The Lee Shau Kee School of Business and Administration (the School) of The Open University of Hong Kong (OUHK) introduced the first Global Immersion Programme in Hong Kong in early years with an aim to instill in students a deeper appreciation for different cultures, and expose them to a broader understanding of international business for the benefit of their future career development.

The COVID-19 pandemic has lasted for more than a year and almost all the overseas student activities have been suspended. To allow students to continue to gain related exchange experiences, the School has earlier organized a ‘Learn & Experience – Spain’ Programme (Programme) with the assistance of the Consulate General of Spain. Carrying the theme of “Spanish culture”, students were able to experience the Spanish culture and broaden their global vision even in Hong Kong.

The one-week Programme was held in Discovery Bay with an array of activities. In addition to learning the basic Spanish business language and the culture, the School had also invited the Deputy Consul-General of Spain and representatives of a number of Spanish companies to share the Spanish business models, and the similarities and differences of the business cultures between Spain and Hong Kong. Workshops such as flamenco appreciation, business etiquette and wine tasting were also arranged. In the last day of the Programme, students were required to prepare a business plan for different Spanish brands and make a presentation to demonstrate their learning outcome.

Three Spanish study camps were organized in March and April with more than 200 student participants and they were well received. Wong Chun-wai, a year 3 student from the Bachelor of Sports and Recreation Management with Honours programme found the content of the Programme very appealing as it covered a wide range of activities ranging from Spanish culture to wine tasting. “Among all the activities, I was most impressed by the Spanish classes, where a professional tutor taught us some simple usage of the language. After completing the Programme, I was able to master some basic Spanish, which is really out of my expectation.”

Lee Hin-yat, a year 3 student from the Bachelor of Business Administration with Honours in Business Management programme said that he is able to learn and experience the Spanish culture from different perspectives from the wide variety of activities available at the Programme. “Under the epidemic situation, we have been adopting online learning for most of the time and this has greatly reduced the chances to communicate face-to-face with classmates. The Programme has provided a valuable platform for students to engage in various activities and enhance our relationship,” he said. Another year 4 student, Wan Chun-lam from the Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Management programme said, “We had the opportunity to interact with the representatives from different Spanish companies and understand their business operations in Hong Kong. The camp has enhanced my communication skills as well as the skill sets required for my major studies.”

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.

The Council of the OUHK has earlier approved the new title 'Hong Kong Metropolitan University' for the University. The process of amending the ordinance governing the University has been started and formal approval from the Legislative Council will be sought. The new title shows the unique position of the University 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.

OUHK website: www.hkmu.edu.hk
University Retitling website: https://retitling.hkmu.edu.hk