In face of challenges brought by an ageing population and the growing demand on healthcare services in Hong Kong, The Open University of Hong Kong (OUHK) embarked on a new campus development project in 2017 to build the OUHK Jockey Club Institute of Healthcare. After four years of construction, the Institute has been completed. The Grand Opening Ceremony of the Institute was held today (8 January), marking a new milestone for the University ‘s development.

Officiating at the Opening Ceremony were the Honorable Mrs Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, Chief Executive of the HKSAR and Chancellor of the OUHK, Mr Philip N L Chen, Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), OUHK Pro-Chancellor Dr Charles Lee Yeh-kwong, Council Chairman Mr Michael Wong Yick-kam, former Council Chairmen Dr Philip Wu Po-him and Dr Eddy C Fong, Deputy Council Chairman Ir Dr Conrad Wong Tin-cheung, and President Prof. Yuk-Shan Wong. They joined the ceremony via pre-recorded video or in person respectively to witness the significant moment in the history of the University, which was a new format under the challenges of the epidemic.

Addressing the ceremony, Council Chairman Mr Michael Wong Yick-kam mentioned that with the expansion of campus, all the healthcare-related resources and facilities will be housed under one roof, which will allow the University to achieve synergies across programmes and projects, and to enhance its overall teaching quality. He also extended his heartfelt gratitude to the HKSAR Government, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, and all philanthropists for their enthusiastic support and contributions, which have given OUHK strong impetus to embark on this ambitious initiative.

Chairman of HKJC Mr Philip N L Chen said in a pre-recorded video speech, “We are delighted that the Club’s donation to the Open University of Hong Kong will enable it to train the next generation of healthcare professionals. It has also made possible the Institute's wonderful new building, with state-of-the art facilities and constructed to the highest environmental standards. Our support reflects the Club's strong commitment to the betterment of society, which is our purpose. “

President Prof. Yuk-Shan Wong was pleased to see the new campus offering all OUHK students a much improved environment conducive for learning. He remarked that the new building is well-equipped with professional laboratories and centres covering various disciplines, technologically advanced teaching and learning facilities and equipment, as well as spacious amenities. It will not only greatly enrich students’ learning experience, but will also enable the University to run new programmes to meet the needs of society, parents, students and the job market.

Prof. Wong also mentioned about the recent university retitling exercise at the ceremony. He pointed out that the new title ‘Hong Kong Metropolitan University ‘ is a suitable title for the University as it shows its unique position in metropolitan Hong Kong. It also signifies the University ‘s path of transformation from a modest distance education institution to a full-fledged university and reflects its unique characteristics and strategic focuses.

Located at Sheung Shing Street and right opposite to the OUHK’s Main Campus, the 13-storey new building has a total gross floor area of 18,680 square metres. It features contemporary architectural design, and fuses with the environment through extensive use of green elements, providing vitality to the OUHK campus.

Please click here for the speech of OUHK Council Chairman Mr Michael Wong Yick-kam and President Prof. Yuk-Shan Wong.

Video of the Opening Ceremony: https://youtu.be/akWXDm1eovE

OUHK Jockey Club Institute of Healthcare website: ioh.hkmu.edu.hk

About the OUHK:
Established by the Government in 1989, The Open University of Hong Kong (OUHK) has developed into a full-fledged university providing high quality and flexible university education at various levels to secondary school graduates and working adults. As a dynamic and innovative university, the OUHK currently offers programmes of different academic levels to about 10,000 full-time students and 9,000 part-time students. Our mission is to advance learning, knowledge and research that meet students’ learning aspirations and society's talent needs, focusing on practical and professional programmes.

OUHK comprises six Schools, i.e. School of Arts and Social Sciences, Lee Shau Kee School of Business and Administration, School of Education and Languages, School of Nursing and Health Studies, School of Science and Technology, and Li Ka Shing School of Professional and Continuing Education (LiPACE). LiPACE provides lifelong learning opportunities by offering full-time sub-degree programmes, community learning and professional programmes. OUHK website: www.hkmu.edu.hk