Dr Alvin Li brings a unique blend of academic rigour and real-world impact to his role as Lecturer in Public Policy at HKUST. As a policy educator and sustainability advocate, his mission is to nurture the next generation of policy leaders and build a more sustainable and equitable world together.
As an educator, Alvin is passionate about creating transformative learning experiences. He pioneers innovative teaching approaches, including the thoughtful integration of generative AI tools and active learning strategies in policy education. His teaching philosophy centres on the belief that effective policy education must go beyond theory to engage with solving real-world problems. Through interactive techniques like debates, roleplays, case studies, and the Socratic Method, he creates dynamic learning environments where students develop critical thinking, analytical capabilities, and moral reasoning skills.
Alvin's journey bridges multiple sectors - from co-founding social and eco-businesses to advising international organisations on sustainability initiatives. His startup, The Kommon Goods, promoted sustainable consumer choices through eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastics, whilst his award-winning educational initiative, Superkids, leveraged digital technology to foster character development in young learners.
As a thought leader in sustainability and social innovation, Alvin has shared insights at global summits and forums including the UN Climate Change Conference (COP25) in Madrid and World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva. His perspectives on sustainable consumption and social innovation have resonated across Southeast Asia and Europe, featured through various media channels including television broadcasts, radio interviews, and media press conferences.
Alvin holds a PhD in Public Policy from HKUST and two Master's degrees from the University of Cambridge's Judge Business School - in Management and in Social Innovation. His research interests focus on sustainable consumer behaviours and the attitude-behaviour gap, and he remains involved in grant research exploring sustainable lifestyles and behaviour change in Hong Kong. He welcomes collaboration opportunities with educators, practitioners, advocates, and organisations working towards positive social and environmental change.
