HKMU: integral part of Hong Kong’s past and future

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Four distinguished individuals today received honorary doctorates from Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU), becoming part of Hong Kong’s largest self-funding university and one that this year has been celebrating its 35th anniversary. The ceremony followed the University’s 35th Congregation, running from late November to early December, in which qualifications were bestowed on close to 7,800 students from subdegree to postgraduate levels.

Forging closer industry ties

Originally established as a distance learning institution, HKMU is today a comprehensive university that attracts an ever-growing number of school-leavers. HKMU’s powerful industry focus drove its designation by the Education Bureau earlier this year as Hong Kong’s first university of applied sciences, and lies behind its recent successes in the Government’s Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions / Sectors (SSSDP), where it obtained a remarkable 40% of the subsidised places available. Many of the new programmes being rolled out by HKMU are setting new precedents for industry-centred education. Its business programme in Aviation Services Management with a new Cadet Pilot concentration is the first programme in Hong Kong that enables students to earn a degree while simultaneously training as a commercial pilot. A new Master of Applied Science programme in Intelligent Construction and Building Information Modelling (BIM) is the first programme recognised by the Construction Industry Council enabling non-construction first-degree holders to qualify as a BIM manager. Coming up is a new Bachelor of Applied Science in Gemmology and Jewellery Studies, another first in offering practitioners the ability to study for formal qualifications locally while continuing to work in the field.

Supporting students, serving society

HKMU’s industry-focused programmes offer students direct pathways to their careers of choice. One of the first initiatives of its newly set up Career Development Advisory Committee is a new HKMU Dream Builder Scheme, scheduled for roll-out in January 2025. It will offer shortlisted students intensive career and soft skills training, support in finding summer internships, and financial incentives to explore selected career paths.

Other opportunities for HKMU students to engage meaningfully with the wider world abound too. The HKMU Hackathon, MetroChallenge and HKMU Startup Fund are providing support for innovative and entrepreneurial students looking to get their ideas off the ground. A host of service-learning and community engagement initiatives are giving students hands-on opportunities to tackle challenging social issues, while competitions in multiple fields are offering showcases for student talents. Meanwhile, HKMU has introduced a mandatory Mental Health First Aid course for all undergraduate students, delivering essential skills for managing life pressures.

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