to Anthony, technology evolves at a breakneck pace – from print media to radio, television, and now the era of digital media and AI. Technical skills often become outdated before they can be mastered. That’s why university education should focus less on technical training and more on developing systematic problem-solving abilities through sustained practice.

Macau shares this view. During his undergraduate and graduate studies in journalism and communication, the emphasis was on fostering critical thinking skills while maintaining a humanistic perspective. His experience as a reporter for the English-language student publication Varsity taught him a valuable lesson: while analyzing broader social issues, it’s crucial to understand individual stories. “In research, we often work with statistics, but behind each number is a human story. Learning to consider the human dimension in our analysis – that’s the most valuable lesson I gained from my journalism education.”

The two professors share more than just their alma mater and career paths – Macau was once Anthony’s student, and they became acquainted during a UK exchange program led by Anthony. For Macau, joining the School’s faculty was his primary goal after completing his doctorate. Having benefited immensely from his education there, he felt a deep sense of meaning in returning to nurture the next generation of students.

Anthony fondly recalls encouraging his academically gifted student to pursue advanced studies. Now that they’ve transitioned from mentor and mentee to colleagues, he takes genuine pride in Macau’s achievements. “I’m delighted to have Macau back teaching at the School. This represents our tradition of nurturing talent, and we hope to see more alumni return to contribute after completing their advanced degrees.”

Profiles:
Anthony Fung graduated from the School of Journalism and Communication at The Chinese University of Hong Kong in 1992, earning his master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Minnesota. He returned to his alma mater in 2001 and currently serves as the Wei Lun Professor of Journalism and Communication and Dean of Social Science.

Macau Mak earned his bachelor’s degree and MPhil from the School of Journalism and Communication at The Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2016 and 2020 respectively, followed by a Ph.D. from The University of Wisconsin-Madison. He joined the School as an Assistant Professor in 2024.