HKMU strengthens industry-academia collaboration in nurturing construction talent

Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) on Nurturing Talent for the Construction Industry with the Hong Kong Construction Association (HKCA) and the Hong Kong Federation of Electrical and Mechanical Contractors (HKFEMC) today (20 January) to deepen their long-term cooperation in education, enhance the exchange of professional knowledge and experience, and 'construct' a better future for Hong Kong.

The two MOUs were signed by HKMU President Prof. Paul Lam Kwan-sing, and HKCA President Sr Eddie Lam Kin-wing and HKFEMC Life President Mr Paul Chong Kin-lit, respectively. The Hon. Bernadette Linn Hon-ho, Secretary for Development of the HKSAR, was invited to join the ceremony as the Guest of Honour and witnessed the signing with HKMU Council Chairman Ir Dr Conrad Wong Tin-cheung.

During the ceremony, Ms Linn said she is pleased to witness the close partnership formed among the three organisations, which symbolises the collaboration between academia and industry by pooling their resources and insights.

Addressing the ceremony, Ir Dr Conrad Wong thanked the two highly respected professional bodies for their support. He pointed out that with the development of large-scale infrastructure projects, such as the Northern Metropolis and the Lantau Tomorrow Plan, Hong Kong will have huge demand for construction professionals in the next few decades.

“Two years ago, the Department of Construction and Quality Management of the HKMU School of Science and Technology launched two new programmes: a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in Building Service Engineering and Sustainable Development, and a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in Civil Engineering,” said Ir Dr Wong. “Recently, we received a grant of HK$40.6 million from the Enhancement and Start-up Grant Scheme for Self-financing Post-secondary Education (ESGS) to offer a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Construction Management and Surveying from the 2024/25 academic year, which reflects the Education Bureau's endorsement of our work.”

In view of the increasing importance of intelligent construction technologies, Ir Dr Wong added that HKMU is now contemplating developing a new Master's programme in this area.

Sr Eddie Lam Kin-wing said he is delighted that the HKCA is collaborating with HKMU for the first time and pledged to contribute to the long-term development of the Hong Kong construction industry.

Mr Paul Chong Kin-lit remarked that the HKFEMC is delighted to have formed a meaningful partnership with HKMU. He said he believes this industry-academia collaboration will facilitate the exchange of knowledge, expertise and experience, and help raise the standards of the profession.

The MOUs have created a framework to provide scholarships, internship stipends, summer training and employment opportunities after graduation for young people who would like to join the construction industry, allowing them to envision its future and their career development prospects to enhance their interest in joining the industry. HKMU will also provide flexible learning pathways and organise workshops and training courses for in-service practitioners to promote lifelong learning.

In addition, the three parties will regularly co-organise activities such as company visits and career talks to help students understand the modus operandi of the industry and explore strengthening cooperation in research on construction technologies. They will also jointly organise symposia and seminars to promote the use of innovative technologies and construction methods, and help students and the general public develop a better understanding of the construction industry.