Carol Ma

Associate Professor Carol Ma

Head, Gerontology Programmes & Senior Fellow (Service-Learning & Community Engagement), Centre for Experiential Learning

S R Nathan School of Human Development

Tel: +65 ​6248 0399

Email: Y2Fyb2xtYWhrQHN1c3MuZWR1LnNn4oCL

Educational Qualifications

  • 2002 - 2006

    PhD in Social Sciences (focus on Social Gerontology), Lingnan University, Hong Kong (A Year Research Internship at the National Primary Health Care Unit, the University of Manchester, UK 2005)

  • 2001 - 2002

    W.T Chan Fellowship Program ,The University of California, Los Angeles, USA

  • 1997 - 2001

    Bachelor of Social Sciences (First Class Honors), Lingnan University, Hong Kong

Academic and Professional Experience

  • 2019 - Present

    Head, Master and PhD of Gerontology Programmes (S R Nathan School of Human Development) & Senior Fellow (Service-Learning & Community Engagement), Centre for Experiential Learning

  • 2018 - 2019

    Senior Lecturer (S R Nathan School of Human Development) & Senior Fellow (Service- Learning & Community Engagement), UC

  • 2016 - 2018

    Senior Lecturer (Common Curriculum) & Senior Fellow (Service-Learning & Community Engagement), UC

  • 2016 - 2018

    Center Fellow, Asia Pacific Institute of Aging Studies, Lingnan University

  • 2009 - 2016

    Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology and Social Policy, Lingnan University, Hong Kong

  • 2006 - 2016

    Associate Director, Office Of Service-Learning, Lingnan University, Hong Kong

  • 2012 - 2013

    Visiting Scholar, The New England Resource Center for Higher Education (NERCHE), University of Massachusetts, Boston, USA

  • 2009 - 2012

    Court member, Lingnan University, Hong Kong

  • 2004 - 2005

    Research Assistant, Division of Nursing & Health Studies, Open University of Hong Kong

Journal & Articles:

Abenir.A. Mark & Ma Hok Ka, Carol (2020). Social theories and service-learning: towards building an Integrated service-learning sociological framework. Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education (JCEHE). Volume 12, No.3. pg. 53-68. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1281477.pdf

Ma Hok Ka, Carol, Law Shuk Man, Sophia (2019). Faculty engagement of service-learning at a hong kong university. Journal of Higher Education Outreach and Engagement (JHEOE). Volume 23, No.3, pg.37. https://openjournals.libs.uga.edu/jheoe/article/view/1519/1456

Ma Hok Ka, Carol, Chan Wing Fung, Chad, Tse Pak Hoi Isaac (2019). A common outcome measurement for Service-Learning in Hong Kong. Journal of Higher Education Outreach and Engagement (JHEOE). Volume 23, No.3, pg. 3. https://openjournals.libs.uga.edu/jheoe/article/view/1517/1454

Ma Hok Ka, Carol, Chiu Thera, Lim Tai Wei (2019). Engaging Communities in East AsiaMetropolitan Universitiesjournal (MUJ). Vol 30 No 3 (2019). Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities’ (CUMU) https://www.cumuonline.org/what-we-do/metropolitan-universities-journal/

Ma Hok Ka, Carol, Chiu Thera, Lim Tai Wei (2019). Service-Learning in Asia. Metropolitan Universitiesjournal (MUJ). Engaging Communities in East Asia: Vol 30 No 3 (2019). Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities’ (CUMU) https://www.cumuonline.org/what-we-do/metropolitan-universities-journal/

Ma Hok Ka, Carol, cheung Shuk Ling Fabia (2018). An Exploratory Study of the Impact of the Summer English Teaching Service-learning Program in a Remote Area of Yunnan Province, China. The 6th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference on Service-Learning (APRCSL 2017). SHS Web Conf. Volume 59, 2018.
https://doi.org/10.1051/shsconf/20185901005

Ma Hok Ka, Carol, Tse Pak Hoi Isaac, Chan Ka Man, Carman (2018). Service-Learning as Pedagogy for Transformation of Students’ Learning. The 6th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference on Service-Learning (APRCSL 2017). SHS Web Conf. Volume 59, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1051/shsconf/20185901006

Chan, Liu, Ma, Liu (2018). Developing and validating the chinese version of service- learning outcome questionnaire. Journal of Service-Learning and Social Engagement. Taiwan. 1 (1), 19-28

Snell. Robin, Chan.M, Ma, H.K.C (2017). Preparing service leaders from Lingnan University through service- learning practicums in social enterprises and non-profit organizations. USA: International Journal of Child and Adolescent Health

Ma Hok-ka, Carol Chad Chan Wing-fung, Alfred Chan Cheung-ming (2016) The Long-Term Impact of Service- Learning on Graduates’ Civic Engagement and Career Exploration in Hong Kong (pp. 37-56). Service- Learning and Community Engagement in Asian Higher Education. USA: Journal of Higher Education Outreach and Engagement. Volume 20, No.4 ( pp.37-56)

Ma Hok Ka,Carol, Dawn Fei Yin Lo (2016) Service-Learning as an Independent Course: Merits, Challenges, and Ways Forward, Volume 4. USA: International Journal of Research on Service-Learning and Community Engagement

Ma Hok-ka,Carol, Chad Chan Wing-fung, Alfred Chan Cheung-ming (2016) The Long-Term Impact of Service- Learning on Graduates’ Civic Engagement and Career Exploration in Hong Kong (pp. 37-56). Service- Learning and Community Engagement in Asian Higher Education. USA: Journal of Higher Education Outreach and Engagement

Snell, R. S., Chan, M. Y. L., Ma, C. H. L., & Chan, C. K. M. (2015). The service leadership initiative at Lingnan University. In D. T. L. Shek & P. Chung (Eds.), Promoting service leadership qualities in university students: The case of Hong Kong (pp. 99-115). Singapore: Springer.

Snell R. S, Chan Y.L M, Ma, H.K.C, Chan K.M. C (2015). Developing civic-mindedness in undergraduate business students through service-learning projects for civic engagement and service leadership practice for civic improvement. Asian Journal of Business Ethics: 4:73-99

Snell R. S, Chan Y.L M, Ma, H.K.C, Chan K.M. C (2014). A road map for empowering undergraduates to practice service leadership through service-learning in teams. Journal of Management Education published online 14 August 2014. DOI: 10/1177/1052562914545631

Chan, C.M.A, & Ma, H.K.C (2013). Lingnan University’s Experience in Making Service-Learning an Academic Credit-bearing Subject. International Journal of Community Research & Engagement. Australia

Chan, A.C.M. & Ma H.K.C. (2013). A Hong Kong University First: Establishing service-learning as an academic credit-bearing subject. Gateways: International Journal of Community Research and Engagement, 6:178-198

Chan, C.M.A, & Ma, H.K.C (2011). Digital Classroom Project: Service-Learning and Information and Communication Technology’s impacts on student learning in Hong Kong. USA: International Research Association on Service-Learning and Community Engagement

Chan, C.M.A, Tang, P.K.P & Ma, H.K.C (2010). Ageing population and health services in the Asia Pacific region, Panorama: Insight into Asian and European Affairs, Special Issue on Ageing Population in Asia and Europe and its Consequence for Political Decision-Making Process.

Chan, C.M.A, Lee, W.K.M., & Ma, H.K.C (2009). Service-learning model at Lingnan University: Development strategies and outcome assessment. New Horizons in Education, 57(3), 57-73.

Chan, C.M.A, Phillips D.R., Ma, H.K.C, (2002). Doctor-Patient relationship in Hong Kong: Towards a partnership model in consultation. Hong Kong: Hong Kong Association of Gerontology

Books, Report & Chapter in English:

Ma Hok Ka, Carol (2021). The implications of Confucianism for Service-Learning. Chapter 2 in the book of ‘ Food for thought: Service-Learning Research in Asia’. USA: Information Age Publishing, INC.

Shumer Robert, Ma Hok Ka, Carol, Chan Wing Yee,Constance (2021). Aspiration and Hope in Service-Learning. Chapter 11 in the book of ‘ Food for thought: Service-Learning Research in Asia’. USA: Information Age Publishing (IAP).

Shumer Robert, Ma Hok Ka, Carol, Chan Constance (2021) Food for Thoughts: Service Learning Research in Asia. USA: Information Age Publishing (IAP)

Kiely Richard, Ma Hok Ka, Carol. ( 2021) “Serving Communities through Internationalisation” in the 2nd edition of The Sage Handbook of International Higher Education by Darla K. Deardorff, Hans de Wit, Betty Leask, Harvey Charles. USA: University at Albany

Ma Hok Ka, Carol (2020). Community Service, Service-Learning and Service Leadership. Chapter 17 (pg. 223-241) in the book of “Leadership: Political-economic, Regional Business and Socio-community Contexts. Singapore: World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd.

Lim Tai Wei & Ma Hok Ka, Carol (2020). Leadership: Political-economic, Regional Business and Socio-community Contexts. Singapore: World Scientific Publishing Co Pte Ltd.

Ma, H.K. Carol (2018) "Service-Learning development in Higher Education in Hong Kong" in Hong Kong in 2017: Two Decades of Post-1997 Hong Kong Developments edited by T.W. Lim and T.Y. Kong. Singapore and New Jersey: WSPC.

Ma, H.K.Carol, Chan, C.M, Chan, Fanny Mak, Alice Chan (2018). Service-Learning as a New Paradigm in the Higher Education of China. Michigan: The Michigan States University press

Snell. Robin, Chan.M, Ma, H.K.C (2017). Preparing service leaders from Lingnan University through service- learning practicums in social enterprises and non-profit organizations. Chapter 12 in the book of ‘Service Leadership Education for University Students’ edited by Shek Daniel and Chung Po. Hong Kong: Nova Science Publishers, Inc.

Chan, C.M., Ma, H.K.C & Liu, C. (2014). Addressing Aging Issues through Elder Learning in the Asia-Pacific Region. In Global University Network for innovation, Editors. Higher Education in the World 5: Knowledge engagement and higher education: contributing to social change (pg. 214-218). Spain: Global University Network for innovation.

Ma, H.K.C & Tandon, R. (2014). Knowledge Engagement and Higher Education in Asia and The Pacific (pg. 196-207). In Global University Network for innovation, Editors. Higher Education in the World 5: Knowledge engagement and higher education: contributing to social change (p.196-207). Spain: Global University Network for innovation.

Chan, C.M.A, Ma, H.K.C, Wong, L.K.S, Leung, W.Y.N, Tang, H.H.E, Ho, M.C.W, Lebane, M.C, Endres,E, Fraier, J & Sauer,K (2013). Elder Academy: Curriculum Design and Operation Model. Office of Service- Learning, Lingnan University, Asia-Pacific Institute of Ageing Studies, Lingnan University, Lingnan Education Organization. Hong Kong.

Chan, C.M.A, & Ma, H.K.C (2012). Service-Learning in Action: Charting the Health Profile of an ethnic minority village in Yunnan Province, China, Service-Learning in Higher Education: Connecting the Global to the Local.

Chan, C.M.A, Pui Yee Phoebe Tang & Ma, H.K. C (2012) Aging Policy Integrative Appraisal System in the Asia- Pacific region: Acase study on Macao Special Administrative Region, China. In Jason L. Powell & Sheying Chen editors (Ed) Aging in China: Implications to Social Policy of a Changing Economic State (p.261- 273). Springer New York Dordrecht Heidelberg London: Springer Science & Business Media

Xing, J., & Ma, H.K.C (2010) Service-learning in Asia: Curricular models and practices. Hong Kong: Hong Kong University Press.

Chan, C.M.A, & Ma, H.K.C (2010). Moving forward with health promotion and active ageing in Asia and the Pacific. Bangkok: United Nation Economic and Social Commission For Asia and the Pacific

Chan, C.M.A, Ma, H.K.C, Suen Y. T. (2009). Report of a gender perspective on ageing in Asia Pacific. United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific.

Chan, C.M.A, Ma, H.K.C (2009). Optional retirement in Hong Kong. Hong Kong: Bauhinia Foundation Research Centre.

Chan, C.M.A, Ma, H.K.C, Joel Richman (2008). A gender responsive social protection-health security with reference to older women in Hong Kong. United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific.

Chan, C.M.A, Ma, H.K.C, Fong M. S. F.(2006). Service-Learning and Research Scheme: The Lingnan Model. Chan, C.M.A, Cheng S.T., Ma, H.K.C, Fong M. S. F, Wang X.M. (2005). Impacts of ageing population on government policies. The Government of the Hong Kong SAR of the People’s Republic of China: The Central Policy Unit.

Books, Chapter & Newspaper Articles in Chinese:

馬學嘉、陳章明、劉誠、麥梅芳合編。(2014)。高等教育新思维: 中国特色的服务研习。中国: 社会科学文献出版社。

陳章明、馬學嘉、黃麗娟、梁詠儀合編 (3/2013)。《長者學苑:課程設計與運作模式》。嶺南大學服務研習處、嶺南大學亞太老年學研究中心、嶺南教育機構。

陳章明、馬學嘉、黃麗娟、梁詠儀合編。(2013)。長者學習研究計劃 2011-2012:學員作品集。 香港: 嶺南大學服務研習處。

陳章明、馬學嘉、 黃麗娟、梁詠儀合編。(2013)。長者學習研究計劃 2011-2012: 計劃介紹及教材冊。 香港: 嶺南大學服務研習處。

陳章明、馬學嘉合編 (12/2012) 。《兩代情-細味人生睿智: 積極樂頤年 嶺大長者學苑的分享》。和富社會企業。頁139-142

陳章明、馬學嘉、陳嘉敏、黃麗娟、彭淑怡、林翠麗、黃慧萍合編 (2011)。《星級服務習「嶺」袖之旅領袖培訓手冊》

陳章明、馬學嘉、黃麗娟合編 (2010)。《以「長者學苑」為本的其他學習經歷實用手冊》

陳章明、馬學嘉、楊姍姍合編 (11/9/2008)。《其他學習經歷﹕以「長者學苑」作例》。

星島日報陳章明、馬學嘉合編 (21/2/2008)。《服務研習作為「國民教育」的平台》。星島日報。頁F2

陳章明、馬學嘉、馮明穗合編 (2008)。《服務研習計劃﹕嶺南模式》

陳章明、馬學嘉、馮玉燕合編 (2008)。《「環境先鋒」之關懷長者計劃成效評估報告書》

陳章明、馬學嘉、馮玉燕合編 (2008)。《「二人三足」鄉郊長者探訪計劃暨鄉郊長者關懷行動 – 鄉郊長者的需要及生活質素調查報告書》

陳章明、馬學嘉合編 (21/5/2007)。《服務研習—教學新模式》。星島日報。頁F2

陳章明、馬學嘉合編 (3/7/2007)。《人口老化帶來挑戰與機遇》。香港商報。頁A9

關銳煊、陳章明、梁萬福、馬學嘉合編 (2004)。《護老者綜合服務論叢》。香港:天地圖書。頁119-126


  • 2012 - 2018

    Director, International Center for Service-Learning in Teacher Education

  • 2012 - 2018

    Director, International Research Association on Service-Learning and Community Engagement

  • 2010 - 2016

    Member, Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC), HKSAR

  • 2010 - 2014

    Chairperson, Junior Police Call Central Publicity Committee (CPC), Hong Kong Police Force, HKSAR

  • 2008 - 2014

    Member, Junior Police Call, Hong Kong Police Force, HKSAR

  • 2004 - 2010

    Member, Commission on Youth, HKSAR

  • 2004 - 2010

    Member, Award Council of the Hong Kong Award for Young People (AYP), HKSAR

  • 2006 - 2010

    Chairperson, International Youth Exchange Program, Commission on Youth, HKSAR

  • 2019 - 2020

    Member, Scientific Committee of Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) on the conference of "Future Proofing our Seniors – Activation, Connection, Transformation" in Singapore

  • 2015 - 2020

    Member of Technical Resource Team of International Training Consortium, CommunityBased Research (CBR) and Social Responsibility in Higher Education

  • 2014 - 2019

    Advisor, Office of Service-Learning, Zhuhai City Polytechnic (ZHCPT), China

  • 2016 - 2018

    Advisor, Research Advisory Group for a study about The Impact of an Ageing Workforce on Hong Kong’s Service Sector by Edinburgh Napier University

  • 2015 - 2018

    Advisor, Steering Committee on the Jockey Club Service Learning Project, Hong Kong College of Technology

  • 2015

    Founding member, Hong Kong-ASEAN Economic Cooperation Foundation (HKAECF)

  • 2007 - 2014

    Fellow, Wofoo Social Enterprise, Hong Kong

  • Member, Board of Editors, Transformations in Higher Education: The Scholarship of Engagement, National Collaborative for the Study of University Engagement (NCSUE), Michigan State University, Michigan State University Press
  • Section Editor, International Journal of Research on Service-Learning and Community Engagement
  • Guest Editor, Metropolitan Universities Journal (MUJ)
  • Reviewer, Journal of Health & Social Care in the Community
  • Ageing, Intergenerational communication and Social Capitals
  • Health and Social Care
  • Service-Learning and Service Leadership
  • Higher Education and Community Engagement
  • Invited to be a speaker to have ‘A dialogue between specialists: Service-Learning: present and future challenges” at the 23rd International Service-Learning Conference, organized by CLAYSS in Argentina. (26 -28th, Aug, 2020)
  • Invited to be a speaker to talk about Engaged Universities Respond to COVID-19 organized by Talloires Network (May, 2020)
  • Organized a series of seminars on Health and Wellness for the elderly and Caregiver during COVID-19 together with People’s Association and Sport SG during the COVID-19 (May, 2020)
  • Invited to be the keynote speaker to talk about “ International Service-Learning with Trusted Partners: Reflection for the future” organized by The International Christian University, Japan. (4th - 5th March 2019)
  • Invited to conduct a training workshop for 190 students on Aging Awareness at the National Junior College.( 17th Jan 2019)
  • Invited to speak at the U3A event about ‘Elder Learning Development’. (14 Aug, 2019)
  • Invited to speak at the National Ageing Congress organized by Renmin University of China and UNESCO about ‘ The development of Gerontology Programmes in Singapore’. ( 25-26 May, 2019)
  • Invited to be the keynote speaker to talk about “ International Service-Learning with Trusted Partners: Reflection for the future” organized by International Christian University, Japan (4th to 5th, March, 2019)
  • Invited to conduct a training workshop to 190 students on Aging awareness at the National Junior College in Singapore. (17th Jan, 2019)
  • Invited to moderate an innovative education forum under the Asian Smart Living International School, organized by Taipei Medical University, Taiwan (14th - 16th Nov 2018)
  • Invited to speak about ‘Service-Learning in Asia: Models and Best Practices in Course Design and Evaluation’ at Service-Learning Symposium at the De La Salle University, Philippines (9, June, 2018)
  • Invited to speak about ‘Aged Friendly City in Hong Kong and Singapore’ at the Aging Congress in Renmin University of China. (19 May, 2018)
  • Invited to be the Keynote Speaker to talk about ‘Service-Learning in Asia: Successful Factor on Service-Learning’ at the Conference on VPET and Service Leaming Model "Serving the Community with Professionalism - Rekindling the Passion of Learning among Learners" organized by the Hong Kong College of Technology (20 April, 2018)
  • Invited to be the keynote speakers at a Conference on ‘Transformative Powers of Service Learning’ organized by the University of Santo Tomas in Manila (19 April, 2018)
  • Invited to talk about the ‘Elderly Policy in Hong Kong’ at the Master Programme of Gerontology at the Singapore University of Social Sciences. (24 Jan, 2018)
  • Invited to be the speaker to talk about ‘Service-Learning in Asia’ to a group of Bhutanese young people organized by Dragon Trails (17 Nov, 2018)
  • Invited to be one of the speakers to talk about the ‘retirement model in Hong Kong’ at the Retirement Living Asia Summit in Malaysia (18-21 July 2017)
  • Invited to be one of the keynote speakers to talk about ‘the future of Service-Learning in Asia’ at the Talloires Network Leaders Conference (TNLC 2017), at the Universidad Veracruzana in Xalapa, Mexico (June 21-23, 2017)
  • Invited to be one of the keynote speakers to talk about ‘Transformation in Service-Learning’ at the 6th Asia Pacific Regional Conference on Service-Learning at Petra Christian University, Indonesia. ( 2nd June, 2017)
  • Jointly Presented with Lingnan Foundation, UCLA and UCB, namely ‘ A Cross-cultural Service Learning Model of Transformation & Impact’ at the 6th Asia Pacific Regional Conference on Service-Learning at Petra Christian University, Indonesia. ( 1st June, 2017)
  • Conducted Service-Learning faculty training workshop, namely’ “Designing a Transformative
  • S-L Course” at the 6th Asia Pacific Regional Conference on Service-Learning at Petra Christian University, Indonesia. ( 31st May, 2017)
  • Invited to be one of the speakers at ‘The Gathering-An Intergenerational Dialogues on Sevrice-Learning’ in Golden, CO ( 15-17 May, 2017) Presented two topics about (1) Student Development through Service-Learning: A Ten-Year Study &
    (2) Service- Learning Impact on Faculty in Hong Kong through Faculty Engagement Model at the 2nd International Conference on Service-Learning organized by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong (Dates: 1st Dec to 2nd Dec 2016)
  • Invited as a speaker to present ‘A Case Study of Community Impact through Lingnan University’s Service- Learning Projects’ at the conference of Global Alliance Institute for Civic Engagement at Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo Michigan organized by Global Liberal Arts Alliance (Dates: 23rd Oct to 25th Oct 2016)
  • Invited as one of the keynote and plenary speakers to talk about ‘Advancing Research on Service Learning and Community Engagement Internationally’ organized by the International Association for Research on Service-Learning and Community Engagement in the States (Dates: 26th September, 2016)
  • Invited to be the keynote speaker of “Service-Learning and Evaluation” at the 8th Service-Learning Symposium, organized by Taipei Medical University in Taiwan (Date: 24th June 2016)
  • Presented a paper about ‘Service-Learning in Asia: Lingnan’s model’ by the Talloires Network at the Association of International Education Administrators in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Date: 21st – 26th February 2016)
  • Presented the topic of “Designing the future of Service-Learning in Teacher Education Across the Globe” at the 5th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference on Service-Learning“Love Journey: Community Engagement through Service-Learning”, organized by Fu Jen Catholic University, Taiwan. (Date: 27-29th May 2015)
  • Presented the topic of “A New Paradigm in Higher Education: Service-Learning in the Chinese Society” at Conference on Service-Learning in Chinese Societies organized by the Service-Learning Centre of Chung Chi College, CUHK. (Date: 22nd May 2015)
  • Invited as a guest speaker in Service-Learning Forum to talk about ‘SL experiences and practices among the faculty members at Lingnan University’, at De La Salle University Manila. (Date: 8th May 2015)
  • Invited as a speaker to talk about the ‘Community Based Research in Hong Kong’ organized by UNESCO Chair in Community Based Research and Social Responsibility in Higher Education in New Delhi, India. (Date: 7th – 13th April 2015)
  • Invited as a guest speaker to introduce a S-L Book titled “A New Paradigm in Higher Education: Service- Learning in China” at China Youth University for Political Sciences in Beijing. (Date: 18th – 21st March 2015)
  • Invited as a speaker to talk about ‘Service-Learning and Practices in Hong Kong’ at the SIM University in Singapore (Date: 3rd March, 2015)Invited as a practice fellow of Tsao Foundation to share and speak about ‘Aged Friendly City in Hong Kong and its implications for Singaporean Society’ in Singapore (Date: 28th February – 5th March 2015)
  • Invited as a guest speaker to talk about “Assessment of Student’s Learning Outcomes in Service-Learning at Lingnan University” at National Sun Yat-sen University in Taiwan. (Date: 9th December 2014)
  • Invited as a guest speaker to talk about “Enhancing the learning effectiveness from Service-Learning” at National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan. (Date: 9th December 2014)

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