Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) and FSE Lifestyle Services Limited (FSE Lifestyle) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) yesterday (14 September). It signifies the establishment of a foundation for industry-academia collaboration that provides a wide range of learning opportunities for students to keep abreast of the latest developments in the service industry, thereby preparing them to pursue careers in the industry, while facilitating knowledge exchange.

The MoU was signed by HKMU President Prof. Paul Lam Kwan-sing and FSE Lifestyle Executive Director Alvin Lee Kwok-bong, and witnessed by HKMU Council Chairman Ir Dr Conrad Wong Tin-cheung and FSE Lifestyle Executive Vice-Chairman Patrick Lam Wai-hon. Other representatives of the two parties present at the MoU signing ceremony included HKMU Provost Prof. Reggie Kwan Ching-ping and FSE Lifestyle Executive Director Dr Steve Cheng Chun-fai.

HKMU and FSE Lifestyle will develop a long-term strategic partnership and collaborate on a variety of initiatives, encompassing curriculum design, learning activities, applied research projects, community service activities, etc. The initiatives in the 2023/24 academic year include FSE Lifestyle's provision of 52 internships for students from 11 HKMU programmes in the seven major companies under the FSE Lifestyle Group, and guidance on graduation projects for HKMU students. FSE Lifestyle will also participate in HKMU's Career Fair and arrange for its experienced industry practitioners to share the latest trends in the service industry in HKMU classes and career talks, thereby enhancing the students' knowledge in fields such as property management, building services engineering, insurance brokerage, environmental services, and testing and certification.

HKMU Council Chairman Ir Dr Conrad Wong Tin-cheung pointed out that the collaboration would enhance the connection between the University and the industry, while enriching the student learning experience through diverse internship opportunities. Addressing the ceremony, he said, “Many industries in Hong Kong are currently facing a scramble for talent. I am very pleased that the University will strengthen its cooperation with FSE Lifestyle to cultivate high-calibre students who can contribute to sectors such as property management, environmental services, and electrical and mechanical engineering. The collaboration aims to fulfill the students' learning aspirations and meet the community's talent needs.”

FSE Lifestyle Executive Vice-Chairman Patrick Lam Wai-hon said, “We are delighted to implement this strategic collaboration with HKMU. As an enterprise that values social responsibility, we will leverage our strengths to promote innovation. With the academic excellence and unique teaching model of HKMU, and FSE Lifestyle's rich experience in various services, I am confident that we will develop a strong cooperative relationship and create synergies to cultivate more talent in Hong Kong.”