AI Policy Design Lab @ HKU

First of its kind in Asia. AI meets impact.

This isn't just another AI course. The AI Policy Design Lab is a 6-credit workshop where you'll explore how AI impacts society—and what you can do about it. Through this workshop, you'll navigate the future of your career trajectory. By the end, you'll walk away with a portfolio-ready project that demonstrates your ability to shape ethical AI policies for a rapidly evolving world.

Why this lab matters

AI isn't neutral—and you have a say in how it shapes our world. In this lab-style course, you'll explore the social impact of AI, wrestle with real-world dilemmas, and build solutions grounded in ethical thinking.

AI and Social Impact

Learn to connect systems with real human consequences.

  • Understand complex systems through the lens of ethics
  • Investigate real harms: from deepfakes to emotional surveillance
  • Design ethical responses to shape a more equitable future

Career Exploration

Turn purpose into profession.

  • Apply design thinking to address AI's ethical, social, and regulatory challenges
  • Create a publication-worthy portfolio project that showcases your impact potential
  • Discover your career path through reflection and real-world exploration

Future Skills


Build what's next with confidence.

  • Tackle urgent, people-centered AI dilemmas—from deepfakes to the future of education
  • Build cross-disciplinary fluency across ethics, governance, and policy
  • Shape the future of AI by designing systems that serve people

Prototype a real-world solution

You'll tackle a real social challenge—drawing from ethics, responsible AI, and your own background. Example themes:

Your project might explore:

Deepfakes & Gender-Based Harms

Develop a governance proposal to address non-consensual AI-generated content

Children & EdTech

Brainstorm methodologies for creating safer AI-integrated learning environments for children.

Mental Health & Emotional AI

Propose boundaries for AI companions and mental health apps based on ethics

0% Exams, 100% Impact

No tests. Instead, you'll be a part of:

Immersive sessions


Hands-on projects


Building something you're proud to showcase


Ready to lead ethically in a world shaped by AI?

This workshop is your launchpad. Whether you're a future ethicist, policymaker, founder, or creative, we'll equip you to shape the systems changing the world.

Learn how to shape the future, today.