Leadership Advancement Program for Student Organizations
About the Program

The Leadership Advancement Program for Student Organizations (LAPSO) aims to prepare the student leaders from student societies or groups with the knowledge and skills for effective leadership within the student body and in organizing activities.

Through a diverse mix of training methodologies and experiential learning opportunities, the program wants to:

  • Inspire students to explore outward and reflect inward, uncover their unique inner strength;
  • Encourage students to know more about their role and responsibilities in their organizations;
  • Promote diversity and inclusion,  strengthen students’ relationship with the HKUST community;
  • Broaden students’ perspectives and concern about global and local challenges.


Through the program, the student leaders will go through the following progressive path, develop transferable skills for their personal growth and be empowered to be effective leaders for their organization to handle challenges and better serve the university and the society at large.

For enquiry, please contact the Student Support & Activities Team at email ssa@ust.hk.

Progressive Path
01. Exco Member

Student Union, Societies, Recognized student groups 

02. Program Organizing Committee Member

Advancement camp and/or Outbound study tour

03. Program Assistant / Society Mentor

Assist the program and/or mentor new exco members

New Exco Orientation (NEO)

The Orientation is a compulsory annual training for new executive committee members of student societies and other DSTO associated groups. It consists of essential information, advisor matching and team building activities. It also provides the first chance for the societies and groups to get to know other societies’ fellow exco members. 

01
02
Leadership Advancement Camp

Leadership Advancement Camp is a hands-on, experiential learning workshop that focuses on problem-solving, collaboration, leadership and followership. It will provide a set of activities integrating learning and practicing skillset, understanding yourself, and empowering and working with others to enhance competencies and confidence of leaders.

Experiential Workshops / Visits

Experiential Workshops / Visits with different topics will be organized from time to time, for example:
 

  • Event Planning and Activity Leading
  • Publicity Material Design
  • Meeting Skills; Negotiation Skills; Conflict Resolution
  • Community Visit / Social Issue Simulation
  • Social Media Management
  • Mental Health First Aid, etc.
03
04
Student Leaders Learning Trip

Outbound learning and leadership opportunities will be organized or sponsored for the student leaders to widen their exposure and facilitate their cross-cultural competency.
 

Award Scheme 2024-25
Introduction

The award scheme aims to recognize and celebrate student organizations that demonstrate outstanding management, creativity, innovation, and a positive impact on the university or the community. Please refer to the application guidelines for the detailed criteria.
 

Eligibility

Registered student organizations, i.e. SU, SU-affiliated Societies, Department-Associated Groups

Awards
 The Outstanding Student OrganizationThe Innovative Student-led Activity of the Year
Award$5,000 Activity Fund*
Trophy and Certificates		Gold: $4,000 Activity Fund*
Silver: $3,000 Activity Fund*
Bronze: $2,000 Activity Fund*
Trophies and Certificates
 Online Application FormOnline Application Form

*Budget plan and valid receipts are required for award disbursement. 

Timeline
Call for Applications:21 Feb - 21 Mar 2025
Presentation and Selection
(Shortlisted Candidates Only):		27 Mar 2025
Result Announcement:Mid Apr 2025
Award Presentation Ceremony:24 Apr 2025
Selection Panel
Chairperson:The Dean of Students or his delegate
Members:Head, Student Support & Activities, Dean of Students' Office
Two Staff Representatives
Two Student Representatives
Results
The Outstanding Student OrganizationThe Innovative Student-led Activity of the Year
  • Mainland Students and Scholars Society
  • The Band Society, HKUSTSU
  • University Philharmonic Orchestra, HKUSTSU
  • Silver Award: Games Society, HKUSTSU
  • Bronze Award: Comics & Animation Society, HKUSTSU
Please click here for overall comments from the Selection Panel
Awardees 2023-2024