In May 2026, students from the Interdisciplinary Data Analytics and X Double Major Programme (IDADM) ventured beyond the classroom through two immersive field trips organised by the Office of Co-operative Education Programme (Co-op@CUHK). Designed for Year 2 and Year 1 students respectively, the field trips to Bangkok and Hainan provided opportunities for students to engage directly with industry practitioners, researchers and academics, gaining valuable exposure to real-world business challenges, technological innovation and cross-cultural perspectives.
From 9 to 17 May, Year 2 IDADM students travelled to Bangkok for a nine-day consulting project with a Thai garment manufacturer, VT Garment. Working in teams, students analysed business issues related to market positioning, supply chain optimisation, and talent attraction. Through a company visit, consultation sessions and desktop research, they developed and presented strategic recommendations to a judging panel comprising industry professionals, government representatives and academics.
A highlight of the field trip was the visit to VT Garment’s production facilities, where students gained first-hand insights into manufacturing operations and learned how a family-owned business embraced innovation to stay competitive in a fast-changing market. The trip also included a seminar at Thammasat University, where students explored the relationship between culture and innovation, encouraging deeper reflection on economic development and competitiveness in Southeast Asia.
Shortly afterwards, from 19 to 22 May, 63 Year 1 IDADM students joined a four-day field trip to Hainan. The expedition offered students first-hand insights into the development of aerospace technology and other key national industries in the region. Through various visits and exchanges, students also explored how Hainan leveraged its unique advantages and strategic roles to develop emerging fields, such as deep-sea technology and biotechnology.
The delegation visited a range of leading scientific and research institutions, including the Sanya Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City, the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Site, the Wenchang Spaceflight Supercomputing Center, the National Nanfan Research Institute of CAAS and the Nanhai Institute of Harbin Engineering University.
The trip also featured students’ participation in the forum “When Youth Meets FTP”, organised by the Office of the Free Trade Port Working Committee of the CPC Hainan Provincial Committee, with support from the Publicity Department of the CPC Hainan Provincial Committee and Hainan University. Students exchanged views with peers from Hainan University on the achievements of the Hainan FTP and synergies between the two regions.
The two field trips served as platforms for students to realise how interdisciplinary knowledge could be translated into practice. The experiences not only enhanced their core competencies related to analytical and communication skills, but also cultivated a broader understanding of industry trends and future opportunities in an increasingly interconnected world.
