HKMU's Proposed New Campus
A Hub for Community Health and Wellness
UASs are a category of tertiary education institutions, whose aim is to nurture students with applied skills and knowledge by providing applied degree programmes with an applied focus, blending theory and practice, and closely collaborating with industry to incorporate substantial internship and work-based learning opportunities in their programmes. Overall, an important element in the development of UASs is the focus on “market needs”, whereby UASs and industry work in tandem to nurture talent for industry.
UASs maintain a close relationship with various industries. During the early stages of programme development and curriculum design, UASs engage in dialogue with industry representatives to understand the specific requirements for graduates, including the required knowledge, qualifications and credentials. On occasion, industry practitioners are invited to deliver lectures at the universities to provide students with the latest industry insights. Furthermore, UASs arrange internships for students in relevant organisations, facilitating a seamless transition into the workforce after graduation. UASs also offer further study opportunities to employees within these organisations, as needed, to enhance their efficiency and competitiveness and to promote the concept of lifelong learning.
Yes, UAS conduct research, focusing primarily on helping companies solve practical problems, while placing less emphasis on basic or “blue skies” research. In recent years, HKMU has made significant strides in promoting innovation and research. As early as 2021, HKMU established a Research Impact Fund and plans to continue its focus on impactful research in the future.
The development of UASs has been very successful in Europe. Countries such as Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands boast well-established and highly regarded UASs. Some of the larger institutions offer a wide range of programmes, extending beyond science and engineering to include fields like business, psychology and education. This comprehensive curriculum is designed to nurture professionals with industry-relevant knowledge.
The high level vocational and professional education and training (VPET) programmes provided by UASs, including applied degree programmes, are recognised under the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework (HKQF) with the same QF levels as traditional academic programmes. Specifically, like traditional universities, UASs possesses the maturity and capability to provide degree programmes pitched at QF Levels 5–7, and in particular, applied degree programmes that blend theory and practice and that have substantial workplace learning and assessment elements.
The decision whether to enrol in a UAS or traditional university depends largely on the student's interests and career aspirations. Generally, a UAS is an excellent fit for students who have a keen interest in a specific industry and have already gained some knowledge or experience in a field. For instance, in many overseas countries, high school students often set their sights on a UAS to pursue their desired career. Also, some industry employees are supported by their employers to undertake degree programmes at a UAS for further training and development.
UAS programmes are designed with a strong industry focus to prepare students for immediate employment upon graduation. Through internships undertaken during their studies, students remain up to date with the latest industry developments. This hands-on experience typically equips them to seamlessly transition into their chosen career after graduation.
UAS refers to a category of universities, not a specific university name. Therefore, HKMU will retain its current name after becoming a UAS.
As the largest self-financing institution in Hong Kong and the only self-financing university granted self-accrediting status, HKMU has a strong track record of flexibly in offering programmes tailored to societal needs, and its teaching quality is widely acknowledged. The University also has experience in providing applied degree programmes. The Bachelor of Applied Science with Honours in Integrated Testing, Inspection and Certification and the Bachelor of Business Administration with Honours in Sports and Recreation Management have been included in the first two rounds of the Education Bureau's Pilot Project on the Development of Applied Degree Programmes.
HKMU appreciates the community's feedback on the new campus development project for meeting the community need. We will proactively communicate and collect feedback from different stakeholders and provide updates on the latest works and development.
Since 2022, the University began to arrange face-to-face consultation sessions with nearby community (including NGOs, schools, and residential committees etc.) to introduce the new campus development and collect feedback from the public. A meeting was arranged with Kowloon City District Council Social Services Committee to introduce the development planning on June 2022. A roadshow was also established at Homantin Plaza from 30 Aug 2023 to 8 Sept 2023 to play the fly-through animation and distribute leaflets to passers-by. Questionnaire has been distributed in the Ho Man Tin Plaza at the same period and we have received over 100 numbers of supportive replies from the Homantin community.
In the early 2023, we have communicated and consulted a number of the local organizations (*) and received positive feedbacks regarding our proposed new campus.
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(*) Some of the consulted organizations were: Auxiliary Medical Service, Hong Kong Football Association, Martha Boss Lutheran Community Centre, Pui Ching Middle School, Pui Ching Primary School, Hoi Ping Chamber of Commerce Secondary School, St. Teresa Secondary School, Chan Sui Ki (La Salle) Primary School, Yu Chun Keung Memorial College, Lock Tao Nursing Home, SKH Tsoi Kung Po Secondary School, Ellery Terrace Owners Corporation, Chun Man Court Owner Corporation, Ho Man Tin Estate Mutual Aid Committee, Oi Man Estate Mutual Aid Committee, One Homantin Owner Corporation, Cacades Owner Corporation.
With the continuous increase in the full-time student population, the University's current campus space and facilities are insufficient to meet the needs of its quality education. In view of this, HKMU proposes to use an abandoned slope land at the corner of Sheung Shing Street and Fat Kwong Street to build a new academic complex.
HKMU proposes to use an abandoned slope land at the corner of Sheung Shing Street and Fat Kwong Street to build a new academic complex. The additional space would enhance the University's campus infrastructure to achieve its missions of providing quality education and training talents for the Hong Kong economy.
The new university campus is set to revolutionise the teaching and learning environment through the integration of advanced technology in smart classrooms, flexible design for adaptable learning spaces, and seamless connectivity for easy access to resources. The design prioritises a sustainable and healthy environment, enhancing cognitive function and well-being, while fostering a sense of community. By harmonizing advanced technology with a conducive physical environment, the new campus aims to elevate education, supporting diverse learning styles and promoting enhanced learning outcomes.
The new campus will achieve energy efficiency and water conservation through various design elements such as PV panel as renewable energy source and rainwater harvesting system for rainwater reuse. You may refer to our “Design Features” section for more details.
The construction will adopt well-planned methodology to reduce noise and dust emission. During the construction phase, contractors must strictly adhere to requirements aimed at minimising noise, dust, and construction waste. They are also expected to implement appropriate traffic arrangements to minimise disruptions and inconvenience to the local community.
There will be a multi-purpose hall, lecture hall, library, exhibition area, lab space, flexible classrooms and outdoor learning space at different parts of the building.
There will be a sport club, basketball court and futsal pitch at roof.
The new academic complex is estimated to complete in July 2028 and in operation in Aug 2028.
Our new campus will take into consideration the convenience and well-being of the general public, and offer the community with enhanced accessibility and road safety via two proposed footbridges over Fat Kwong Street and Sheung Shing Street. Beside, the University has a tentative plan to offer part of its amenities (such as landscaped gardens, eating place and integrated health clinic) for the public.
Your suggestions are most welcome. Please share your views with us via email (fmo@hkmu.edu.hk) or the online feedback form in this website.
HKMU, as a self-financing institution without recurrent subsidy from the Government, we rely entirely on tuition fees to support our operational costs and the community’s backing to sustain our growth and development. Every single cent of your support is of utmost importance to assist us in uplifting our teaching and learning facilities, achieving our mission of providing quality education and nurturing more talents for the development of Hong Kong.
You can make a donation by filling our online form here: https://hkmu.powerappsportals.com/en-US/Online-Donation-Form/
For further details, please contact the Development and Alumni Affairs Office at Tel: 2768 6366 or email: development@hkmu.edu.hk.
