Driving Innovative and Interdisciplinary Research in Higher Education and Social Development at Hang Seng University of Hong Kong

According to ScholarGPS, an international platform highlighting research achievements, Prof. Mok is ranked 7th globally and 1st among his Asian peers in the field of higher education research in 2025 in terms of publication citations. 

With a strong commitment in promoting research with strong interdisciplinary orientation and international perspectives, Prof. Mok co-authors with an international team for publishing a new article, entitled “Southeast Asia’s cross-regional research collaborations in the multiplex world: Current trends and future paths”, which has been recently accepted for publication by International Journal of Educational Research, a leading internationally referred journal in education and development studies. This article explores current trends such as increased intra-ASEAN cooperation alongside global engagements, emphasizing the strategic role of sustainable and inclusive research networks that address pressing regional challenges. This research also outlines future pathways that include strengthening funding opportunities, mobility programs, and collaborative mentorship to support emerging scholars.

Partnering with researchers across regions, Prof. Mok’s other recent publications include “China’s approach to inward student mobility since 1949: An analysis of the state’s role from historical and political economy perspectives”, published by Educational Review, and “A global study on factors influencing tertiary students’ problem-solving skills in technology-rich environments”, being published by Higher Education, the top international journal in the higher education field.

In addition to his publications in higher education research, Prof. Mok also publishes with Dr Huang Feng new research addressing critical aging-related issues. The new publication entitled “Two Roads Successful Aging Model: A New Paradigm”, is being accepted for publication by The Gerontologist, a leading journal in gerontology. This research highlights the unique contribution of the Chinese philosophy when conceptualizing productive ageing, which makes theoretical contributions to the dualist approach commonly adopted in western theories in ageing studies.

Drawing on his extensive academic and research expertise in sociology, political science, social policy, and development studies, Prof. Mok integrates diverse disciplinary perspectives to address complex societal challenges. His work cuts across education policy, demographic transitions, technology-enhanced learning, and aging, demonstrating how the adoption of interdisciplinary approaches can contribute to international research with theoretical and policy insights.