Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) signed a Memorandum of Intent (MOI) with Hong Kong Institute of Construction (HKIC) of Construction Industry Council (CIC) today (6 December) to foster the academic exchange between the two institutions. The two parties will examine the feasibility of jointly developing a part-time Bachelor Degree programme.
The MOI was signed by HKMU Provost Prof. Reggie Kwan Ching-ping, and HKIC Director Ir Dr Francis Wong Kwan-wah, witnessed by HKMU President Prof. Paul Lam Kwan-sing and CIC Chairman Mr Chan Ka-kui.
In his remarks, Prof. Lam said, “HKMU is devoted to promoting the development and optimization of the building and construction industry. The University has been offering the Bachelor's degree programmes in Civil and Environmental Engineering as well as Building Services Engineering and Sustainable Development to help nurture the industry talents. Two brand new laboratories for civil and engineering and building services will also be opened within this month and early next year. As a self-finance university, we have demonstrated our determination in contributing to Hong Kong's engineering industry. The diversified learning mode offered by HKMU, combined with 45 years of training experience of Hong Kong Institute of Construction, this collaboration will surely provide students with flexible and independent learning models, and help them develop a prosperous career.”
In Mr Chan’s speech, he mentioned during his re-appointment of Chairman of the CIC in 2016, he was determined to reform the training of workers, optimize the curriculum, and establish the Hong Kong Institute of Construction to integrate with the qualifications framework and Hong Kong’s education system. “HKIC and HKMU share the same teaching philosophy, the first cohort graduates of HKIC revamped Advanced Diploma Programmes are provided with an opportunity to progress to the Bachelor Degree Programme of HKMU in September 2024. Also, the first cohort graduates of Professional Diploma in Construction for Specialist Trades programme are offered a route to enrol on a part-time HKMU Degree programme in September 2025. I believe our collaborations could facilitate ambitious construction workers with lower academic qualifications to continue learning and further contribute to the community as an architect.”
It is the first time that HKMU and HKIC mutually agree to co-organise part-time degree programmes, and both parties will explore the feasibility of articulating its Advanced Diploma graduates of HKIC to the Bachelor Degree programmes offered by the School of Sciences and Technology of HKMU. The two institutions will also consider to jointly develop a part-time Bachelor Degree programme for graduates of HKIC's Professional Diploma in Construction for Specialist Trades, and further opportunities of bilateral collaboration in experience and knowledge sharing will be explored.
About HKMU:
Established by the Government in 1989, Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) offers programmes of different academic levels through its seven Schools, focusing on developing practical and professional programmes to meet society's talent needs. With effect from 1 September 2021, the University has been retitled from “The Open University of Hong Kong” to “Hong Kong Metropolitan University”. The new title shows the unique position of the University in metropolitan Hong Kong and signifies the University's path of transformation and its strategic focuses.
For more details, please visit the HKMU website: www.hkmu.edu.hk
About the Hong Kong Institute of Construction:
To tie in with the changes and progress of the construction industry in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Institute of Construction (HKIC) was established in 2018. HKIC is an organisation member of the Construction Industry Council and provides a wide range of construction trainings (including full-time and part-time courses) for the young people and working adults who intend to develop their career in the construction industry, and the experienced construction practitioners, who pursue to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Please visit www.hkic.edu.hk for further details.
