Yeung, Shirley Mo ChingShirley Mo ChingYeungDr. TSANG Chun Kei, ThomasThomasDr. TSANG Chun Kei2026-06-302026-06-302025International Journal of Innovative Research and Scientific Studies, 2025, vol. 8(12), pp. 352-368.2617-6548http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11861/27851Open access<jats:p>As previous researches seldom covered the learning outcomes from QF levels applied into enhancing relevant skills in training related sector, the aim of this paper is to explore the learning outcomes from design thinking for improving the higher order thinking skills developed in assessing ESG reports compared to QF levels to have a new teaching pedagogy for competency  at QF level.  Through applying the 5 steps of design thinking into assessing ESG reports of organizations as assessments in relation to the 7 levels Qualification Framework in Hong Kong, focused on QF level 5 (degree level) to 7 (doctoral level), learners are expected to develop higher order critical and analytical thinking skills with values of global responsible citizenship for meeting the challenges in the real world).</jats:p>enAssessmentEnvironmentGovernance (ESG)Qualification Framework (QF)Social.Peer Reviewed Journal Article10.53894/ijirss.v8i12.11098