Dear Colleagues,
I would like to start the New Year by reflecting on what we have achieved so far, especially during the past 12 months, and anticipating and preparing for what lies ahead.
Last year, HKMU became the first self-financed university to participate in the Innovation and Technology Commission's STEM Internship Scheme, which was previously open only to UGC-funded universities. This well-funded scheme provides students with great training opportunities and work exposure.
In November 2023, one of our colleagues in S&T received funding for the University's first Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF) project. And on 1 December, HKMU was granted the first patent based on research conducted at the University.
In November 2023, we established the “Hong Kong Metropolitan University Shenzhen Research Institute” (HKMUSRI) and became Hong Kong's first self-financing tertiary institution to be admitted to Shenzhen Virtual University Park.
Regarding academic programmes, B&A established our first double-degree programme with an overseas university – Toulouse Capitole University (Toulouse 1 University Capitole) – and received the first batch of French students.
HKMU also launched its first cooperative bachelor's programme in Aviation Services Management, in which students will spend their fourth year at the airport collaborating with the International Aviation Academy in Hong Kong.
We will pilot the first Graduate Trainee Programme, which offers three-year contracts to a maximum of 20 outstanding HKMU graduates. The programme provides excellent training opportunities and great career prospects.
Last December, many of us were busy organising and participating in the first series of full-scale graduation ceremonies, comprising over 20 sessions on the HKMU campus.
Trying new things and testing new ideas can be very tiring and may not always yield the intended results. However, we can build a better university for the future by charting new paths and embracing new challenges.
Whichever way we go, the university remains committed to providing quality education to our students and helping them find good jobs and develop meaningful careers; as well as building an institution in which faculty and staff can continue to develop and flourish.
Paul LAM Kwan-sing
President
