In appreciation of the long-standing generous support from the community, Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) held its annual Foundation Dinner on 3 April to unite efforts across sectors to support the development of the University and nurture future talent.
Themed “Inspiring Dreams Beyond Limits”, the HKMU Foundation Dinner was officiated by Dr Eddy Fong Ching, HKMU Pro-Chancellor; Ir Dr Conrad Wong Tin-cheung, HKMU Council Chairman; Prof. Paul Lam Kwan-sing, HKMU President; and Dr Peter Lee Kwok-wah, Chairman of the HKMU Foundation Advisory Committee. They presented a souvenir to Dr Vincent Woo Wing-fai, Deputy Chairman of the HKMU Foundation Advisory Committee and Title Sponsor of the Dinner; and Dr Simon Woo King-chung, Chairman of the Dinner Organising Committee, to express their gratitude for their support.
During a chit-chat session, the four officiating guests shared highlights of the key developments at HKMU over the years. Reflecting on the University's evolution over more than 35 years, Dr Fong remarked, “As a self-financing university, it has been a challenging journey. In recent years, we have achieved remarkable milestones in student enrolment, programme diversity, teaching and research accomplishments, and campus expansion.” Dr Lee, who has witnessed HKMU's gradual growth, urged the community to continue to support the University, as it provides quality education and nurtures new talent across various professional fields.
Ir Dr Wong highlighted the University's recent initiatives in mental health education and education for persons in custody. One of these initiatives includes the launch of the three-year “University-wide Student Mental Health Enhancement Scheme”, for which over HK$10 million has been earmarked, aimed at enhancing the mental health of both students and the broader community. Also, as the only university in Hong Kong offering distance-learning programmes for persons in custody, this year HKMU conferred its first Doctor of Education degree on an incarcerated individual, inspiring other inmates to rehabilitate, improve and move forward with courage.
Following its establishment as the first university of applied sciences in Hong Kong last year, Prof. Lam introduced the newly launched the “Bachelor of Science with Honours in Diagnostic Radiography” and “Bachelor of Applied Science with Honours in Robotics and Automation Engineering” programmes for the 2026/27 academic year, aimed at nurturing more professional talent. “With the support of the government and society, along with donations from various sectors, HKMU will continue to offer students quality programmes that cater for societal needs, a campus equipped with advanced teaching and research facilities, and a wide range of scholarships and academic exchange grants to enable students to realise their dreams and shape their future,” he said.
Prof. Lam concluded by highlighting the experience of Ms Tse Shuk-fun, an HKMU alumna. Ms Tse graduated earlier from HKMU bachelor's and master's degree programmes and recently pursued a Professional Certificate in Screenwriting for Film to realise her long-held passion for film. The course instructor later became her mentor when she wrote and produced the film True Love, for Once in My Life, which was selected for the “Hong Kong Asian Film Festival”. Prof. Lam encouraged the HKMU community, stating, “As long as you have confidence and ambition, you can unleash your dreams and go beyond limits.”
Over 360 guests, alumni, faculty and students attended the Dinner, which featured a spectacular programme of performances. Highlights included a singing performance by an HKMU student band, creating a thrilling atmosphere. The Asian Gemmological Institute and Laboratory Limited (AGIL), which has served as an academic advisor for this year's new “Bachelor of Applied Science in Gemmology and Jewellery Studies” programme, collaborated with the School of Science and Technology to showcase a selection of exquisite jewellery and dazzling diamonds. AGIL donated two pieces of jewellery for the auction section. Other auction items included popular figurines, calligraphy and collectible wines, which attracted enthusiastic bidding from attendees.
The generous donations from donors during the Dinner will support university development, research projects, student development, the HKMU Bursary Scheme and bursaries for prison inmates, among others. Additionally, a generous donation of HK$1 million was made by a friend of HKMU to support the University's research and teaching projects related to the low-altitude economy, which will help drive development in areas such as telecommunications technologies, artificial intelligence and the digital industry. Looking ahead, the HKMU Foundation will continue to work closely with all sectors of society to help students reach beyond their imagination, creating unlimited possibilities.
