HKU’s MFA in Creative Writing in English has recently held its 2026 Showcase at the HKU Black Box. It took place alongside the launch of the anniversary issue of Black Box Magazine, a student arts, culture, and literary publication curated by the current MFA cohort and the wider postgraduate community of the School of English. The combined event, led by Dr. Antony Huen, the Director of the MFA programme and Founder and Editor of Black Box Magazine, drew a full-house audience of faculty members, students, and invited guests, including novelist Matthew Wong Foreman and photographer Joyce Yung.
Photo by the HKU School of English
The Showcase presented original works by the MFA cohort, spanning spoken word, short drama, and cross-media performances drawing on music, dance, digital art, and Gen AI. Audiences were transported into surreal, futuristic, Gothic, and digital worlds, where new meanings around contemporary human concerns emerged. Adapted from the students’ creative dissertations, these live presentations showcased a wide range of worldviews, personas, and themes, sparking unexpected insights and new ideas.
Click to Gallery
Photo by the HKU School of English
A dance presentation by an MFA student. Photo by the HKU School of English
A dramatic dialogue between two MFA students. Photo by the HKU School of English
A musical duet by two MFA students. Photo by the HKU School of English
A dramatic monologue by an MFA student. Photo by the HKU School of English
A dialogue on Issue 2 of "Black Box Magazine." Photo by the HKU School of English
Guest contributors Matthew Wong Foreman (left) and Joyce Yung (center) in dialogue with Dr. Antony Huen (right). Photo by the HKU School of English
MFA student hosts (first and second from the left) with Professor Tong King Lee (Head of School) (third from the left), Dr. Antony Huen (third from the right), Matthew Wong Foreman (second from the right), and Joyce Yung (first from the right). Photo by the HKU School of English
A dance presentation by an MFA student. Photo by the HKU School of English
A dramatic dialogue between two MFA students. Photo by the HKU School of English
A notable feature of this year’s Showcase was the integration of art and technology. Many works explored human–AI interactions and the ethical questions emerging in the era of smart technology. Some performances used AI as a collaborator, while others incorporated programming and digital tools to enhance theatrical effects. These technological elements highlighted the cohort’s willingness to experiment and engage with emerging tools and practices.
A musical duet by two MFA students. Photo by the HKU School of English
A dramatic monologue by an MFA student. Photo by the HKU School of English
Within the Showcase, the anniversary issue of Black Box Magazine was also launched. In a brief conversation with the Editor, Dr. Antony Huen, the student editing leads of the issue and guest contributors Matthew Wong Foreman and Joyce Yung discussed the issue’s theme, “Margins”, and its creative and critical implications. The dialogue highlighted the MFA’s commitment to crossing boundaries in contemporary writing.
A dialogue on Issue 2 of "Black Box Magazine." Photo by the HKU School of English
Guest contributors Matthew Wong Foreman (left) and Joyce Yung (center) in dialogue with Dr. Antony Huen (right). Photo by the HKU School of English
Together, the MFA Showcase 2026 and the launch of Black Box Magazine’s second issue marked a celebratory moment in the growing range of achievements of the MFA community at HKU and beyond.
MFA student hosts (first and second from the left) with Professor Tong King Lee (Head of School) (third from the left), Dr. Antony Huen (third from the right), Matthew Wong Foreman (second from the right), and Joyce Yung (first from the right). Photo by the HKU School of English
Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in Hong Kong and carries the highest mortality rate, not only locally but also globally. Professor Rina Hui, Director of the Centre for Cancer Medicine at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), said that cancer treatment is advancing at an unprecedented pace, with new breakthroughs emerging almost every fortnight. These include antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) that are often referred to as "smart chemotherapy", T-cell engagers, and bispecific antibodies, which combine two different antibodies.
With such rapid progress, the curriculum at HKU’s Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine (HKUMed) needs to keep pace. About a year and a half ago, the faculty launched an eight-month integrated cancer medicine course to equip medical students with the latest clinical cancer technologies.
Professor Rina Hui, Director of the Centre for Cancer Medicine at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), Photo by Bastille Post
Professor Hui told Bastille Post that, in Hong Kong, besides lung cancer, the most common cancers include colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer. But lung cancer remains the biggest challenge, since its mortality rate is higher than the other three combined.
She said that besides smoking, other risk factors for lung cancer include second‑hand smoke, the second largest contributor, as well as family history, air pollution, kitchen fumes, occupational exposure (e.g., asbestos and radon), and prior radiotherapy. Smoking, however, remains by far the leading cause.
EGFR Mutations Common in HK Lung Adenocarcinoma
Professor Hui noted that Hong Kong's smoking rate has dropped to 8.5%, according to the latest figures released by the Health Bureau in April. While smoking‑related cancers like small cell lung cancer and squamous cell carcinoma are declining, lung adenocarcinoma is increasing, with half of patients carrying EGFR mutations. "Knowing the cancer type and genetic status is the first step for effective treatment," she said.
She also emphasised that the earlier one quits smoking, the lower the risk of getting cancer. "Quitting need not be abrupt. Nicotine patches and chewing gum can serve as supportive aids. The essential step is to discard all cigarettes, eliminate temptation, and reframe quitting as a long‑term health investment," she advised.
Professor Hui suggested that lung cancer screening is essential for high‑risk individuals. Photo source: reference image
Lung Cancer Screening: Essential for High‑Risk Individuals
Last year, the government announced plans to commission local universities to conduct AI‑assisted lung cancer screening. Professor Hui said that HKU and CUHK are currently running relevant trials, given their importance.
"High‑risk people, like those aged 50 to 75, heavy smokers (30 pack‑years), and those exposed to second‑hand smoke, should get screened regularly," she said. "Taiwan offers a noteworthy approach, where they screen non‑smokers with a family history of lung cancer."
She acknowledged that free lung cancer screening for every individual in Hong Kong is unlikely to be feasible at this stage, due to the high costs involved. However, screening could be carried out through collaboration between the government and private healthcare providers, targeting high‑risk groups. "As I tell my patients, getting screened is like saving up to pay taxes. You're actually gaining in the long run. Early detection means better outcomes and lower treatment costs."
She said that lung cancer treatment regimens are becoming increasingly advanced. "Patients with genetic alterations can use targeted therapies; those without can benefit from immunotherapy, and survival rates have improved significantly." However, she also pointed out that lung cancer remains the world's "number one cancer killer", underscoring the urgent need for continued related research and clinical trials.
Recognising the rapid evolution of cancer treatment, HKUMed has launched an eight‑month integrated cancer medicine course starting in October 2024. Photo source: reference image
New Course to Train Future Doctors
Recognising the rapid evolution of cancer treatment, HKUMed has launched an eight‑month integrated cancer medicine course starting in October 2024, which is delivered in six cohorts per year, ensuring that future doctors stay abreast of the latest developments. "We bring together surgeons, researchers, public health experts, oncologists (including medical oncologists and radiation oncologists), pathologists, and radiologists to teach medical students the basics of immunotherapy, targeted therapies, smart chemotherapy, and radiation, so that no matter what field they go into, they'll be able to handle cancer patients when they see them," she said.
New Cancer Treatments Bring New Hope
Beyond well‑established immunotherapy, Professor Hui highlighted emerging treatments:
One is called Antibody‑Drug Conjugate (ADC), often referred to as "smart chemotherapy" or "missile‑guided chemotherapy." "The antibody carries the chemotherapy drug, entering cancer cells with precision like a missile. When the linker dissolves, it releases the drug directly into the cancer cells, killing them effectively," she explained.
She noted that ADCs have now been proven to benefit patients with stage IV metastatic cancer. Clinical trials are currently combining these drugs with immunotherapy, and data have already shown effectiveness in early‑stage triple‑negative breast cancer patients.
Another future trend in cancer treatment is bispecific antibodies, which combine two different antibodies with fewer side effects and a synergistic effect. For example, VEGF bispecific antibodies combine the dual mechanisms of immune checkpoint inhibitors and anti‑angiogenic therapy, and have already shown effectiveness in cancers such as lung and breast cancer. Combining two targeted drugs also results in fewer side effects and better treatment outcomes for lung cancer patients.
T‑Cell Engagers: A Breakthrough for Small Cell Lung Cancer
Professor Hui also mentioned a new treatment trend called T-cell engagers. "For example, a therapy targeting DLL3 on the surface of small cell lung cancer cells — on one side, it targets DLL3, and on the other side, it attracts the immune system's T-cells, which act like soldiers attacking the cancer cells together. This type of drug is already on the market and has been shown to improve overall survival in extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer. Clinical trials are currently exploring its use in first-line treatment and for stage III patients," she explained.
However, she pointed out that targeted therapy remains a future priority. Since many cancers occur due to genetic alterations, if the genes driving cancer growth can be identified, targeted medications can be utilized and show improved therapeutic efficacy across various cancers. For example, 60% to 70% of breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive, and of those, 30% to 40% have PIK3CA gene mutations. "The corresponding targeted drugs are currently available in Hong Kong, but they are expensive. There is now a phase III clinical trial in which patients can use this type of medication for free, and may even have access to better new drugs. However, patients need to undergo genetic sequencing to confirm whether they have the corresponding genetic mutation before they can participate in the relevant trial," she said.
According to Professor Hui, since many cancers occur due to genetic alterations, if the genes driving cancer growth can be identified, targeted medications can be utilized and show improved therapeutic efficacy across various cancers. Photo by Bastille Post
