Established by the Hong Kong Government in 1989, Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU, formerly The Open University of Hong Kong) is a pioneer of open and distance education in Hong Kong, practicing the educational philosophy of “Education for All” and making quality and flexible further education opportunities to working adults. In 2001, HKMU began offering full-time face-to-face programmes in response to the HKSAR Government's education reform. Over the past three decades, the University has evolved from primarily a distance learning institution to become a comprehensive university that has over 12,000 full-time students (including undergraduate and postgraduate) and about 6,800 part-time / distance learning students. Through nurturing talents to meet our society's needs, we have made longstanding contributions to the advancement of Hong Kong's economy.
Positioned as “A Hub for Community Health and Wellness”, the new campus would support HKMU's education programmes and activities to promote health and wellness for the whole community.
Abutting on the Jockey Club Institute of Healthcare (which houses training of healthcare professionals like nurses and physiotherapists) and the proposed Government Complex (with planned facilities in primary healthcare, elderly care and social services etc.), the new academic complex will cover multi- areas, ranging from physical health (e.g. primary care, sports) to behavioural health (such as mental health, psychology and counseling, smart ageing, gerontechnology) and wellness (e.g. value education, arts and culture). State-of-the-art facilities (e.g. gerontechnological laboratories, integrated health clinic, interdisciplinary research center) will be set up to facilitate relevant teaching, research, and community health and wellness promotion.
The new academic complex will be designed with age- and environmental-friendly elements, and equipped with sufficient facilities (e.g. canteen, clinic, podium garden) and activity spaces. It will not only enhance the community environment, but also facilitate connection, sharing and interaction with the community.
The new complex will have an appearance matching surrounding environment. HKMU also plans to build a footbridge across Fat Kwong Street (with accessible lifts on both sides) to connect its Main Campus. Upon completion, teachers, students and nearby residents can use the footbridge to pass through Fat Kwong Street, which would greatly reduce the flow of pedestrians on the road and relieve the tense traffic situation. The completion of the new building will provide the public with a safe and convenient sky bridge network connecting Fat Kwong Street to Sheung Shing Street and also the new Government Complex under planning.
