Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) is committed to nurturing future talent through professional education, supporting Hong Kong as an international hub for high-calibre talents. In the latest round of the “Enhancement and Start-up Grant Scheme for Self-financing Post-secondary Education” (ESGS) by the Education Bureau, HKMU secured over HK$77 million in funding to establish two new undergraduate programmes in 2026/27: a Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons)) in Diagnostic Radiography and a Bachelor of Applied Science with Honours (BAS(Hons)) in Robotics and Automation Engineering.
Prof. Paul Lam Kwan-sing, HKMU President, expressed his gratitude to the government for providing funding support to the University for four consecutive years to develop different types of programmes. This year’s funding is more than double that of the previous academic year, reflecting the Government’s trust in and recognition of HKMU’s efforts to nurture professional talent to meet industry needs.
“As Hong Kong’s pioneer university of applied sciences (UAS), HKMU is dedicated to supporting the development of Hong Kong into an international hub for post-secondary education,” said Prof. Lam. “The launch of the two new programmes, with distinctive features and emphasis on practicality and intensive internships, aligns well with the direction of promoting vocational and professional education and training, and addresses the constant need for talent in the evolving healthcare and engineering landscapes of Hong Kong.”
Supported by a grant of HK$38.2 million, the BSc (Hons) in Diagnostic Radiography programme will be launched by the School of Nursing and Health Sciences (N&HS) to address the shortage of diagnostic radiographers in both the public and private sectors in Hong Kong.
The programme’s unique design of the bachelor-master (4+1 years) pathway prepares students to become diagnostic radiographers and sonographers in the healthcare field. It aims to develop diagnostic radiographers who can respond to diverse and challenging service contexts in contemporary medical imaging, incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) and an entrepreneurship mindset. It is expected to admit 60 students in the first cohort.
As AI technology continues to find new applications in medical imaging and radiography, radiographers can become innovators and leaders in advancing image-processing algorithms, developing new imaging technologies, and translating their academic work into marketable products and solutions.
Additionally, students will be equipped with a well-rounded education for advanced applications and the latest developments in ultrasound imaging technology.
Graduates of the BSc (Hons) in Diagnostic Radiography programme will be eligible to apply for registration as diagnostic radiographers under the Radiographers Board of Hong Kong. After completing a one-year master’s programme, which includes more hands-on, practical exposure to enhance their sonography skills, they will also be eligible to apply as registered sonographers under the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
A BAS (Hons) in Robotics and Automation Engineering programme, supported by a grant of HK$38.9 million, will be launched by the School of Science and Technology. With an annual intake of 60 students, the programme focuses on hands-on applications of robotics and automation engineering, aiming to alleviate the manpower shortage in the field in Hong Kong. It will equip graduates with essential skills to apply automation and retrofit robotics solutions across various industries.
With an applied focus blending theory and practice on robotics and automation, the programme will provide substantial internships and work-based learning experiences, including training and placement opportunities in the Greater Bay Area. Students will engage in workplace projects to solve real-world industry problems.
Training will take place at an industrial centre, which will be established with the support of a previous ESGS project. The centre will be equipped with advanced facilities in AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), intelligent construction technologies, smart buildings, specialised robotics, and automation instruments and software.
