The Education Bureau announced the results of the second round of the Pilot Project on the Development of Applied Degree Programmes today (15 September). The Bachelor of Business Administration with Honours in Sports and Recreation Management programme of Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) was selected for the Pilot Project. HKMU President Prof. Paul Lam Kwan-sing welcomed the selection. He said he believed that it would help promote the development of professional education and nurture talent for the industry.

The programme, provided by the Lee Shau Kee School of Business and Administration, will admit the first batch of 50 full-time students in the 2024/25 academic year.

Prof. Lam said, “HKMU has always been flexible and responsive to the needs of society and industry. The Government's inclusion of the University programmes in the Pilot Project for two consecutive years demonstrate its support for the University offering programmes with strong demand and distinctive features, as well as its affirmation of the quality of the University's programmes.”

Prof. Lam further elaborated, “In recent years, Hong Kong's sports development has been booming, and the Government has devoted resources to promoting 'Urban Sports', which has created great demand for talent in the industry. The programme will contribute to the sports and recreation management industry by bringing in new talent and nurturing outstanding management professionals for the betterment of the community.”

The programme will provide high-quality education and training, focusing on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in business applicable to the context of sports and recreation and offering a well-rounded learning experience. During the study period, arrangements will be made for the students to participate in internships in various organisations, where they will acquire valuable practical opportunities and experience. In order to keep abreast of industry trends and needs, the University will invite management and professionals in the industry to advise on the development and curriculum of the programme and to facilitate students' smooth adjustment to the workplace.

The University's Bachelor of Applied Science with Honours in Integrated Testing, Inspection and Certification programme, offered by the School of Science and Technology, was selected in the first round of the Pilot Project on the Development of Applied Degree Programmes. Launched in the 2022/23 academic year, the programme has been well received by students and is set to provide new talent for the related industries.