Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) held its 34^th Summer Congregation between 29 and 31 July, presenting academic awards to over 2,700 graduates.

Addressing the ceremony, HKMU President Prof. Paul Lam Kwan-sing congratulated the graduates on their success in completing their studies and embarking on a new chapter of their lives. With the University entering its 35^th anniversary, he said, “This year, HKMU achieved a number of remarkable accomplishments. In addition to becoming Hong Kong's first University of Applied Sciences in March, HKMU's physiotherapy programme recently obtained professional accreditation, with the inaugural batch of graduates qualified to practise as registered physiotherapists in Hong Kong.”

This encouraging news fully demonstrates HKMU's commitment to flexibly offering quality and professional programmes to respond to the latest market trends and industry needs. Looking forward, Prof. Lam said HKMU will continue to collaborate with industry and the professional sectors to offer more applied degree programmes. “The University aims to provide all-round study pathways for the young generation to proactively equip themselves to pursue future careers in various sectors,” he added.

Since the government established HKMU as the Open Learning Institute in 1989, HKMU has flourished. The institution was subsequently upgraded to become The Open University of Hong Kong, making it the only self-financing university in Hong Kong which has the capability for self-accreditation. To help cope with its diverse development, HKMU is developing a new campus building to enhance its teaching and research facilities. Additionally, the University acquired a premises to provide student accommodation to offer a comprehensive learning experience for students.

Prof. Lam wished the graduates a prosperous future, stating, “We warmly welcome our graduates to return to HKMU to pursue further studies, acquire more professional qualifications through continuing education, and contribute to society with their professional knowledge.”

Five congregation ceremony sessions were held over three days, during which more than 2,100 bachelor's degrees and over 600 postgraduate degrees and other academic qualifications were conferred on the graduates. Since 2023, the University has held two Congregations annually: a Summer Congregation and a Winter Congregation. The 35^th Winter Congregation is scheduled for the fourth quarter of this year.